NCAA Football 08

Relive the Fiesta Bowl magic on your Xbox or Playstation!

Huh?!

In this age of corporate sponsorships, we've been graced with the presence of many strange bedfellows in sports event/venure partnerships. Who could forget such great pairings as Minute Maid park, Enron field and the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl? Well, here's another gem to add to the pile.

Boise, Idaho's Humanitarian Bowl (also known as the crucial.com Humanitarian bowl, and the MPC Computers Bowl) has just unveiled their new sponsor...drumroll...Roady's Truck Stops!

Is it just me or do the words "Truck Stops" just smack of class and dignity? I'm sure that Roady's (never heard of it) is a reputable and nice establishment...their website boasts truck stops in nearly every state in the union; but come on—the Roady's Truck Stops Humanitarian Bowl? At least their logo is blue to go with the blue Boise Turf. Get ready for a deluge of jokes and jabs because of this announcement.

Meanwhile, I am looking forward to watching the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl, The Brut Sun Bowl, the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, and everyone's favorite: the Papajohns.com bowl.

Z hits Houston

Boise State's often maligned, but never duplicated Jared Zabransky has hit Houston after signing a free agent deal with the Houston Texans. As the Texans have jettisoned former WAC QB David Carr and picked up Atlanta's number 2 man Matt Schaub...Houston's QB situation is pretty hazy. I personally like Z's chances of getting a roster spot and the lackluster Houston O-line is one reason. Houston needs a quarterback who can move and improvise...hmmm, who fits that description? Z has been humble in swallowing the bitter "not-getting-drafted" pill and has vowed to work his tail off to make an impact for a franchise. Since Z has Schaub, Quinton Porter, Sage Rosenfels and Bradlee Van Pelt ahead of him, technically on the depth chart...I think that Z's combination of speed, escapability and well, speed can vault him up this not-terribly-daunting chart. I don't look for Z to start this season by any stretch—but if he can continue to improve his consistency and work on his decision making...I think that Z will get his opportunity down the road and be a productive NFLer.

Here is a link to a few videos about the start of Texans' OTAs, look for the Zabransky interview on the Houston Texans' website.

Here is an article about QB quandaries mentioning Zabransky (who is sporting number 15 now, by the way).

Not bad, not bad.

A very eventful draft for the Broncos

Well, there were surprises, disappointments, and drama, but the 2007 NFL draft was the best ever for Boise State. 4 players got picked up in the 7 round draft and many other Bronco seniors have signed free agent deals around the league. The first player drafted was no surprise—Gerald Alexander had been projected to be the highest Bronco taken at Safety...the Detroit Lions actually traded up to take him in the 2nd round. Alexander's pickup marks the second year in a row where a Bronco has gone in the 2nd round (Daryn Colledge in 2006). Alexander has a promising career ahead of him and with his athleticism and knowledge of the corner position, may well find himself moving around the defensive backfield. The Lions really wanted him...and I'm sure Gerald will not make them regret it.

Next to come off the big board in the 5th was Legadu Naanee, the versatile Bronco wideout—going to the San Diego Chargers. Naanee was a force at WR the last two seasons for Boise State who brought a big (6'3" 230 lbs), physical presence to the passing game. Naanee can run, catch and block and has already been given reps at wide receiver, tight end, and fullback for the Chargers. Switching positions should pose no problem for Naanee, since he came to BSU as a quarterback and left as our highest draft pick at wide receiver in years. There's a good article about "LA" at camp here.

The next Bronco draftee was a surprise...and a very pleasant one, at that. Korey Hall, the phenomenal 4-year starter for the Broncos at LB was not even invited to the NFL combine, but he apparently impressed scouts at the pro day enough to hear his name called in the 6th round as the Green Bay Packers drafted him, most likely, as a fullback. Korey Hall has good hands and great instincts and if he plays Special Teams or Fullback for the Pack at all like he played Linebacker for the Broncos...then Green Bay has a great 'get' in Hall. I must admit, I didn't think that Korey had much chance of getting drafted after his combine snub, but was delighted that he was given the opportunity. Obviously the Packers found out what we've known for the past 5 years...that the boy from Glenns Ferry, Idaho can flat out play football...despite what he lacks in "measurables". Korey will be joining another ex-Bronco great in Green Bay—Offensive Lineman Daryn Colledge. Parkjar has put together an excellent video of Korey Hall's BSU career that can be viewed here.

"Mr. Clutch" for the Broncos, also known as Derek Schouman (or SCHOUUUU!) is another local product that heard his name called on the second day of the draft. The Buffalo Bills drafted the talented Tight End in the 7th round. Schouman put up great numbers at the NFL combine and projects well for Buffalo as a Tight End or Fullback. Schouman, though plagued by injuries throughout his BSU career is a playmaker. Schouman has excellent hands and is one of the best downfield blockers in BSU history. The Buffalo Bills got an absolute steal in Derek Schouman—and we look forward to hearing a chorus of "SCHOOOU"s in Buffalo.

Somewhat surprisingly, Jared Zabransky did not get drafted despite great career numbers and an excellent combine showing. "Z" was at first considered to have an outside chance of getting drafted, but by draft day it looked like he may go in the 4th-7th rounds. Ultimately, it may have been Z's inconsistency in the passing game (see: 2005) that was his undoing on draft day...but with Jared's confidence and athleticism I'm sure his free agent deal with the Texans' will be a good decision. I think that Z is in a great place in Houston and will have an excellent chance to crack Houston's 3-deep at QB. God knows that the Texans need a mobile QB, since their O-line obviously can't block for a pure pocket passer.

Other free agent signings of note are: WR Jerard Rabb (Dallas), WR Drisan James (Chicago), Long Snapper Mike Dominguez (NY Jets), DE Andrew Browning (Detroit) and FB Brad Lau (St. Louis)

I am sure that all Broncos that were taken in the draft and free-agency have an excellent opportunity to make final rosters. Broncos are blue-collar, hard-working and scrappy so don't count any of these guys out. All of us in Bronco Nation wish them the best.