The atomic clock actually says that we have just 25 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. Calendar-watchers will surely point out that we have 24 days left till kickoff...but rememeber that Drew's computer exploded five days ago, so pardon the delays while I find a new arrangement and pick monitor glass out of my forehead. #24 will come this evening.
And we're off...
#25 Hunter White, LB
Hunter White, or the Great White Hunter (as I assume he likes to be called), is someone you should get used to seeing. Just a year ago, White was thought to be a linebacker who'd be seen only in special blitz packages and in heavy doses on special teams. What a difference a year makes. White is now said to have taken control of the MLB depth chart and is sitting just ahead of Derrell Acrey, the top returning tackler at the position. So, how did Hunter White go from relative obscurity to being one of two probable starters? Hard work...and lots of it. White, who by divine providence or dumb luck finds himself wearing the same hallowed number as Korey Hall, will need to channel Hall this year if he wants to bolster the Broncos D. The 4-2-5 defense relies on fast LBs with sure tackling skills. White is fast, and as a coaches kid, has a high football IQ...but he'll need to play bigger than his 5'11" 210 lb. frame to stay healthy and be a solid run stopper. I think he has it in him.
Hunter White redshirted in 2007 and was named special teams scout player of the year. Last season, as a redshirt freshman, he saw action in 12 games for the Broncos and registered 25 tackles (2 for loss). He came to Boise from Edison High School in Newport Beach, CA where he earned varsity letters in virtually any sport the school offered. Obviously, White excelled the most at football and was named a Velocity/Prep Star All-Region performer as a senior and was named to the All-State team on three seperate occasions. He was All-CIF and All-County two times apiece and was a first team SoCal performer at wide receiver, where he hauled in 75 passes for 1,200 yards and 11 TDs in his senior season. White was named defensive MVP of the Sunset League in his final two years at Edison and finished his career with 275 tackles, 9 sacks, 4 fumble recoveries, and 2 INTs. White is a dynamic wedge-buster on special teams and brings speed and intensity to the LB position. At MLB, I think he'll remind many Broncos less of Korey Hall and more of Jeron Johnson...fast, reckless, and a little bit crazy—a heavy hitter who won't take a play off. He'll be tested right out of the chute by Oregon's Lagarrette Blount—if he passes that test, the WAC will be in big trouble.