We've got just 91 days until kickoff in Atlanta (there will be Chick-Fil-A sandwiches, I'm told), so today we'll highlight a newcomer that could wear the #91 jersey this year—David Lucero
#91, David Lucero, True Freshman, TE
Stats
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 220 lbs.
High School: Holtville High School, Holtville, CA
How'd he get to The Blue™?
Lucero dominated the gridiron in tiny Holtville, CA—a town closer to Mexico than any other major California city. Lucero racked up 636 receiving yards as a junior and followed that up with a strong senior campaign, finishing with 819 receiving yards and 11 TDs. Further highlighting the glory of small school football, Lucero played DB (yes, a 6'5" DB) and was pretty darn good at it, racking up 117 tackles and 6 INTs in his 3 years of varsity ball. Lucero was named San Diego Section All-Manzanita League First Team on both offense and defense as a junior and a senior. Lucero was rated a 3-star by Scout.com and the 52nd ranked prospect at his position—247sports had him ranked 27th. Lucero held offers from Nevada, UTEP and Montana State.
Nickname
"Bright Star"
I'm a bit rusty on my Español, but I believe this is the literal translation of "Lucero". Works for me.
Look-a-like
Skinny rock
Career Highlights
San Diego Section All-Manzanita League First Teamer on offense and defense as a senior in 2013. San Diego Section All-Manzanita League First Teamer on offense and defense as a junior in 2012.
2014 Prospectus
If you're sick of talking about tight ends and defensive ends (any ends, really), well tough, because that's what the roster is delivering right now, so take your medicine! David Lucero is an intriguing prospect for the Broncos, and one whose signing would've gladdened our hearts even if we hadn't also added 4-star Chase Blakley late in the recruiting cycle. Lucero is already a large human, and one whose frame could easily support plenty more weight (we're talking 20–40 lbs) without negatively impacting his arches speed. He's already a physical runner after the catch, and another 20 lbs would make him an imposing pass-catcher in the middle of the field or on the goal line. I really think Lucero has the frame and the upside to be a major 4-year contributor for the Broncos, but given the state of the position, can afford to take a redshirt. Even Blakley, the highly-touted Northern Idaho playmaker could feasibly sit this season out, but if he or Lucero show themselves to be the most attractive targets, one or both could play (although with 8 TEs on the roster, it's not likely). I see Lucero developing into kind of a cross between Holden Huff and Connor Peters, which last time I checked, is EXACTLY the kind of tight end we want roaming The Blue. My money is firmly on a redshirt, but Fall Camp will tell. Here's what ESPN had to say about Lucero and then enjoy some highlights of him wrecking hapless defenders.
Lucero possesses a rare blend of height and size for the tight end position. Shows strength after the catch as a runner to get through arm tackles. Is a straight-line runner with deceptive speed for his length.
Is he on Twitter?
Indeed he is.
Can I get a go broncos!!!!! #ATF
— David Lucero (@lucerodavid81) February 7, 2014
Completely made up fact
The 6'5" Lucero got so sick of people asking him, "how's the weather up there?" that he now walks around shouting the daily forecast wherever he goes.