Bronco Nation N.O.W.

Boise State announced back in early June that it would begin offering self guided tours of Bronco Stadium. The Tour would start at the Bronco Shop, continued on to the Hall of Fame Gallery and ended on the blue turf. For some odd reason I thought the tour included the Stueckle Sky Club, but alas it did not. I took the tour this past Friday, June 26th, with my family. The Hall of Fame Gallery was impressive and my daughter enjoyed being on the turf and running around the track. If your looking to plan economical events with the family or friends this summer you can’t beat this free tour.  It runs until August 12, for full details click here.  Click here for my snap shots of the tour.

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The first time I heard the classic Alice Cooper song “Schools Out” is was about Junior High. Each year following I would play that song on the last day of school for that year. As the Broncos finished up spring practice and the NFL Draft has left me troubled, I have fired up the classic and bid Bronco Nation farewell for the summer.

However, Bronco Nation the summer is not free for just fun and sun. Orange Death at Bronco Country put out a challenge on the Blue Turf message board and I echo his request. It would be great if come the Oregon game each every fan in the stadium would know the words to the BSU fight song and bellow the words when it is played. Below are the words to the song. I suggest practicing as much as possible.

Fight Broncos, celebrate the orange and blue
Boise will stand and cheer for you
Fight for distinction and our alma mater
Bravely defending B-S-U!
Fight on courageously for Boise State
Success and Honor make her great
Boise’s proud tradition-
Heads up competition-
Glory for B-S-U!

Go Orange!
Go Big Blue!
Fight! Fight!
B-S-U!

Additionally, I will be posting to the Bleacher Report every now and again and of course when it is needed, I will post to this site. Until next fall take care Bronco Nation and enjoy your summer break.

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Despite its conference champion not having a single player drafted over this past weekend, 10 players from the WAC were drafted. The first WAC player, Defensive End David Veikune, went to the Cleveland with the NFL Draft’s 52nd Pick.

The pick that caught my eye was Denver’s choice of Tom Brandstater in the 6th round. Considering all the turmoil in the off season with Jay Cutler being traded to Chicago, it was nearly a sure fire bet the Broncos would have secured a top Quarterback with the depth chart having Kyle Orton and Chris Simms at that position.

However, the Broncos failed to move up to get Mark Sanchez (QB USC) and passed on Josh Freeman (QB Kansas State). Of course there might be a tie back to Pat Hill in this one.

It was a good showing by the WAC. In being drafted these players are representative of the types of athletes the Western Athletic Conference produces and I wish them the best in their pro careers.

2009 WAC Draft Picks

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Bronco Nation waited with bated breath for Ian Johnson’s name to be callwd on the second day of the 2009 NFL Draft. After 256 picks and many less than exciting hours, Ian Johnson’s name was never called. Earlier in the day it was announced that Ian had backed out of being followed around by ESPN cameras. Looking back on that announcement it would appear it foreshadowed the days outcome.

Of all the players that were part of the historic 2007 Fiesta Bowl win over Oklahoma, no player was more highly regarded by Bronco Nation than Ian Johnson. In the 2007 NFL Draft the names of Gerald Alexander, Legedu Naanee, Korey Hall, Derek Schouman were called.

The following year underclassmen Ryan Clady and Orlando Scandrick had their names called in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Ian having one more year of college eligibility finished out his Senior season with the Broncos. During the season Ian worked on polishing himself as a player, by taking on special teams duties, catching the ball out of the back field and blocking techniques.

To top off his career he passed LaDainian Tomlinson and Marshall Faulk as the WAC’s all-time touchdown leader.

In the months following Ian took part in the NFL Draft Combine. Ian who showed up to the combine measuring 5-foot-11 and weighing 212 pounds, posted timing of 4.45 in the 40 and completed 26 reps on the bench. Certainly catching the eye of many scouts.

Ian also displayed great character throughout his college career that included being open to the media, suffering through life threatening injuries and graduating from BSU this past year.

