The members of the 2012 Boise State senior class have helped their team to a 46-4 record over the last four seasons, the best college football record in the nation. They have made contributions far beyond the football field, however. Below are some of the finest young men you'll ever know--many have won acclaim in the classroom, and they all will experience success the rest of their lives.
As we get ready to bid farewell to these outstanding seniors, Blue Through and Through salutes these members of the 2012 class:
#54 OL Michael Ames
Ames did not appear in any games in 2010, then was a reserve
offensive lineman in seven games as a junior.
This year, he has started six games for the Broncos.
#99 DT Michael Atkinson
“Bacon”, as he is affectionately known, redshirted in 2008,
when he was named Boise State’s Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year. Atkinson played in nine games in 2009,
finishing the season with nine tackles, including one tackle for loss and one
pass break-up. Michael was named to the
WAC All-Academic Team after his freshman season.
In 2010, Atkinson recorded 10 tackles, four of them solo,
with 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack and a forced fumble. Last year, Michael started six games for the
Bronco defense and helped Boise State rank 12th in the country in
scoring defense (18.69 points per game), 16th in total defense
(320.85 yards per game) and 17th in rushing defense (110.00). Atkinson had 31 tackles, 12 of them solo,
including 2.5 for loss and two pass break-ups.
This year, Atkinson had 37 tackles, 18 solo, with 3.5
tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles with one recovery and an
interception returned for 32 yards and a touchdown that beat BYU prior to going
out with an ACL against San Diego State.
In his Bronco career, Atkinson has posted 86 tackles, 37 of
them solo, with eight tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
#19 CB Josh Borgman
Borgman began making a name for himself as a “gunner” on the
Boise State kickoff and punt units in 2009, playing in 12 games and recording
11 tackles, 10 of them solo.
As a sophomore, Borgman appeared in nine games and recorded
seven tackles, four of them solo. He
also returned four punts for 31 yards (7.8 yards per return).
Borgman starred on the Boise State special teams last season,
recording 16 tackles, 10 of them solo, including four solo tackles and a fumble
recovery against San Diego State. Josh
has seven tackles this year, one pass break-up and two fumble recoveries.
It is safe to say that Borgman has become one of the top
gunners in Boise State history, delivering punishing blow after blow to
would-be returners.
#20 WR Mitch Burroughs
Burroughs redshirted in 2008 and was named Boise State’s
Offensive Scout Player of the Year. He played
in 13 games in 2009 with one start and grabbed nine passes for 83 yards and a
touchdown on the season.
In 2010, Burroughs appeared in eight games with one start,
recording six reception for 59 yards. He
also returned eight punts for 127 yards (15.9 yards per return).
Last season, Burroughs started seven games and ranked third
on the Bronco team with 49 receptions and 500 receiving yards. He also hauled in a TD reception in the
season opener. Mitch carried 17 times
for 94 yards and two touchdowns, including a 25-yard touchdown against Fresno
State. Burroughs doubled as the nation’s
#8 punt returner, averaging 13.3 yards on 18 returns, including a 64-yard
return against Colorado State. Burroughs
also returned five kickoffs for 114 yards.
His 947 all-purpose yards in 2011 ranked third on the team.
This year, Burroughs caught 12 passes for 124 yards, ran
twice for 26 yards and returned two kickoffs for a 31.0 average prior to
suffering a season-ending injury.
Burroughs finished his career with 78 catches for 775 yards
and two touchdowns. He returned 29 punts
for 363 yards (12.5 avg.).
#84
PK Michael Frisina
Frisina
came to Boise State after earning all-conference honors at Saddleback Junior
College and finishing as the highest-scoring kicker in school history.
Last
season, Frisina played in five games and was 3-4 on field goals and 21-23 on
extra point tries, including hitting 8-8 against Arizona State in the Las
Vegas Bowl.
This
year, Frisina is 10-15 on field goals and 32-33 on extra points for 62
points.
|
#4 CB Jerrell Gavins
Gavins is yet another in a long line of walk-on success
stories. He joined the team in 2009
after one year at El Camino Junior College.
Gavins played in 12 games as a sophomore with two starts,
including lining up against #4 TCU in Boise State’s win over #4 TCU. He finished the year with 31 tackles, 23 of
them solo, with four pass break-ups and 1.5 tackles for loss. Gavins also returned three kickoffs for a
sterling 37.3 average, including a long of 49 yards.
