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Colorado’s five-star offensive tackle is killing it this season.
When the Colorado Buffaloes landed five-star offensive tackle recruit Jordan Seaton over the offseason, the expectations for him couldn’t have been higher. CU fans everywhere put all their hope into a 19-year-old true freshman to protect their superstar quarterback, for better or worse. Despite the lofty expectations, Seaton has been surpassing all of them.
Seaton has started all of Colorado’s seven games at left tackle this season, emerging as perhaps CU’s best player on their revamped offensive line. It wasn’t all pretty from the beginning though.
In Colorado’s first few games, there were visible growing pains for the whole offensive line, not just Seaton. Now, the group looks like they’ve hit their stride, allowing only one sack to Arizona last weekend.
“Every game for us has been a growing point,” said Seaton. “Having those tough tribulations and trials in the beginning made us realize that when we’re in practice and you have those hard days when you’re thinking ‘maybe I don’t wanna do it’, you’ve gotta do it or we’re gonna lose.”
Exceling in practice has played a key role in Seaton’s development at the collegiate level. Going against Colorado’s stacked defensive line every day, that’s currently in 12th place on the FBS sack leaderboard, has done wonders to help hone his skills.
“Confidence has been starting with practice, said Seaton. “Going against those guys in practice who are getting seven sacks in a game, they really push me every single day. I feel like we haven’t faced somebody as good as those guys in practice.”
Facing an elite defensive line has seemingly paid off for Seaton, as his game against Arizona has probably his best game yet for the Buffs. Of his 39 pass-blocking snaps, Seaton didn’t allow one hurry, pressure, or sack, which earned him 87.6 grade from PFF. Even with that stellar showing, Seaton’s not satisfied.
“Everybody said I did a good job last game, but I feel like I didn’t really play my best personally,” said Seaton. “I still got a lot to work on.”
Seaton’s hunger and refusal to be satisfied have made him a joy for Colorado’s coaching staff to work with. Deion Sanders had high praise for his young tackle in his Tuesday presser, saying this is exactly what they expected from the five-star tackle.
“Jordan is exactly who we thought he would be, and then some,” said Sanders. “Especially in the class and off the field, and his practice habits.”
Another thing that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Colorado’s staff is Seaton’s relationship with star quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Seaton and Shedeur have developed a relationship and have become good friends since his arrival in Boulder. Now, Seaton isn’t only protecting his quarterback when he’s pass-blocking, but also protecting one of his best friends.
“With having that tremendous friendship and relationship that he has with Shedeur, he’s invested,” said Deion. “[He thinks] not only do I not want to play bad and give up a sack, but I don’t want him to touch my boy. That’s a whole different thought process, so I’m glad and I’m thankful that he chose us.”
Seaton also told the media that he and Shedeur have been gelling especially well this season. Shedeur’s calm style of play has helped his young tackle and field hit his stride on the field, which helps the entire offense excel.
“I actually like having Shedeur back there,” said Seaton. “He helps me on my pass-rush a lot. Sometimes you get a lot quarters who are eager to get out of the pocket, which can ultimately change how the defense rushes in. I feel like he calm and he’s settled, and having a calm quarterback makes me more calm. It’s like Mike and Ike with me and Shedeur, so I appreciate him.”
Much like Shedeur, Seaton is keeping his eyes forward, aiming to play on Sundays in the NFL. Seaton doesn’t just want to make it to the league either, he wants to be the best in his draft class.
“My expectation is ultimately the league, be the first tackle off the board,” said Seaton. “Whatever comes with that, I’m going to have to work for it.”
In his quest for the league, Seaton took a risk by coming to Boulder to play for the Buffs. Five-star recruits historically don’t come through Boulder, and this program isn’t known for it’s development of NFL talent. Through only seven games, it seems that the risk of working with Coach Prime and his staff has ultimately paid off.
“I took a big risk by coming here, Travis [Hunter] took a big risk by coming here,” said Seaton. “I feel like it’s no risk, no reward... I feel like you should come here, bet on yourself, and we’re starting to win some games.”
Sitting with a record of 5-2, the Buffs are on a roll and look to be a serious threat in the Big 12 title race. According to Seaton, this team isn’t even close to hitting its peak. There’s still work to be done, but with the help of Seaton and Colorado’s other offensive stars, the sky is the limit for the Buffaloes.
“The ceiling for us is so high, which kinda makes it scary for how good we could be,” said Seaton. “but could and should don’t win. As we’re building and coming together, we’re finding those little pieces that make a team as good as they can be.”
by RylandScholes
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