The atomic clock actually says that we have just 22 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...
#22 Doug Martin, S/RB/Rageaholic
Doug Martin is fueled by pure, unfiltered rageahol. This has presented an interesting conundrum for the Boise State coaching staff: just who should they unleash him on? Should they have Martin stick with the position they recruited him to and have him play running back, or should he jump the L.O.S. and become the most terrifying nickelback ever? Remember, at running back, Coach Choate called him an "angry runner", and defensive stalwarts called him "ridiculous", "a beast", and "the best running back we've faced"...and this was when he was a true frosh on the scout team. At nickel, the position popularized just a year ago by Ellis Powers, the only question mark is how quickly Martin can learn the position. By most accounts, the steep learning curve on defense has him trailing JUCO transfer Winston Venable...but only slightly (and Venable is a JC All-American who's played both LB and safety). He's excels on special teams, that much is clear. He received the post-season "Hammer" award for most physical play on special teams and also did some quite literal "hammering" in Moscow, dotting the "I" on Idaho in the only fitting way. Whether we see him on offense or defense this year, there are going to be some bruises.
Doug Martin came to the Blue from the bustling berg of Stockton, California where he was a two-time letter winner at St. Mary's High School. Martin was voted the best offensive back in San Joaquin Valley as a senior and was a first team All-Section and All-Area pick as a junior. In Martin's two years playing for St. Mary's...he racked up 3,323 yards of offense and scored 33 TDs. The 5'10" 210 lb. Martin came to Boise equipped with trap muscles that start just below his ears and enough of a head of steam to make the coaches flirt with burning his redshirt. Instead, the coaches let Martin tear things up on the scout team and gave DJ Harper the true frosh baptism. Martin, came into 2008 with a lot of hype and though hobbled at the start of the year, quickly made his presence known on special teams and on offense. Appearing in 11 games in 2008 , Martin rushed the ball 24 times for 107 yards with a 4.5 YPC average. He returned 10 kickoffs for 223 yards, caught 2 passes for 53 yards, and made 11 special teams tackles. A jack-of-all-trades if ever there was one...we're happy to have Mr. Martin on the team. Best to call him "Mr.", you wouldn't like him when he's angry.