Football is a game won in the trenches, which Colorado has struggled with, does the addition of Larry Johnson III flip the script?
Colorado's offensive line was undoubtedly the best it has ever been under head coach Deion Sanders, but that doesn't mean it was perfect.
The group gave up 43 sacks, and the Buffaloes struggled to find any competent run game behind them. Luckily for Colorado fans, the coaching staff has continued to address the issue, finding more talent to add around star tackle Jordan Seaton.
One such addition is Tennessee transfer Larry Johnson III, a gigantic and talented offensive tackle to add opposite Seaton. At 6-foot-7 and 348 pounds, there isn't much that gets by the redshirt sophomore, and he showed out in his varied playing time as a Volunteer.
Top 25 player profiles: No. 25, No. 24, No. 23, No. 22
2024 in review
After his first season at Hutchinson Community College, in Kansas, Johnson transferred to Tennessee and spent his sophomore year as a redshirt. It wasn't until 2024 that he saw action, seeing substantial playing time in four games, including a win over Oklahoma. While his playing time was limited, when he did see the field, Johnson was fantastic.
When injuries bumped him up to the starting role against Oklahoma, he answered the call, playing 41 snaps, not allowing a pressure and coming home as the top-ranked offensive lineman for Tennessee by Pro Football Focus.
Biggest question in 2025
Johnson looks to be the perfect addition for the Buffaloes on paper, but a daunting task faces him heading into 2025. In all four of his starts for Tennessee, Johnson played left tackle, a position already filled by Seaton. If Johnson wants to see the field, he'll have to play right tackle, which isn't exactly an easy switch and has ruined many quality players in the process.
He'll be tasked with relearning his footwork, getting to his positions quicker and dealing with a whole new set of challenges on the right side. If the Buffaloes can pull it off, Johnson will be a steal in the portal, but it's a large question mark on his game.
2025 will be a success if...
Offensive line metrics are a bit difficult to quantify success, and a great season for a tackle typically means you don't hear about him much. However, Johnson starting all at right tackle for the Buffaloes' games would be a massive success for the team, establishing a force on the line that can take some of the load off Seaton. It would also provide much-needed stability for a rocky quarterback situation.
2025 will be a disappointment if...
If by the end of the season you know Johnson's name and it sends a shiver down your spine, that'll be a bad season. But more seriously, the switch to right tackle could be rough, and if Johnson doesn't adapt and sits behind Seaton for a season, that'll be a huge disappointment. Johnson has the skills necessary to boost this Colorado line significantly, but if he doesn't play, talent doesn't matter.
Realistic outlook for 2025
A potential panacea for offensive line woes is a lot of pressure to put on a junior with no significant playing time, but Johnson has proven capable of being just that. High-quality offensive tackles don't come around often in college football, but to potentially have two is a luxury. Johnson should be fine making the switch to the right side, given some bumps in the early going. By the end of the year, Johnson should establish himself as the Buffaloes' answer at right tackle for the future.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football top 25 players: OT Larry Johnson III profile
Category: General Sports
