National Football Foundation

After moving from the tight end position to left tackle, Colorado's Nate Solder quickly became a force on the Buff's offensive line, gaining accolades on and off the field.

A native of Leadville, Colo., Solder is a three-time First Team Academic All-Big 12 selection and was recognized for having the highest GPA on the CU football team. The Biology major was named a 2009 ESPN The Magazine All-District pick and was the recipient of the Dean Jacob Van Ek Award for Academic Excellence.

The team captain was named a First Team All-Big 12 selection as a junior and a two-time winner of CU's Gold Group Commitment Award for Excellence. He has been the recipient of the Iron Buffalo Award for dedication and toughness as well as the John Wooten Award for outstanding work ethic. A staple on the offensive line, Solder is helping the Buffs average more than 350 yards of total offense per game in 2010.

Solder has participated in the Read with the Buffs elementary school program and was named a CU football ambassador for student government meetings. He has also helped rebuild homes in Italy and spent time with children at a Guatemalan orphanage. Solder was selected by the New England Patriots with the 17th overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft and has started 61 games for the Patriots since 2011. He helped the Patriots to a Super Bowl title in 2014 and even caught a 16-yard touchdown pass in the AFC Championship game.