Childs on graduation promise: "Never mind"

You'll never have it this easy again.

About a month ago, Jeremy Childs said that he would return for his senior season at Boise State. You remember, it went something like this:

...yadda yadda my mom, blah blah blah diploma...

Well, like goings-on in Las Vegas...Childs believes that 'things that happen in December, stay in December' and has promptly spun an athletic 180 and decided to depart for the NFL. Rumors to this effect started swirling last week from J Bates' general direction...but now it appears confirmed—Childs is taking his 10-yard outs to the big show, and Orlando Scandrick's senioritis has infected another big time Bronco player. Sadly, Childs was only 1 yard from jersey retirement.

In other news, Kirby Moore will start next year.

Semi-full story [Statesman]

Wilson will not follow in Scandrick's footsteps

Now now...it's not polite to point.

All-WAC/All-American cornerback Kyle Wilson is staying put. That mighty wind you just heard was Bronco fans exhaling. After a couple of weeks of speculation that the talented Bronco DB may go pro...Wilson's brother Gerry says he's on the blue for the long haul.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say it was a tough call, but I wouldn’t say it was easy,” said Gerry Wilson, the oldest of three Wilson boys. “… It was a matter of evaluating what’s best for Kyle and what’s best for the team.”

Gerry, who played college ball at Princeton and is the CEO of yoonew, an online sports ticket trading company, obviously knows the importance of education and might have helped sway his little brother's decision. If this is the case, Bronco Nation thanks you. Wilson may be on track to be another first or second-round draft pick in the 2010 draft and will be a key cog on a Bronco D that should be amazing next season. Now, go and have a chat with Jeremy Childs, won't ya?!

Full Story [Statesman]

Ryan Clady don't sign no shoes

Clady blocks out the sun and...Oh my Lord! What happened to your index finger?

Ryan Clady, you've arrived. Third in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting, a multi-million dollar contract, and the respect of every analyst and Defensive Coordinator in the country. What are you going to do with all your newfound fame and fortune? Not sign some middle-aged fan's Jordans, that's for sure! Don't give up middle-aged fan...he probably just didn't hear you.

Clady snubbed. Weak.

You wouldn't like Clady when he's angry.

Joining the long list of snubs Boise State fans have come to expect this year is one of a different variety. Boise State alum Ryan Clady, who would be prepping to shut down TCU's Jerry Hughes right now if he hadn't left early for the NFL was snubbed by the Pro Bowl selection committee today. This will not stand. I mean come on, NFL...Clady has been getting Rookie of the Year type buzz as he's shut down wave after wave of franchise defensive ends this season and has given up but half a sack this year as well. Last week alone, against the Carolina Panthers, he "schooled" Julius Peppers (their words, not mine) and every writer on NFL.com placed Clady on their Pro Bowl ballot. Sadly, the writers at NFL.com do not actually cast ballots...but you get the point. Clady was robbed, and all of you Pro Bowl voters just awoke a sleeping giant.

Pro Bowl rosters [NFL.com]

Clady pays for lion's share of ex-teammates' funeral

Every now and again, a story comes along that is at once sad and inspiring. One such story that has come out in the last few days was of the untimely death of Ernest Jones of Salina, CA. Jones and his roommate, Taryn Dechant, were found gunned down in their apartment on September 26th in an apparent double homicide. This horribly sad news, however, struck a decidedly more inspiring tone when Jones' former teammates at Eisenhower High ponied up over $11,000 for his funeral. According to Eisenhower coach Mike Clark, the lion's share of the money was given by ex-Boise State Bronco and current Denver Bronco, Ryan Clady. It seems that tragedy often brings out the best in people and I found the story of ex-players honoring a fallen teammate to be quite inspiring. We all knew that Clady's wish was to take care of his family first and foremost when NFL riches seemed inevitable—it is certainly great to hear that Clady is using his fame and fortune to take care of others in a world where so many only think of themselves.

Full story HERE.

Korey Hall a part of history

The Vegas oddsmakers surely put long odds on Korey Hall getting the Packers' first TD of the season...but the Glenns Ferry product and Boise State standout LB delivered on Monday night...catching Aaron Rodgers' first TD as the Packers' starter. We all knew that Hall had good hands after watching him snag interceptions by the boatload from his MLB position on the blue...but the diving catch in the endzone at Lambeau last night was mighty pretty. Hall also blew up Darren Sharper on a long Ryan Grant run. See for yourself (TD at the 1:25 mark...sweet block at the 2:30 mark)



You may not get that many more scoring opportunities, Korey...go ahead and do the Lambeau leap next time.

Can we FedEx him the sledgehammer?

Orlando Scandrick's NFL career has barely begun...but he's already had two highlight reel hits as a Cowboy. Unfortunately...his first such hit left him heavily stingered, but this one was a beaut. I'm sure Patrick Ramsey is on Glenn Martinez' list right about now.

Ka-powza!


More Bronco alum news:
5 minutes with Legedu Naanee—Less if you read fast.

