Hard to believe, but there are under 70 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 69 days until kickoff...however, that particular number is yet to be assigned, so today we'll take a look at a player who might, but probably won't don #69—Hazen Moss
#69, Hazen Moss, Sophomore, LB
Stats
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 196 lbs.
High School: Rifle High School, Rifle, CO
How'd he get to The Blue™?
As a three-year letterman at Rifle High School, Moss excelled playing both linebacker and quarterback. As a senior, he was named first-team All-Western Slope and first-team all-state. His senior season alone, he passed for over 2,000 yards as QB and racked up 120 tackles at LB. In addition to football studliness, Moss earned four letters in track and one in basketball. Moss still holds school records in the 800 and several relays. No slouch in the classroom, Moss earned four academic letters and was academic-all-state for three years running. Though ACL injuries hampered his high school career, and scholarship offers didn't pour in, Moss was still able to get his foot in the door of the Bronco program as an invited walk-on. He redshirted in 2008.
Nickname
"Blazin' Hazen"
Just an average homeboy.
Look-a-like
Bow Bow...chick...chickachick-ahhh
Career highlights
Rifle HS school records in the 4x800 relay, the 4x200 relay and the 800. All-conference and all-state in football as senior. 3-year mainstay on academic all-state team.
Career lowlight
ACL tears in sophomore and junior years of high school derailed football and basketball seasons.
2010 prospectus
Moss played in eight games last season, primarily on special teams, and was able to post 10 tackles on the season (4 of which came against La Tech). To be honest, I don't see Moss cracking the linebacker depth chart in 2010, especially considering the number of spots is basically two, the WILL linebacker and the MIKE. Moss is more built for strong safety, and that is exactly where he was lining up this Spring. With Jeron Johnson, Travis Stanaway, and potentially even Jeremy Ioane ahead in the pecking order, I see Moss taking a more significant role on special teams. 10 tackles in 8 games, even on special teams, shows a certain knack for finding and making plays, and Moss could be exactly the type of player that the Broncos rely on to come up big on punt, kick and hands teams. I expect Moss to entrench himself as a full-time special teams demon ala Ia Falo this year. He'll provide "emergency" depth at the safety position, but should make a name for himself mowing down blockers and blowing up kick returners. Not a bad way to make a living.
Completely made up fact
Hazen was named "Rifle King" during Rifle, Colorado's annual "RIfle Daze". The king's duties include riding on a float with a loaded rifle picking off magpies and throwing out candy (rifle-shaped candy, obviously).