Numerical Roster Countdown 2013: Day 43, Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe

I'm sure you're wondering how a defensive tackle get all the way down here. Me too.

We've got 43 days until kickoff...so today we'll highlight #43 on the Boise State roster—Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe

#43, Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe, Senior, DT

Stats

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 303 lbs.

High School: Boise High School, Boise, ID

How'd he get to The Blue™?

Tjong-A-Tjoe is one more Bronco that comes to the program locally, but by way of the Netherlands. Tjong-A-Tjoe played just one season of American football in the states, for Boise High, but made quite an impact as he was named first-team all-conference and first-team all-state. Tjong-A-Tjoe (pronounced, we're told, "Chong-Ah-Choo") recorded 35 tackles in his single season with the Braves, including nine tackles for loss. Ricky also recorded 6 quarterback hurries, 2 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries for the red and white. Because of Tjong-A-Tjoe's scant time in the states, recruiting services all but overlooked him...with Scout.com giving him a token 2-star rating despite the fact that the raw talent was offered by Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, San José State, and Idaho State. Tjong-A-Tjoe made several late visits right before signing day to Eugene and Pullman, but his last stop, back home in Boise, was the one that sealed the deal for the big Dutchman.

Nickname

"Tjoo Tjoo Train"

All aboard!

Look-a-like

This highly-skeptical looking fellow that I found on the side of Bronco Stadium

Career highlights

Played in 12 games for the Broncos in 2012, including 11 starts. Played in 7 games for the Broncos in 2011, making 15 tackles and 2 sacks. Played in 12 games as redshirt freshman. First team all-state and all-conference as a senior at Boise High.

2013 prospectus

Last season, the Broncos finally got a full year out of Tjong-A-Tjoe...and it was a good one. Tjong-A-Tjoe had a career year in 2012, producing 37 tackles (4.5 for loss) and 2.5 sacks as well as 2 fumble recoveries. We'll need him to play every bit as well this year (or better), because this year—he is IT. Now, I don't say/type this meaning that we have no other DTs...we do, but Tjong-A-Tjoe is the unquestioned leader of the group this season and will need to not only perform at Chris Petersen's mythical "high level" all year long, but he'll need to coach up and mentor the other DTs as well, because behind him, there is precious little experience (although there's loads of talent). Tyler Horn looks destined to move back to the outside after a short stint at DT last season, so TRUE soph Armand Nance is the only other tackle with any kind of game experience with the Broncos. Enter Deuce Mataele, a JC-transfer who impressed this Spring and redshirt Elliot Hoyte who has a solid year with the squad under his belt. They'll be joined in Fall Camp by another JC-transfer, Justin Taimatuia, and Nick Terry, a true freshman. As you can see...the depth concerns are diminishing, but that experience factor is still the elephant in the room. Tjong-A-Tjoe needs to be healthy and he needs to be ready come August 31, because as he goes...so goes the core of the D-line. Frankly, I think Ricky is more than up to the task. He made great strides last year and, as evidenced by his mug being plastered on the side of Bronco Stadium, has gained the trust of the coaching staff. When Fall Camp starts next month, his number one task is to make those around him better—I feel like he should be good to go.

Completely made up fact

To make Bronco Stadium a more family-friendly atmosphere, this year during player introductions they'll announce that Tjong-A-Tjoe hails from "Amsterdang"