We've got just 17 days until kickoff, but that number is occupied by the man we highlighted on day 47 (Brandon Brown). Since we're back-filling, here's a newbie for you—Paul Semons
#17, Paul Semons, DT, True Freshman
Stats
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 249 lbs.
High School: Eagle High School, Eagle, ID
How'd he get to The Blue™?
Semons walked up the road a spell and walked-on, but was far from a nobody in the southern Idaho football world. As a senior, Semons was named first team All-SIC and first team all-state after registering 39 tackles (36 solo) and 5 sacks for the Mustangs. As a junior, Semons was a force as well—wrapping up that campaign with 48 tackles (42 solo), 2 sacks and a fumble recovery.
Nickname
"Bearer"
Work it out.
Look-a-like
Buzzcut Beau Martin
Career highlights
Named first team All-SIC and first team all-state as a senior in 2013.
2014 prospectus
In terms of scholarship players, the defensive line is the deepest unit on this years Boise State squad, so Semons chances of seeing the field this year are hovering right in the "slim and none" sweet spot. That said, Semons is a good player and if he chooses to stick with the program, should have every opportunity to make an impact down the road. If you have the opportunity to check out Semons' highlight film below, you'll see that he's an active pass rusher and sure tackler—one who could bounce between the 3-technique and a stand up pass rusher at a moment's notice. Of course, with walk-ons it's always a matter of longevity, as many wash out before becoming key contributors. Being a local kid helps Semons' case in that arena, because he has a better support system in the valley and in-state tuition isn't as big a hurdle if he's not placed on scholarship in the timeliest of fashions.
If Semons wants to follow a prototype for the coveted scholarship, I don't think he necessarily looks at a player like Beau Martin (although he could do worse), but rather tight end Jake Hardee, who was ceremoniously placed on scholarship last week. Hardee grew up watching the Broncos and wanted to be a part of the team come hell or high water. Hardee ingratiated himself to teammates by working his tail off, and eventually the coaches had no choice but to take notice as well. Hard work pays off (or so I'm told), so if Semons simply shows himself to be a student of the game and hard worker, the coaches will take notice and find a role for him. It almost surely won't be in 2014 and it might not even be in 2015...but good things will come to this young man if he's not afraid of putting in the time and effort. Boise State's walk-on legacy is second to none. As a team full of underdogs, we'll always root for these guys...especially if they come from just up the road.
Is he on Twitter?
I know not.
Completely made up fact
Semons chose to walk-on at Boise State because of the proximity of the stadium to Chick-fil-a. Paul likes his chicken spicy.