We're just 31 days until kickoff, but that number has yet to be assigned, so today I'll attach it to one of our remaining numberless newbies—Jeremy McNichols
#31, Jeremy McNichols, True Freshman, RB
Stats
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 190 lbs.
High School: Santa Margarita Catholic High School, Santa Margarita, CA
How'd he get to The Blue™?
McNichols almost made a terrible mistake and signed with the Utes, but ultimately came to the blue side after a late January official visit to Boise State. McNichols earned first team all-league, all-region and all-state honors after a stellar senior season where he racked up 989 all-purpose yards and scored 10 TDs. As a junior, McNichols had 366 all-purpose yards and scored 4 TDs and as a sophomore, he had 414 receiving yards and scored 5 TDs. McNichols also held offers from Utah (obviously), Colorado State, and Fresno State.
Nickname
"J-Mac"
Far superior to iMac.
Look-alike
Ken Norton Jr.
Career Highlights
Named first team all-state, all-region, and all-conference as a senior in 2013. First team All-Moore League in 2012. 1,811 career all-purpose yards and 19 TDs.
2014 Prospectus
McNichols is a difficult running back to characterize. His early prep career was spent primarily as a wide receiver, and last season, he was mainly in the backfield...with just a smattering of receiver thrown in. Despite the mixed bag, the Broncos see him as a running back and this is where his position-hopping past will pay dividends, in my humblest of opinions. It's here where McNichols might have more in common with Doug Martin than you may realize. The powerful back already has a build that conjurs memories of a young Muscle Hamster, and with a couple more years in the program could achieve Beast Mode like our dearly departed Dougie. Of course, McNichols' also has Doug's versatility—looking equally comfortable hauling the football and hauling IN footballs. So, without giving McNichols too much of a complex or set expectations too high, I'll just say that every kid that steps off the bus to play for the Broncos has potential. Martin met his...exceeding expections in the process. McNichols, if he works hard and is utilized properly, could have a similar Martin-like potential with the Broncos...and he doesn't have to become a first-round draft pick to realize it.
I think McNichols already has the body of a D1 player, now if he can learn the playbook quickly he's a definite candidate for a redshirt burn. The Broncos depth at RB looks good on paper, but they still lack a true standout as Ajayi's back-up. Devan Demas, Charles Bertoli and Jack Fields will all be putting in work to be "that guy" this year but none has stood out so much that there isn't a glimmer of hope for newbies like McNichols or Cory Young. McNichols could certainly help out along the goal line and I think has the skill set to kick up the short-passing game a notch as well. I'd say J-Mac has about a 40% chance of burning his redshirt as things currently stand, but things change rapidly once the pads go on.
Is he on Twitter?
Cold tub ❄️❄️❄️❄️ pic.twitter.com/YdwUjIxx5d
— JM (@Jaymac_back) July 28, 2014
Indeed...and doesn't skip trap workouts, from the looks of things.
Completely NOT made up fact
McNichols is a big fan of mixed berry fruit snacks. I never could have made something like that up.