Colorado football 2023 state of the position: Offensive tackle

The Colorado Buffaloes’ offensive line took a step forward in 2022 following an especially rough 2021 season. Even given this positive direction, Colorado is looking at three or more new starters on the line next season.

CU has enjoyed an overall successful history of producing offensive tackles. From Nate Solder to Pete Brock, the Buffaloes have produced quite the herd of OTs. Entering this next season, CU has a pair of tackles who represent the best talent that the Buffs have enjoyed in a long time, but they must hold off a hungry group of competitors to keep their starting spots.

Below is a look at who I believe will be seeing a lion’s share of the playing time at the offensive tackle positions for the 2023 CU Buffs:

Starting left tackle: Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan

“Tank” broke out last year, capturing the starting LT spot midway through the season for a team that was desperate for offensive weapons. Christian-Lichtenhan was the starter for the spring game and should solidify his starting spot in the fall.

Starting right tackle: Savion Washington

It’s not typical for a 6-foot-8, 320-pound unit to be the “smaller” tackle, but Savion Washington is in that position this year. Washington comes to Colorado from Kent State where he was coached by both Sean Lewis and Bill O’Boyle.

Backup tackle No. 1: Isaiah Jatta

Isaiah Jatta comes to Colorado as a first-team Junior College All-American from Snow College in Utah. Jatta has the ability to play both tackle and guard, so we will likely see him get the call for playing time at different points this season in relief of the starters.

Backup No. 2: Reggie Young

Reggie Young is an interesting prospect as he comes to Colorado with just one year left of eligibility. Young has made stops at Northwestern State and Iowa Central Community College before starting for the Liberty Flames in 2022.

Star Player: Both of the starting tackles

Anyone who has read my work for Buffaloes Wire should know that I am a big fan of offensive linemen, and I am excited about Colorado’s expected starting tackles for this upcoming season. Both Washington and Christian-Lichtenhan possess the ideal size for the position and have starting experience at the Division I level. Colorado is in good hands with these two mountains.

Position Pipeline

David Connor was a great pickup for the Buffaloes this offseason. Connor comes to CU after one year of learning on the bench in the SEC at Florida. He’s another big human (6-foot-6, 310 pounds) who as a high school recruit earned a scholarship offer from Jackson State.

Carter Edwards is another name to know. He was part of Colorado’s 2022 recruiting class and has stuck around through the coaching change.

Kareem Harden, Jack Wilty and Gavin Layton also joined the Buffaloes this offseason as JUCO transfers. All three have the look of swing linemen who could play either guard or tackle.

Further reading

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Story originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire