3/9/09 

It Begins:Spring practice begins today, as the Broncos will get twelve practicesand three scrimmages. It’s been less than two months since the Broncosended their 2008 campaign and the new season has already begun. To thestudent-athletes, there really is “no off-season in bronco nation”.

Senior Citizens:There are only five seniors on the 2009 roster. Led by Kyle Wilson andRichie Brockel, the Broncos will once again be one of the youngestteams in the WAC. The other three seniors are Michael Choate, GarciaDay, and Andy Silsby.

Making The Switch:Sophomore running back Doug Martin is trying to play on the other sideof the ball this camp. Martin is trying his hand on the defensive sideas he looks fill the nickel slot. The rest of the Bronco secondary willbe a force to that will carry the team. With Kyle Wilson, JeronJohnson, Brandyn Thompson, Jason Robinson, and George Iloka thesecondary may be one of the deepest positions for the team next season.The group combined for 16 interceptions in 2008.

Powers-Outage:Ellis Powers created a new position in the Bronco defense last season,as the now departed senior earned team defensive co-MVP honors (alongwith Ryan Winterswyk) and first team All-WAC recognition.  Powers was asafety-linebacker hybrid, blitzing off the edge, dropping into passcoverage and using his athleticism in the open field.  Spring ball willgive Bronco defensive coaches a chance to audition players for thatrole, as it has become a key staple of the defensive scheme.  With thehighly physical and athletic Doug Martin giving the defensive side ofthe ball a shot this spring, keep an eye on him in that position. Also, one to watch will be junior college transfer Winston Venable, whoat 6-0 and 210 pounds could be an imposing presence at that position.

Receiving Questions:One position to keep an eye on this spring is the wide receiver. TheBroncos have lost four of their top five receiving leaders with juniorAustin Pettis being the leading returner. Pettis had 49 receptions for567 yards and 9 touchdowns last season. The next leading returner issophomore Kyle Efaw, who had 17 receptions for 262 yards last year.
YoungGun: Junior receiver Titus Young will be back on field for the firsttime since October of 2008. Young played in three games in the 2008campaign, where he had ten catches and led the team with a 16.8 yardsper catch average. Included was an 80 yard touchdown reception againstIdaho State. Young also showed his versatility in the running gameaveraging 10.4 yards per carry and scoring 2 touchdowns.

Somebody’s Watching Me:Junior Ryan Winterswyk has been named to the Lombardi Award Watch List,which goes to the nation’s top down lineman or linebacker. Last seasonWinterswyk had a team leading 4.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss.