The atomic clock actually says that we have just 6 days (5 will come later today) 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.
We're close, Broncos...we're close. Parking's going to be a bear...just start walking.
#6 DJ Harper, RB
DJ Harper is the fastest player on the team. Yes, faster than Jeremy Avery...faster than Titus Young...even faster than Kyle Wilson. Surprised? I was. In the two seasons that DJ Harper has essentially been a 3rd back for the Broncos he's rarely (outside of the 2007 Fresno State game) been given the opportunity to flash his blazing speed. Thus far, Harper has just 142 attempts since 2007, accounting for 654 rushing yards. Hopefully, this season will be different. With IJ gone and no plans to move Doug Martin back over the L.O.S. or burn Malcolm Johnson's redshirt, the Broncos essentially have a two back set for the first time in a while. Matt Kaiserman may see some time, but let's be honest—this is the Avery/Harper show and the curtain goes up in just 5 days.
Harper is one of a new string of Texas recruits. Hailing from Cypress Creek High School in Cypress, TX...Harper was a three-year letterman and a three-time All-District first teamer. As a senior at Cy Creek, Harper rushed the ball 212 times for 1,570 yards and 21 TDs. This effort led to him being named team MVP and a finalist for the Houston Touchdown Club. As a junior, DJ rushed the ball 166 times for 1,088 yards and 10 TDs and as a sophomore, he 210 yards and 2 TDs on the ground. All told, Harper finished his prep career with nearly 4,000 total yards. Out of the two class of 2007 running back recruits, it was Harper who was chosen to burn his redshirt (over Doug Martin) and Harper showed his potential early...rushing for 153 yards and a TD in a pivotal matchup that year against Fresno State. In that game, Harper became the first true freshman to rush for over 100 yards in a game since 1988. To the surprise of many, that would be Harper's only 100 yard game, as he was eventually snowed under by the three-headed monster at tailback. This year, Harper and Avery will have more opportunities, provided the O-line gels, to get into a rhythm and hopefully both will have monster years. Lord knows they're both due.