Boise State's numerical roster: What Bronco player will wear No. 1 next year?

What difference do jersey numbers make in the big picture? Not much. What difference do they make when you are one month into a seven-month offseason? All the difference in the world!

After the jump, find out who is the favorite to wear No. 1 next season, discuss other number openings, and share your favorite number as a player and a fan.

Who will wear No. 1 in 2010?

One of Boise State's best offseason traditions is the awarding of the No. 1 jersey. Kyle Wilson took over No. 1 from Jerard Rabb in the 2007 offseason (Bonus for anyone who can name Wilson's number prior to No. 1). Rabb followed up Chris Carr, who followed the likes of Jay Swillie and Winky White. Who's next?

A list of candidates would certainly include Wilson's CB other half, Brandyn Thompson, who will undoubtedly get some attention this offseason as reigning Fiesta Bowl DMVP. Jeron Johnson and George Iloka may also be in the mix thanks to Chris Carr's historical precedent.

But really, I think the fight for No. 1 won't really be much of a fight at all.

Thanks to an insider tip from reader peteypablo, the safe money has got to be on Titus Young. Sources say that Young is in the market for a new number, statistics say that he is the Broncos' most effective big-play threat, and fans would have to agree that Young would most certainly do the number proud. When jersey changes are announced (most likely before spring practice starts), I expect Young to give up his No. 4 in exchange for his No. 1.

Do you think Young is the Broncos' next No. 1? Anyone else you think might get the number?

What other numbers are up for grabs?

• No. 4 (If Titus Young takes No. 1)
  
• No. 12 retired (HT: MKingery)
  
• No. 14
  
• No. 32
• No. 40
  
• No. 46
• No. 51
• No. 53
• No. 55
• No. 60
• No. 63
• No. 67
• No. 68
• No. 69
• No. 74

The NCAA's uniform rules, if you can call them rules

The anal retentive NCAA plays it uncharacteristically fast and loose when it comes to uniform rules. In general, the following number guidelines are suggested:

• Offensive line: 50-79
• Defensive line: 50-99
• Linebacker: 1-99
• Defensive back: 1-49
• Running back: 1-49
• Wide receivers: 1-49 and 80-89
• Tight ends: 1-49 and 80-99
• Quarterbacks: 1-19
• Kickers: Whatever

Exceptions are so common they can hardly be labeled exceptions any more. What is your favorite number abnormality in the college game? I'm always a big fan of defensive linemen wearing single digits.

The only rules that come into play with jersey numbers are on lineman-eligible plays and duplicate number instances.

Who will wear what in 2010?

There are lots of numbers to choose from for the incoming recruiting class, last year's redshirts and grayshirts, and pretty much any Bronco player anxious to switch up the jersey. What might we see in 2010?

No. 12 and No. 14. Chances are good that new QB Grant Hedrick will take one of these. Will he be the next Jim McMillan (No. 12) or the next Joe Aliotti (No. 14)? (Note: He will be the next Joe Aliotti.)

No. 40. Who will wear Richie Brockel's old No. 40? I would love to see Dan Paul switch to 40 and then have the digits become a Bronco tradition for fullbacks. I'm sentimental like that.

No. 4. Last year, DJ Harper switched from No. 34 to No. 6. Could another RB go the single-digit route in 2010? Perhaps Malcolm Johnson?

Incoming DE recruit Tyrone Crawford could be the player to make the biggest splash from the 2010 class. He wore No. 92 at JC. What do you want to see him wear at Boise State? I think No. 67 would fit him well.

What jersey predictions do you have? Share them in the comments.

What is your favorite jersey number?

Maybe it's one that you had during your starcrossed high school career. Maybe it's a favorite date or address. Maybe it's a lucky number. What jersey number are you partial to?

I wore No. 51 in high school when I played both ways as a center and a linebacker, and I have loved the number dearly ever since. But I haven't had any No. 51 Broncos to root for since Dallas Dobbs. Is incoming LB recruit (and soon-to-be Mormon missionary) Darren Lee destined to be my new favorite player?