If you're not a fan of tight ends (please, munson, no Haley Mills comments), you probably haven't been enjoying the countdown much lately. But for those folks— today I have good news: I just saved a bunch of money on car insurance by switching to Geico. People are still doing that joke right?
We've got 85 days until kickoff...so today we'll be taking a look at number 85 on the Bronco roster—Holden Huff
#85 Holden Huff, Freshman, Tight End
Stats
Height: 6-6
Weight: 203
High School: Rocklin (CA)
How'd he get to The Blue?
Huff was a late addition to the Broncos' 2010 recruiting class, verballing on the dotted line just days before official LOI Day. Huff hails from Chase Baker and 2011 commit Jimmy Laughrea's alma mater at Rocklin. Do I smell a pipeline? I must...because Intermountain Gas is parked in front of my house.
Huff was first-team all-conference and all-section at Rocklin High and was named 2009 Conference Playmaker of the Year en route to setting Rocklin records in receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and, presumably, awards. Oh, and he can also jump high...clearing the bar at 6 feet 2 inches while competing for Rocklin. A good quality in a 6'6" tight end, wouldn't you say?
Nickname
"Holden to the Nights"
Here is a man who heeds the promptings of Richard Marx.
Look-a-like
Aliens actor Lance Henrikson
Career highlights
Helped lead Rocklin HS to a Sierra Football League Championship, as well as a Sac-Joaquin Section title.
Career lowlight
Not being important enough to get an official portrait taken. At least call Kiddie Kandids!
2011 prospectus
With the departure of 6'5" Tommy Gallarda, it's nice to know that we've got some more height at the position that's set to rise through the ranks. Unfortunately, Huff isn't presently built like an oak...more like a balsa, so I think he'll need to spend a few more Sundays at Chuck-a-Rama before anyone's too concerned about him coming off the line. That said, Huff displayed athleticism in high school that is uncommon for someone of his stature and I can't wait to see what he can do when he's packed on a few lbs. I count seven TEs currently on the roster, although Hayden Plinke is slated to grayshirt, and walk-on Jake Hardee I only just heard about five minutes ago. That still leaves 5 tight ends on the roster and feasibly only 4 will play this year...and less than that regularly. I do think that Huff will get his turn, but that seems to be at least a year out, unless he's been eating exclusively at Big Jud's and when the roster is updated, he's added the requisite weight to not get snapped in half by a roving linebacker. 6'6" tight ends don't come around that often—much less athletic ones—so I guarantee that Pease will scheme up some good looks for Huff. We're all just going to have to be patient...this year, he'll almost definitely follow up his grayshirt with a redshirt.
Completely made up fact
Huff is the first player named "Holden" to play for the Broncos since the 1938 season, when wingback Holden Malicker roamed the Boise gridiron. Wait for it...you'll get it in a minute.