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Bruiser begins protecting backs instead of pursuing them
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Senior tight end Chris O’Neill went down in the game against Louisiana Tech and many critics wonder what the Broncos will do to replace someone who has become a solid fixture on offense.
Because of his size and ability to catch the ball proven fullback Richie Brockel was repositioned into the tight end position. But Brockel’s absence from the backfield leaves a difficult void to fill. So Head Coach Chris Petersen decided to put a 6 foot, 229 pound freshman linebacker in his place. Boise State got its first glimpse of a continually evolving offense. Enter Dan Paul.
“I was pretty nervous. A totally different position,” Paul said. “I had only been there a week.”
This seemed enough to convince Petersen to allow him the shot to block for the multiple faces at running back.
The young Paul definitely has the strength to excel in the fullback position. He won the Oregon weight lifting championships with a 615 pound squat and 355 pound bench press.
Paul has the hands required to be a BSU fullback. So far, he has one interception on the season against La Tech. Now he hones his abilities to protect the running back instead of smashing them into the turf.
“I’m getting there,” Paul said. “It’s one of those things where you just got to go full speed and hit the guy as hard as you can and just let it go. Let it loose.”
A strong athlete, Richie Brockel serves as one of BSU’s most feared beasts demonstrating his physical and mental toughness. This is a toughness that Paul hopes to bring to the position with the assistance of veteran Brockel.
“He’s out there every rep telling me how to get better,” Brockel said. “How to do it a certain way. He’s been there and done that, you know? He knows the lay of the land.”
The shifty nature of the Broncos offense requires fast thinking and a sharp ability to follow commands quickly. Paul was both a scholar and athlete in high school. His ability to register complexity could assist in explaining the dynamics of the offensive machine.
“Now I’ve just got to start cramming the offense in,” Paul said. “Learning the mental stuff and getting the physical stuff down as well. It’s kinda tough. A tough transition but I’m all for it.”
The transition was a clear and smooth one. He is no longer listed at linebacker on the BSU roster against Utah State. Bronco running back Ian Johnson believes that he will progress quickly. He mentioned that he was able to find room running between the tackles behind Paul.
Boise State has seen incredible play by the fullback position in recent history with Brad Lau during the 2006-07 Fiesta Bowl campaign and again with “Big, Bad” Richie Brockel.Time will tell if Paul is able to excel in a position that has more than meets the eye in an offense that never ceases to amaze.
KIRK BELL
Sports Coordinator