In 2010, Gavins saw action in all 13 games with one
start. He finished the year with 30
tackles, 15 of them solo, with 1.5 tackles for loss and .5 sacks. He also had an interception and three pass
break-ups.
Gavins was off to a roaring start last season when he
suffered a season-ending injury in his third game. Gavins recorded a pick in the opening win at
Georgia and was one of the nation’s leaders in interceptions (3) when he was
hurt. In fact, Gavins’ three
interceptions in the three games were the most by a Bronco for the entire
year. Jerrell had 11 tackles, nine of
them solo, and broke up three passes.
Jerrell has 25 tackles, three pass break-ups, a fumble
recovery returned for 16 yards and a touchdown and two interceptions this
season.
In his great Boise State career, Gavins has 97 tackles, six
interceptions and 13 pass break-ups.
#91 DT Greg Grimes
Grimes redshirted in 2008 and saw limited action in four
games in 2009 after missing the first part of the year with an injury. He was able to record three tackles on the
season.
In 2010, Grimes played in three games and was credited with
a tackle.
Last season, Greg appeared in 11 games and registered 14
tackles, five of them solo, with one for loss and half a sack. This year, Grimes has 21 tackles, eight for
solo and one for loss.
#7 RB D.J. Harper
The “Texas Tornado” has been a thrill to watch. His determination and uncanny breakaway speed
have made Harper one of the most dangerous runners in school history.
In 2007, Harper enjoyed the sixth-best rushing season by a
freshman in Boise State history with 376 yards and five touchdowns. D.J. became the first Boise State true
freshman since 1988 to rush for more than 100 yards in a game when he exploded
for 153 yards and a touchdown at Fresno State.
Harper also caught three passes for 13 yards and scored a touchdown
against East Carolina in the Hawai’i Bowl.
The following season, Harper rushed 55 times for 278 yards
and four scores and caught four passes for 37 yards. He also returned a kickoff for 21 yards.
With high hopes as a junior, Harper played in three games
before suffering a season-ending injury against Fresno State. Up to that point, Harper had 44 carries for
284 yards (6.5 yards per carry) and three touchdowns.
In 2010, Harper had 18 carries for an incredible 160 yards
and two touchdowns in just three games.
His breakaway speed shocked Virginia Tech when Harper sped to the
sideline and scored a 71 yard touchdown run against the #10 Hokies. Harper also caught four passes for 36 yards
and was off to a great season when he suffered an injury in the third game.
D.J. was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA
after suffering season-ending injuries in the third game of both the 2009 and
2010 season.
Harper was Boise State’s second-leading rusher last season
with 557 yards on 115 carries (4.8 yards per carry), including two 100-yard
efforts and a career-high nine rushing touchdowns. D.J. also caught 19 passes for 140 yards and
a touchdown , returned five kickoff returns for 66 yards and showed his
versatility by blocking a punt against Tulsa.
This year, Harper has carried 178 times for 828 yards (4.7
avg.) and 12 touchdowns. He has also caught 16 passes for 120 yards and 1
touchdown, returned seven kickoffs for a 26.7 average and scored twice on
two-point conversions.
In his amazing career, Harper has run for 2,483 yards (8th-best
in school history) and 36 touchdowns (#5 on the all-time list).
#15 WR Tyler Jackson
Jackson came to Boise State as the winner of the Denver Post
Gold Helmet Award, presented annually to Colorado’s top senior football player,
scholar and citizen, and a first team all-state performer. Jackson redshirted in 2008 and played as a
back-up safety his freshman season in 2009.
Tyler switched to offense in his sophomore year and played in three
games. At the conclusion of the season,
Tyler was named to the WAC All-Academic Team.
Last season, Jackson played in eight games, primarily on
special teams, but caught his first career pass against Colorado State for 10
yards. Tyler also recorded a solo tackle
against New Mexico. Jackson has one
catch this season for three yards.
#61 OG Joe Kellogg
Kellogg redshirted in 2008, then played in 10 games as a
freshman with one start in 2009 and was named to the WAC All-Academic Team.
In 2010, Joe moved into the starting lineup and started 10
games at left guard. He and his
offensive line mates helped the team rank second in the nation in total offense
(521.31 yards per game), second in scoring (45.08) and sixth in passing offense
(321.08). The Boise State line gave up
just .62 sacks per game, third in the country.
Joe was named to the WAC All-Academic Team at the end of the season.
