BOULDER – It was no secret that the 2023 Colorado Buffaloes struggled mightily on the offensive line.
Last year's unit only averaged 70 yards a game rushing and failed to protect Shedeur Sanders in the pocket. With a range of new transfers and recruits, the team is looking to turn the page in 2024.
On April 28, Colorado held their spring game, providing the first opportunity to see the new offensive line in action. It was cold and wet, perfect conditions to run the football. The only problem? No running backs.
Colorado had one active running back for the game. Both Micah Welch and Charlie Offerdahl were dealing with injuries and were sidelined with injury. Plus, Incoming transfers have yet to arrive on campus and could not suit up. Christian Sarem was able to take reps but with the second and third teams.
Instead, they looked to other athletes like Isaiah Hardge to carry the football. The fact that it was a scrimmage also made it hard to evaluate elements of gameplay. However, the offensive line was one of the position groups that played at full speed.
The starting five, led by new coach Phil Loadholt, looked noticeably bigger from last year. Jordan Seaton, a new addition at left tackle, Trent Brown returning at left guard, Hank Zilinskas commanding at center, Justin Mayers in at right guard, and Khalil Benson taking over right tackle, made up the new unit.
Seaton, from IMG Academy and the top tackle recruit, was the most notable addition to the line this offseason. The freshman stands 6-foot-5 inches and is listed at 285 pounds. In his debut, his overall presence was noted. In his first couple of reps, he overset and lost his footing, contributing to an early sack.
But it only took a couple of plays to find his rhythm. Once he settled in, he began clamping onto defenders and demonstrating his capabilities on the gridiron. Getting out the first game jitters should make settling in during the fall easier.
The heavy amount of pass plays called by Shurmur meant pass protection would be key for the Buffaloes. After a slow start, protection got better in the limited reps they had protecting Sanders. The first group did a tremendous job with communication. Going against the defense’s 4-3 front, blitzes and stunts were called often. The line excelled in getting to the correct spots and passing off defenders.
In the running game, it was a heavy dose of outside zone concepts. Again, the Buffs did a good job finding their man and getting their head up on the defenders. As a group, the pad level was still high but not nearly as noticeable as last year.
One issue that limited the run game was the linebackers. It appeared the Buffs were still feeling out when to come off double teams to cut off backers. When they did, the plays were explosive with Hardge punching through any crease he could find.
With the large addition of transfers and recruits over the last few weeks, the group is looking to have something they did not have before, depth. Fresh legs add competition and can boost the performance of the unit as a whole.
The glimpse fans received looked promising, but the amount of plays was limited and the game was not against an opponent. It is also highly likely this will not be the same starting five in August. It is only then that we will see the true skill of this group.
With an entire summer and fall camp still ahead, the team will have time to improve and work on mistakes made during the spring. The offensive line is a group where chemistry and communication are essential.
Cover photo by Tyler Phillips/Sko Buffs Sports
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