Numerical Roster Countdown: Day 80

Hard to believe, but there are under 90 days until the Broncos storm the Capital to take on the Hokies. As you may remember, last summer I embarked on the Herculean task of counting down a different roster spot for each remaining day until kickoff. So far this year, we're batting a thousand, so drop me notes of encouragement now and again so I can find the strength to get through the next couple months without breaking the streak.

We've got 80 days until kickoff ... so today we'll be taking a look at number 80 on the Bronco roster—Kyle Efaw

#80, Kyle Efaw, Junior, TE

Stats

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 229 lbs.

High School: Capital High School, Boise, ID

How'd he get to The Blue?

Efaw was the Bo Jackson of Boise's Capital High, excelling at virtually any sport he tried. As a three-sport letterman in baseball, football, and basketball, he made three seperate All-SIC teams his senior year. In his three years of varsity football, Efaw caught 89 passes for 1,210 yards and 14 touchdowns, rushed for 149 yards and one touchdown, made 149 tackles and 10 interceptions and punted 31 times, averaging 35 yards/punt. Lofty stats, to be sure...but how's this for a mind-blower: Kyle's senior year, he was named first-team all-state and all-conference as a tight-end, defensive back, and punter! For his efforts, Efaw was also named all-region selection by Prep Star magazine and ranked #25 on the 2006 Northwest Hot 100. Possibly more mind-boggling than Efaw's prep career was the fact that Boise State was the only school to really recruit him. Fine by us...and by Efaw.

Nickname

"Yee Haw"

It rhymes with his last name and is cowboy for "Hooray". Kismet.

Look-a-like 

Marty Tadman

Career highlights

3 catches for 49 yards in 2008 win at Oregon. 5 catches and 78 yards against NMSU in 2008. Offensive Player of the Game for Fiesta Bowl and on receiving end of Frog-stumping "riddler" fake punt.

Career lowlight

Psst. Don't be "honest" with Chris Myers.

2010 prospectus

Efaw has admitted not having the most confidence in himself when he steps on the football field, but after Fiesta Bowl heroics garnered him the Offensive Player of the Game award, maybe 2010 will be the year that Efaw's confidence catches up with his potential. After two years on the Broncos' active roster, Efaw has played in all 27 games, caught 48 passes for 706 yards, but surprisingly, scored only one TD. This year, with an even deeper TE corps, one would think that Efaw's numbers might dip a bit—I think the exact opposite. Despite a glut of depth and talent at the tight end position, Efaw might be the most well-rounded and is easily the best receiver in the group. Tommy Gallarda is dangerous in the red zone and can be a devastating blocker, but Efaw is dangerous all over the field, both blocking and receiving and his numbers thus far back that claim. Gallarda leads Efaw 6-1 in touchdown catches over his career, but Efaw, in just two short years has over 500 more receiving yards than the larger Gallarda. Efaw's ability to get behind defenders and his stellar YPC numbers (14.7) make him the biggest weapon at tight end that the Broncos possess. In 2010, his numbers will mimic that of a 3rd or 4th receiver, rather than a possession tight end. Look for Efaw to have a big junior year receiving, adding more TDs to the mix and becoming a more effective blocker. Then, look for the local product to position himself for an even bigger senior year in 2011 and get a lot of looks from NFL scouts. You want specifics? 520 yards receiving, 3 TDs.

Completely made up fact

On the baseball diamond, Efaw once went through an entire pouch of Big League Chew in one inning.