What can be learned from charity softball?

The Bronco football team played the inaugural charity soft ball game yesterday at Hawk's Stadium and besides boring my 1-year old rather quickly offered up a treasure trove of pre-fall camp information. If you were looking for it, anyway.

First off, the player sizes on the broncosports roster appear to be a tad off (thankfully). Watching many of the Bronco players trot out onto the field in their UnderArmor jerseys, one could not help but notice that many have rocked up considerably in the off-season. Jeremy Avery, Jason Robinson, Will Lawrence, Kyle Efaw and Richie Brockel stood out to me, among others, who looked to have added at least a few pounds to their frames since December. We keep forgetting that Will Lawrence switched over to the O-line in Spring camp...he's looking big and athletic and I think should factor in to the O-line discussion this year.

Secondly, the player's personalities really shined through in their personalized introduction music. Among those of note were a fitting "Welcome Back" for Jeremy Childs who, indeed looks to be back, "Love Machine" for Toshi Franklin, "El Paso" for Sean Bingham, and "Showoff" for Jeron Johnson. Richie Brockel came to bat to the only death metal song of the night—if he brings that intensity to TE/FB this year...WAC defenses are in trouble.

Thirdly, Ian Johnson can't even escape a softball game unscathed. Ian, playing pitcher in the fourth inning, took a hard line drive off the leg and limped out. Gads, Ian...just sit in your Laz-E-boy the rest of the summer, OK?

Fourth...the incoming frosh look ready to go. Stood behind Raphiel Lambert at the concession stand and he looks as solid as any incoming frosh I've seen. I'm guessing 5'10" and about 200 lbs. Also saw Chris Potter, Tyler Jackson and Bronson Durrant and all looked "healthy".

Other observations

David Shields, whose career looks to be over due to shoulder problems was mended enough to jack a deep home-run early in the game.

Ryan Clady, a coach for the Defense, came out of his shell a bit—providing Augusto with some funny commentary and charging the field and trying to swipe first base after a controversial call. $11 million bucks the cure for shyness?

Titus Young showed up a bit late but he was sporting a bit of bling and wearing a Barry Sanders jersey.

Jon Gott has traded in his Grizzly Adams beard for some longer locks. Gott and Andrew Woodruff look like two of our biggest O-lineman. Cory Yriarte, who red-shirted last year looked pretty big as well.

Ex-players Tim Gilligan, Tad Miller, Rashaun Scott and Jeff Carpenter were spotted around the stadium among others.

Let me just reiterate—Ryan Winterswyk is going to tear the WAC a new one this season and be a high NFL draft pick when his Bronco career is up.

The event was well-received and a success, but not extremely well attended. As this looks to be an annual event, it would benefit from more media exposure and competing with a Boise Burn game probably didn't help.

Legedu Naanee 'officially' a wide receiver

It wasn't until Legedu Naanee's junior year at Boise State that he was considered a wide receiver...he's accomplished that same feat slightly sooner with the San Diego Chargers. Pro Football Weekly reports that Naanee will have an expanded role in the Charger offense this season and is now, officially, a wide receiver after a year of limited play as a special teamer and H-back hybrid. Naanee will also be trading in his #40 jersey for #11.

Naanee recently told Chargers.com that the team might install some special offensive packages for him. He said they want to get him more snaps at receiver, and they plan to use him in creative ways. Naanee reportedly has looked impressive in offseason workouts, and head coach Norv Turner is pleased with the 24-year-old’s progress.

The new Legedu-centric plays? The Legedu In route, the Legedu Out route, and the Legedu Shake-it-all-about route.

LINKage

Z is out-sky...

The Pittsburgh Steelers never really gave Jared Zabransky a chance. He never had the opportunity to show his skills or even duel with recent draftee Dennis Dixon. "Z" was cut by the Steelers on Wednesday to add receiver Marvin Allen to their practice squad. The worst part? Marvin Allen is British. I don't know why that is the worst part, but come on...he's a freakin' Brit! I thought that the Steelers admired Zabransky's spunk...does spunk mean nothing anymore?!

Once again, we wish Zabransky well, but he seems to be suffering the same fate as previous Bronco QBs...he just isn't really getting an opportunity. Maybe Z should head to the great white north and teach the Canucks a thing or two. We'll be following Zabransky's moves from here on out.

Story HERE.

Ryan Clady about to be rich

Why do players leave school early? Two words: CHA CHING! Ryan Clady, Boise State's highest ever draft pick, and first ever to declare for the draft after his junior season (followed, in short order, by Orlando Scandrick) may be seeing up to an $11 million dollar package from the Denver Broncos. Denver's nine draft picks will be paid out an estimated $14 million in bonuses with Clady expected to gobble up around 80 percent of that sum.

It's your money, Ryan...but think how sweet this would sound: Cladyvision.

Denver Post

Ex-Bronco roundup

Yesterday. I ruminated on Gerald Alexander's Mother's day gift that made us all look bad...but what are the other ex-Broncos up to?

