The atomic clock actually says that we have just 95 days until the Ducks hit the blue turf (hard).
So, today we'll continue our countdown by briefly highlighting the Bronco player with the jersey number that corresponds with the number of days remaining till the opener. Sorry there isn't a more clear and concise way to explain that.
And we're off...
#95 Darren Koontz, DT
Here's what we do know about Darren Koontz (or Derren Koontz if the broncosports.com header is to be believed): he is a 6'3" and weighs 255 lbs., he redshirted in 2008, he is from the same high school (Los Alamitos) as Jeremy Childs and Orlando Scandrick, he isn't related to Dean Koontz. Here's what we don't know: who is Darren Koontz?
Koontz' bio is pretty light—only showing that he was a two-time honorable mention Sunset League performer and that he registered 19 tackles as a senior (not mind-boggling, but more than I probably would've notched at the DT position). Koontz has also flew under the radar in Spring drills...buried in the clippings behind Billy Winn, Mike Atkinson, Chase Baker and JP Nisby. All this leads up to one conclusion: Koontz will probably be a starter in 2009...at least if the law of Bronco football is upheld. Each and every year, Bronco Nation wrings its collective hands about key position battles only to be completely surprised in Fall ball by a darkhorse candidate. Koontz seems to fit that bill—good size, good speed and no real pressure to perform by the local media.
Don't hold me to those words...I'm merely speaking in generalities about the nature of Bronco football...but do expect to see and hear more about Koontz this Fall. The DT rotation will need to be solid from top to bottom to get through the schedule and Koontz looks as able as the next guy.