Published: June 1, 2011 By

nate solder

Offensive tackle Nate Solder (EBio’10) was selected by the New England Patriots with the No. 17 pick, the highest pick for the Buffaloes since 1997 when Chris Naeole (Soc’96) went No. 10 overall to New Orleans.

Consensus All-American offensive tackle Nate Solder (EBio’10) and cornerback Jimmy Smith (Soc’10) became the first CU players since Tyler Brayton (Bus, Span’03) in 2003 to be selected in the first round of the NFL draft. Solder was chosen 17th overall by the New England Patriots and Smith was chosen 27th overall by the Baltimore Ravens.

Who was the first CU player to be drafted?

The late Byron White (A&S’38, HonDocLaw’63), who was appointed by President Kennedy to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1962 and retired in 1993, was drafted by Pittsburgh in 1938.

Recruiting tip

Can a booster/donor give a student-athlete a graduation gift?

No. A booster/donor may not send a graduating student-athlete a graduation gift as this would be considered an extra benefit. Extra benefits include, but are not limited to, cards, money, gift certificates and any other tangible item.