Clearly I am not part of an NFL draft and nor have I scouted players. What I can tell you is of all the players from the 2007 Fiesta Bowl win, Ian Johnson played a big part the Broncos undefeated season. Of the 6 that were drafted from that team, not one player, coach or fan would have thought number 41 would not have his named called.

I am disappointed in the NFL for not recognizing what Ian could bring to a franchise. At the same time Bronco Nation wishes all the best for Ian and has no doubt Ian will prove to the NFL he belongs.

***Update Chad Cripe is reporting that Ian and former Bronco WR Vinny Peretta have signed free agent contracts with the Minnesota Vikings. I am sure there is more to come.***

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 The Bronco Nation Talking Points Podcast - Spring Practice: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In this episode Buck, Drew and JT break down the 2009 Spring Finally.

• 1:30 Min: Lasting Impressions from the Spring Game
• 6:04 Min: Overview of the game’s highlights
• 13:00 Min: Offense Breakdown
• 18:45 Min: Defense Breakdown
• 28:45 Min: The Big Finish

If you have a Talking Point please Email us at questions@bronconationnow.com

This episode brought to you by theBlueAndOrangeStore.com where listeners can save 10% by entering in the coupon code nationpodcast at check out.

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Bakersfield College has connected with Boise State twice in the past two years. Or was it three times? The first time was with four-star junior transfer Daron Mackey. Mackey, a middle linebacker, will add to the depth of the Bronco defensive line for the upcoming ‘09 season.

The second time was with the newest Bronco commit Tyrone Crawford, who’s also a DL. Bronco DL coach Pete Kwiatkowski recruited Crawford. Crawford claims his recruitment began while he was at CCH, a Windsor, Ontario high school in Canada. Windsor, Ontario is where Michael “Canadian Bacon” Atkinson is from as well.

Atkinson, who is a defensive tackle for the Broncos, says Crawford and he are very good friends. The 6′5”, 258-lb. Crawford will have three years to play and should be ready suit up in the fall of 2010. Crawford is expected to play defensive end for the Broncos—albeit in 2010, there most likely will be two quality DEs coming off of redshirt status as well.

Daron Mackey, on the other hand, will be suiting up for the Broncos this fall starting his junior year. The irony of the relationship with Bakersfield College and Boise State is that junior college athletes transfer out, not in. But this is not always the case between the two schools.

Van Drumgoole, a wide receiver from Vallivue High School in Caldwell, Idaho, was supposed to grayshirt for the Broncos (enroll later) but will attend Bakersfield College instead. Actually, Drumgoole did not transfer from Boise State into Bakersfield College, but that is only because he never enrolled at Boise State to begin with.

The Bakersfield College 2008-2009 Football Roster has Drumgoole listed active for the BC Renegades. It reads: No. 4, Van Drumgoole, WR, Fr, 5′8″, 147, Caldwell, ID. No doubt coach Pete Kwiatkowski will be seeing Drumgoole again as he will be revisiting Bakersfield College checking on potential future Broncos. And how about that Windsor, Ontario connection? Go Broncos!

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 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In this episode Logan Hopkins from the Collegian’s Redwave Podcast and JT discuss

• 2:02 Min: The Passing of former Bronco Player and Fresno State Coach Dan Brown
• 5:20 Min: A little BCS Talk.
• 10:30 Min: Logan gives us a quick update on Bulldog Spring Practice.
• 12:32 Min: Logan attempts to make sense of the many Coaching Changes at FSU.
• 16:45 Min: BSU Schedule Break Down
• 28:26 Min: FSU Schedule Break Down
• 36:27 Min:  What if FSU is 2-0 heading into its match up with the Broncos Sept 18 (not November)
• 40:27 Min:  Logan says WAC fans should be behind Boise State getting to the BCS.

If you have a Talking Point please Email us at questions@bronconationnow.com

This episode brought to you by theBlueAndOrangeStore.com where listeners can save 10% by entering in the coupon code nationpodcast at check out.

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