Orlando Scandrick, now a Dallas Cowboy, impressed in mini-camp, but is sitting out OTA's with an eye infection.

Ryan Clady already on his way to Canton?

"This one goes to eleven." Legedu Naanee changes numbers and solidifies his position.

Taylor Tharp gets a bit more competition in Carolina.

Daryn Colledge trying to fight off the competition in Green Bay.

Ryan Dinwiddie will fight to remain number 2.

TJ Acree traded to Argonauts. Does Jason know?

Also, trying to confirm reports that Marty Tadman has decided not to pursue an opportunity with the Jets and instead focus on the impending birth of his first child and his ministry.

Catching up with Alex Guerrero

It's a long offseason...so for the next 100+ days we're going to be throwing out some exclusive interviews with ex-players, analysts and fans. Our second such interview is with Alex Guerrero, an all-time great for the Broncos at Defensive Tackle. Alex was a four-year starter at Boise State and on some incredible Bronco squads. I caught up with Alex (shown above, during his one season with the Rhein Fire of the now-defunct NFL Europa) and got the 411.

DREW: Where are you right now and what are you up to?
Well right now I’m living in California and I’m training for my upcoming CFL season (with the Hamilton Tiger Cats).

DREW: How did you come to find yourself at Boise State?
Well, its kind of a long story, it pretty much all came down to my grades. In high school, my grades weren't the best and I didn't go to a big-time school so it wasn't a recruiting hot spot. So, not too many schools came around, but luckily my friend Scott Smith was a big-time recruit and he was bringing a lot of coaches in and I remember one day he turned down a trip to Boise and I said "Hey, coach I’ll take a trip" he said they liked me but my grades weren't good enough.... so after that they kept in touch with me (when no other team did) so when I finally became eligible I stayed loyal to them and on my trip with them I signed.

DREW: Do you still keep in contact with ex-players or coaches from BSU?
Yes, I try to keep up with some, the one I’ve probably been in contact with more is my ex D-line coach, Romeo Bandison.

DREW: What was your proudest achievement at Boise State both on and off the field?
My proudest moment at Boise State on the field was my final game at Boise State against Boston College. That night I promised myself and my coach that I would have my best game yet…and I did just that…I stepped up to the challenge that I put in front of myself and that’s why it was my proudest moment. Off the field, I would have to say it was winning the Humanitarian award.

DREW: I recall a particularly big hit by you in the 2004 UTEP game...was that your most memorable hit? If not, what was?
My most memorable hit was not by me, it was to me. I remember in the Oregon state game I was on the punt return team and I let my guard down for a second and next thing I knew, my ass was on the ground and I was cheap-shotted by the punter, I got up and told him how big of mistake he had made, and I [showed him] by having 2 sacks and 7 tackles....`

DREW: What was it like playing in Europe?
Europe was a unique experience. It was good to play against other good players and see how I could match up. I left there with some unfinished business though, I wish the league wouldn’t have gone under....but I plan on making up for that in my upcoming CFL season.

DREW: Being on a 2004 team that was a hairs-breadth from perfection—did you still feel a little down about missing out on the magical 2006 season?
They say you can’t change the past and to always look forward, but with the 2006 season being so magical, like you said, there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t wish I would have red-shirted and played in that game—but what’s done is done and I’m happy some of my best friends from my recruiting class got the chance to play and benefit from that game.

DREW: Did you watch the Fiesta Bowl? How did you feel afterwards knowing that you helped start that amazing run?
I flew straight out from Minnesota on the day of the game and I was in the front row with some ex Boise players like Ben Chuckovich, Chris Carr, Gabe Franklin, Robby Jones, Brian Decker and my family—it was one of the best days of my life.

DREW: You received a humanitarian award while at Boise State...how important do you think it is for athletes to be good role models and engage the community?
Being a role model is something I always prided myself with. I always told the younger athletes that I met that being a role model is essential because we are given an opportunity to be looked up to by younger kids and every little thing that we can do to make a difference is our responsibility.

DREW: The white patch in your beard...birthmark or real source of your power?
Both. I like to think of it as something that makes me unique. Plus, chicks dig it....hahahaha

DREW: What side of Bronco Stadium do you love more...the side that yells 'BOISE' or the side that yells 'STATE'?
Again I’ll say ‘both’, because I love that chant....I still have dreams about me playing in Bronco Stadium and hearing that chant.

DREW: Do Bronco players (especially out-of-staters) fully understand the Vandal rivalry? Do Bronco players hate the Vandals as much as the fans do?
What pissed me off the most about the whole Vandal thing is people really thought they had a chance...other than that they were just like any other team—I was out to dominate them.

DREW: Boise State recently switched broadcasters after 35 years and there is an announcer vacancy—Are you interested?
Still got a lot of football ahead of me, so I’m good for now—but in the future you never know what can happen. I have always wanted to be a football analyst so maybe one day I’ll do a Boise State game. That would be a dream come true.