Last year, Kellogg started in 11 games and helped Boise
State lead the nation by allowing just .62 sacks per game. Kellogg was a key cog in a unit that ranked
fifth nationally in scoring (44.23 points per game), ninth in total offense
(481.31) and 11th in passing offense (309.38). Joe has eight starts at guard for the Broncos
this year.
#88 TE Chandler Koch
Koch came to Boise State after being ranked as the #3 tight
end in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and ranked #35 nationally by ESPN.com. After redshirting in 2008, Koch played in
nine games as a reserve tight end and on special teams. He caught two passes for 17 yards and
finished the season by earning membership on the WAC All-Academic Team.
Koch played in 10 games in 2010 with two receptions for four
yards. Chandler also was named to the
WAC All-Academic Team.
Last year, Koch played in 11 games with two starts,
including helping the Broncos blow out Arizona State in the Las Vegas
Bowl. He showed his skill as a blocker
and also caught four passes for 39 yards.
This season, Koch has one catch for 11 yards.
#95 DT Darren Koontz
Koontz has come a long way since he redshirted in 2008. He played in 11 games in 2009 and finished
with 10 tackles, three of them solo and 2 tackles for loss. Darren was named to the WAC All-Academic Team
as a freshman.
Koontz did not find the field in 2010 but last season,
Koontz played in nine games and had five tackles, three of them solo. Darren saved the best for last. This year, he has 23 tackles, 13 of them
solo, 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
#24 DB Hazen Moss
Like Borgman, Moss has become a special teams star. After redshirting in 2008, Moss played in
eight games in 2009 and recorded 10 tackles, seven of them solo. As a sophomore, he played in 12 games with
six tackles, two of them solo, and a forced fumble. Hazen was named to the WAC All-Academic Team
in both 2009 and 2010.
Last season, Moss recorded 11 tackles, seven of them solo
while this year, Moss has posted three tackles thus far.
#64 PG Brenel Myers
Brenel played in six games in 2009 after redshirting in
2008. He started in two games, including
against #4 TCU in the Fiesta Bowl, in which he neutralized Horned Frog star
Jerry Hughes. Myers played in 11 games in
2010 with two starts, including one in the win over #10 Virginia Tech. As a junior Myers played in eight games and
he has started nine games this year.
#48 FB Dan Paul
Paul greyshirted before joining the Broncos in 2008. Originally, he played linebacker but switched
from linebacker to fullback and played in 12 games as a blocking back and on
special teams. He has two tackles on the
season. In 2009, Paul played in 13 games
and moved into the starting position after Richie Brockel’s season-ending
injury. He was a key blocker for the
Bronco rushing game that averaged 194.5 yards and game. Dan also caught four passes for 40 yards and
three touchdowns. Paul was named to the
WAC All-Academic Team in both his freshman and sophomore seasons. As a junior, Paul was the primary fullback
and started four games. He hauled in
seven receptions for 30 yards. Paul
excelled at blocking, helping Boise State finish second in the nation in total
offense with 521.31 yards a game and 21st in rushing offense
(200.23).
Paul redshirted last
season due to injuries. He has one catch
for one yard and a touchdown this year.
#48 LB J.C. Percy
After redshirting in 2008, Percy played in all 14 games as a
freshman, starting three. He finished
with 64 tackles to rank second on the team and recorded 4.5 tackles for loss,
.5 sacks, two pass break-ups, one forced fumble and the recovery. J.C. earned recognition on the WAC
All-Academic Team after his freshman season.
In 2010, J.C. played in 13 games with three starts. He finished the year with 65 tackles, 30 of
them solo, including 4 for loss and one sack as well as a forced fumble. He had 14 tackles against Louisiana Tech. At the end of the year, J.C. was named to the
WAC All-Academic Team once again.
Percy played in 13
games last season and ranked fifth on the team with 48 tackles, 19 of them
solo, and one tackle for loss. He also
forced a fumble, had an interception and broke up a pass. J.C. was the co-winner of Boise State’s
Special Teams Player of the Year Award.
This year, J.C. has 82 tackles, 32 more than the second top
tackler on the team. He has 49 solo
stops, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack and a pass break-up.
Percy has totaled 259 tackles in his great career with 129
solo stops and 13 tackles for loss. He
ranks #22 in the history of Boise State football in career tackles.
