There’s a reunion in the City of Angels.
After offensive tackle Rashawn Slater was selected by the Chargers, he reunites with someone who he played with just four seasons ago, with that being running back Justin Jackson.
Edge defender Joe Gaziano also played on the same team.
In his freshman year, Slater was Northwestern’s starting right tackle where he was an integral piece of Jackson’s final collegiate year, in which he rushed for 1,311 yards and 11 touchdowns on 287 carries.
Jackson, the Wildcat’s rushing touchdown record holder, went on to be selected by the Bolts in the seventh-round of the 2018 NFL draft.
Slater, on the other hand, went on to earn Freshman All-Big Ten after 12 starts.
While 2017 marked Slater’s first year in college, it just goes to show and dominant and consistent of a player he is.
Particularly in the run game, Slater shows impressive lateral agility to execute reach or seal blocks, a good amount of power to generate push with leg drive and upper body strength and the athleticism to cut off linebackers to create a second level seal.
I pieced together a short clip to show his strengths as a run-blocker, which can be seen below. Keep in mind, Slater is (#70) and is on the right side.