Senior Day Tribute: #27 Jeremy Avery

OBNUG is honoring each Boise State senior this week with a favorite memory. Got one to share? Sign up.

Memories are always better when they happen against the University of Idaho, especially memories at the expense of the Vandals. My favorite Jeremy Avery memory is exactly that - his 11 carry, 156-yard, two-touchdown pwnage of the Vandals in 2008. Who doesn't like seeing Robb Akey flabergasted?

Avery's night included a 17-yard TD run in the first half and a 57-yard TD early in the third quarter that helped break open a rare close one. His yard-per-carry average remains a school record. It was a career night in every sense of the word.

But what I'll remember most about that night was how Avery's performance signaled a change in Bronco running back philosophy. Remember, Ian Johnson was still on this team. He had 8 carries for 14 yards. The contrast between Avery and Johnson in this game helped a lot of fans get off the fence and sit firmly in Avery's camp for the rest of the season. The Broncos were no longer defined by one of the program's most defining players. And the multiple productive players in the backfield was a sign of things to come.

Ironically enough, Avery went from being the people's choice one year to being the Ian Johnson the next. And it will most likely continue to happen to Bronco backs over the next several years. No matter. Avery's game against the Vandals was one for the ages, his career is one to be cherished, and his example through good and bad is incredibly admirable.

Thanks for the memories, Jeremy!

Runner-up for favorite memory: Avery demanding that people stop calling him Peanut. This gave me the courage to demand that people stop calling me Captain Grammar.

Photo courtesy cache.daylife.com