#3 WR Chris Potter
After redshirting, Potter played in 12 games in 2009 and
caught eight passes for 60 yards. He
also returned 10 punts for a 12.9-yard average and was named to the WAC
All-Academic Team as a freshman. In
2010, Potter played in all 13 games, catching eight passes for 125 yards and a
touchdown, including a 78-yard score against New Mexico State. Potter also rushed six times for 33 yards and
completed 1-2 passes for 26 yards. Chris
also averaged 13.32 yards on punt returns, 13th in the nation, and
scored on a 76-yard return against Idaho.
Potter was named to the WAC All-Academic Team in 2010.
As a junior, Potter played in 10 games, including his first
start. Chris finished the year with 11
receptions for 105 yards and ranked 21st in the country with 10.50
yards per punt return, second in the Mountain West to teammate Mitch Burroughs.
In 2012, Potter is averaging 11.9 yards per punt return and
has caught 18 passes for 235 yards and three scores.
Potter has 45 catches in his Bronco career for 525 yards and
four touchdowns. He has returned 64
punts for 783 yards (12.2 avg.) and one touchdown.
#44 LS Chris Roberson
Roberson walked on prior to the 2009 season and he hasn’t
looked back. Chris was the guy at
that position for 40 straight games in his freshman, sophomore and junior
seasons and has been the long snapper for Boise State most of this season as well.
#6 N Dextrell Simmons
Simmons transferred from Blinn Junior College to Boise
State. He played in all 13 games in 2011
and recorded 16 tackles, 10 of them solo.
He also had one tackle for loss, forced a fumble and broke up two
passes.
Simmons has 34 tackles this year, 22 of them solo. Dextrell has 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack,
one interception and three pass break-ups.
#33 LB Tommy Smith
After redshirting in 2008, Smith played in 12 games as a
freshman, finishing with 23 tackles, 12 solo, and an interception. Tommy was named to the WAC All-Academic Team
at the end of the season. In 2010, Smith
played in 12 games and posted 26 tackles, 10 of them solo, and a forced
fumble. Once again, Smith was named to
the WAC All-Academic Team.
Last season, Smith played in 12 games and started at
fullback against Wyoming. He finished
the year with 18 tackles, 14 of them solo, with three tackles for loss. Smith also caught a pass for 11 yards against
Nevada. This year, Tommy has 44 tackles,
26 of them solo, with 2.5 tackles for loss, half a sack and three pass
break-ups.
Smith has 111 tackles in his solid career with 62 solo and
5.5 tackles for loss.
#5 CB Jamar Taylor
As a sophomore, Taylor started 12 games and posted 35
tackles, 27 of them solo, including 3.5 for loss and one sack. Taylor also forced three fumbles and had two
pass break-ups. At the end of the
season, Jamar was named to the WAC All-Academic Team.
Taylor played 14 games as a true freshman in 2008 and had 24
tackles, 17 of them solo, an interception and one pass break-up. He was named to the WAC All-Academic Team
after his freshman season. Taylor
started nine games last season but missed four games due to injury. He finished with 27 tackles, 18 of them solo,
including 2 for loss with half a sack.
Jamar had two interceptions, but it was his highlight reel 100-yard
interception return for a touchdown against Arizona State that was the turning
point in the Las Vegas Bowl. It was the
longest interception in school history and also the longest in the history of
the bowl game. Taylor also had six pass
break-ups to tie for the team high.
Jamar has 40 stops his senior year, 25 of them solo, with
three tackles for loss, two sacks, three pass break-ups, three forced fumbles
and two interceptions returned for 32 yards.
Taylor now has 126 tackles in his stellar career, with an
incredible 87 of them solo, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and five
interceptions.
#39 RB Drew Wright
Wright redshirted in 2008 and played in three games the
following season, rushing five times for 55 yards. In 2010, Wright carried 12 times for 38 yards
and was a special teams standout with 14 tackles.
In 2011, Wright was the third-leading rusher for the Broncos
with 43 carries for 218 yards (5.1 average) and three touchdowns. Drew also caught three passes for 17 yards,
returned a kickoff for 26 yards and recorded four tackles on special teams. Wright has 12 rushes for 42 yards this year.
#75 OT Faraji Wright
Wright redshirted in 2008 and saw action in four games his
freshman season as a reserve lineman.
Wright played in eight games including three starts at left guard. He played in 10 games last season as a reserve
lineman and has played in all ten games this year.
No comments:
Post a Comment