Boise State numerical roster countdown 2015: Day 51, Ben Weaver

We're nearly through the 50s, proving once again that the countdown is a magic time travel portal to football season. With 51 days left until we dine on Husky, we'll highlight the player that wears #51 on the Boise State roster—Ben Weaver

#51, Ben Weaver, Junior, LB

Stats

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 231 lbs.

High School: Klein High School, Klein, TX

How'd he get to The Blue^TM?

Weaver is a testament to the Broncos increased presence in the state of Texas, and one of 6 from the Lonestar State to sign on with the Broncos with the 2012 class.

Weaver was an all-district performer at Klein High both his junior and senior seasons after racking up a combined 198 tackles (25 for loss), 6 forced fumbles, and an INT. As is customary for student-athletes who dominate prep football in Texas, scholarship offers were aplenty. He chose the Broncos over standing invites from Air Force, Cal, Houston, Louisville, McNeese State, Navy, Texas A&M, Texas State, Texas Tech, and Utah. Weaver, a consensus three-star recruit, became a highly sought-after commodity late in the 2012 recruiting cycle. Luckily, he stuck with his commitment and the rest—as they say—is history.

Nickname

"Dream"

I will never not call him Dream Weaver. Besides, it gives me a reason to post this video—cue trippy intro:

Look-alike

Last year, Jesse brought to my attention that Weaver looked like Mariners catcher Mike Zunino. I think I'm starting to come around to that fact.

Career Highlights

Appeared in 13 games in 2014, with 11 starts. 3rd most tackles on the team in 2014, with 62 (41 solo). Led the Broncos with 89 tackles (51 solo, 38 assisted) while missing a game due to injury as a redshirt frosh in 2013. Named to Athlon's Sports' Freshman All-American Third Team after freshman campaign in 2013. Academic All-MWC in Fall of 2013. Named the Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year as a redshirt in 2012. During his prep career, Weaver earned first-team all-district honors senior and junior seasons.

2015 Prospectus

As a redshirt freshman, Weaver was unquestionably one of the bright spots of the lackluster 2013 campaign. His 89 tackles that year led the team and gave a glimpse into the promise that lay ahead for the LB corps. Last year, however, offseason surgery slowed the big hitter a bit and he was supplanted as the lead tackler and star of the LB unit by Tanner Vallejo. But 2014 wasn't a wash for Weaver...he still rallied and finished the season 3rd on the team in tackles (62) and went on a tear near season's end that signalled he'd rediscovered his form. Just how much did Weaver improve by the end of 2014? Nearly 40% of his tackles on the year came after the regular season had ended—he led all tacklers with 16 stops in the MWC title game and poured in another 8 tackles and a sack in the Fiesta Bowl. So, what's the 2015 outlook with a healthy Ben Weaver lining up alongside Lombardi watch-lister Tanner Vallejo? Well, that depends on your perspective. From an opponents standpoint that's a recipe for pain...for Bronco fans, I'd say gear up because the two juniors (Vallejo did not redshirt) could end up being the best LB tandem we've ever had. In truth, the Bronco front four might be good enough this season that the linebacker tackle numbers decline a bit, but with Marcel Yates dialing up some aggressive schemes, and more of a full-time move to the 4-2-5 base defense, I think the only thing stopping the duo from racking up solo tackles is each other. Good LBs hunt in packs.

Is he on Twitter?

It doesn't look like he caught the bug.

Completely made up fact

Incidents of messing with Texas are up 2000% since Weaver and Armand Nance moved to Boise. Residents enjoy a small respite each year near Christmas and on Spring Break.