The atomic clock actually says that we have just 44 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..
#44 Hazen Moss, LB
Not to be confused with ex-Bronco QB Hazen Choates or Blazin' Hazen (just a middle-class guy), Hazen Moss is a walk-on linebacker from the heart of the Rockies. Moss may or may not end up occupying the vacated jersey of Kyle Gingg, but he has enough physical similarities to Gingg to have garnered today's highlight. Looking at the last few OLBs to start multiple years on the Broncos' defense, Hazen should feel pretty good about his chances, as they all started out as walk-ons too. Moss, like Colt Brooks, played quarterback and linebacker during his prep days at Rifle High School in Colorado, but played only partial sophomore and junior seasons due to knee injuries. Injuries or no, Moss still received scholarship offers to Colorado State in Pueblo and Northern Colorado, but was fixed on becoming a Bronco. He redshirted in 2008.
Moss (6'0", 195 lbs.) was a three-year letterman at RHS and was named first team All-Western Slope and first team All-State as a senior. He accounted for over 2,000 yards of offense and racked up 120 tackles in that final year. Moss was a standout in the classroom, being named Academic All-State for three straight years and lettered four times in track as well, where he holds school records in the 4x800 relay, the 4x200 relay and the 800. Moss looks like a crafty and well-rounded player who should be able to contribute immediately on special teams. He may need to bulk up a bit before he would probably really challenge for one of the two main LB slots, and his history of ACL tears does him no favors. All in all, Moss adds to the current Bronco LB depth and should provide good looks on scout team and push the frontrunners at the spot to their limits. Quality walk-ons are a tradition at Boise State, and Hazen Moss looks to be an able torch-bearer.