Key players to watch for Boise State against UNLV

By Lucio Prado

Staff Writer

No matter what happens at Bronco Stadium on Saturday it will be a memorable day. Decked out in their all-black uniforms for the first time in school history, the Broncos (5-1) will host the University of Nevada Las Vegas at 1:30 pm for the 2012 homecoming game.

UNLV is coming off a crushing 42-37 loss to rival University of Nevada (Reno), dropping the Rebels to 1-6 overall. However, UNLV should be able to take some positives away from a game where they were able to produce over 430 yards of total offense.

Based on a 32-29 victory over New Mexico and a 20-10 victory over Fresno State, it is accurate to say that the Boise State offense hasn’t been the dominating force it has grown accustomed to being over the last decade. This year’s Bronco team is defensively oriented and is the reason that the Broncos debuted at No. 22 in the initial Bowl Championship Series standings this past Sunday.

The defense is lead by the former Helix High School stand out, East County League Defensive MVP redshirt senior Jamar Taylor. Last year Taylor stepped in as a starter when injures became a factor at the cornerback position for the broncos. Currently he is one of two Broncos with multiple interceptions and has contributed in the blitz package with a sack. Taylor terrorizes quarterbacks and is complimented by senior Jerrell Gavins to form one of the more dominating defensive backs corps in college football.

Also expected to contribute is last years co-winner of the Broncos’ special team player of the year award, redshirt senior linebacker J.C. Percy. The three year letterman is playing in his last homecoming game. The 6’0” 227 lb linebacker grew up in Blackfoot and is a local legend. He leads the team in tackles (56 total and 30 solo) and is expected to shut down UNLV running game. Percy had 14 total tackles against Fresno State last weekend, so look for him to close in on a number similar.

Perhaps the biggest surprise on the defense has come out of El Dorado, Ks. in the form of redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Demarcus Lawrence. The 6’3” 242 transfer from Butler community college signed with Boise State last December and enrolled in the spring to participate in practice. At Butler he earned first-team JC Gridwire and second-team NJCAA All-American Honors. Currently, Lawrence leads the team in sacks with just over five on the season. Against Fresno State, Lawrence harassed Derek Carr and brought him down three times for a sack. If Lawrence can continue to get to the quarterback it should lead to more turnovers for the Broncos.

About the author ⁄ John Garretson