Roughly halfway through the season, true freshman left tackle Jordan Seaton has exceeded expectations. Last weekend, he allowed zero pressures on 39 pass block reps in a 34-7 victory over Arizona.
Stringing together multiple successful showcases has raised Seaton’s playing stock tremendously. As the number one tackle recruit in the class of 2024, he was entrusted with protecting Shedeur Sanders’ blind side. In the running game, Seaton has been impressive. His agile frame helps create lanes for the Colorado running backs.
With a shuffling of players in the interior line, Seaton has been the group’s anchor. Through seven games Seaton’s confidence has increased, as he is the only player of the unit who has not been rotated. During Tuesday’s press conference, he suggested some benefits of the rotating players.
“I don’t feel like it affects me at all because I just make sure that I handle my job. I think that it's actually good,” Seaton said. “When guys get tired they start to lose some of that technique, start to lose those communication skills that are valuable in pass pro and run game.”
For Seaton to be comfortable, he had to work hard during the offseason. Transitioning from IMG Academy to a Power 4 program, his approach to the game and diet had to change. The spring game in April was a pivotal moment for the freshman. At the fall sports media day in August, Seaton shared ways he prepared for the season.
“I’m a pescetarian. Chef Solomon makes me specialized plates every day. Salmon and rice (potatoes, Caesar salad), that’s my go-to. I’ve just changed my body around. I’m 310, 312 (pounds) now. I played the spring game at 334. I was overweight, chubby.”
Seaton began the pescetarian diet in June. The diet is essentially a vegetarian diet that allows for the consumption of fish. Seaton acknowledged he was eating to get full and not for proper energy. Being at CU has given Seaton the food options to make that choice.
The spring game also taught Seaton to control his nerves. Leaning out has allowed him to play the full stretch of games without fatiguing early or losing technique. During the spring, training camp and summer, Seaton would take reps with the ones and the threes. This allowed him to learn the plays and increase his cardio.
Having the help of two NFL offensive linemen has certainly helped Seaton’s transition. Working closely with Rasheed Walker, the left tackle of the Green Bay Packers, has given him insight and support that other college players don’t have access to.
“We train together, having him pour the knowledge of the game into me…having him send us his clips of what he does and what Green Bay does in practice…it helps a lot,” Seaton said.
Trent Williams of the San Francisco 49ers also gave the Buffs’ O-line wisdom. A four-time all-pro, Williams is regarded by players and coaches alike as one of the best in the league. Williams’ style is that of a bull in a china shop, destroying everything it sees at full speed. Seaton tries to replicate that on the gridiron.
“Coach Phil (Loadholt) knows Trent Williams. Trent sends his clips to my coach, we watch what he does in practice. It just looks different. What he does is just insane. One day I hope I can be better than him. I just learn from him, and I appreciate him,” Seaton said.
Entering the ladder stretch of the season, Colorado will need Seaton to play even better to compete in a crowded Big 12. Just one game shy of bowl eligibility, every victory matters. A run game that has increasingly improved could be the difference for Colorado the rest of the way.
The care and effort Seaton has put into his body has shown to this point. His success can be directly attributed to the changes made in the offseason and the help of valuable mentors Seaton has sought out.
Cover photo via Talus Schreiber/Sko Buffs Sports
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