Boise State numerical roster countdown 2016: Day 51, Ben Weaver

We're nearly out of the 50s and into a dry martini...with 51 sleeps left until the Bronco season opener, today we'll take a look at #51 on the Boise State roster—Ben Weaver

#51, Ben Weaver, Senior , LB

Stats

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 220 lbs. (-11)

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 love this nickname too much to tamper with it.

Look-alike

Sometimes Seattle Mariner, Mike Zunino

Career Highlights

Appeared in all 13 games for the Broncos in 2015, finishing first on the team with 68 tackles. Earned 3rd Academic All-MWC honor as a junior. 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.

2016 Prospectus

Excuse me while I have a brief sad about the final Ben Weaver season on The Blue. Okay, I think I'm done now but will keep a handkerchief at the ready. Weaver has been a remarkably consistent LB for the Broncos and while he didn't exactly continue the torrid tackle pace he started as a freshman (89), he has gone over the 60-tackle plateau the last two seasons and added sacks and interceptions to his repertoire. For my money, his interception against Air Force was one of the best I've seen from a linebacker at Boise State and his two fumble recoveries a year ago show his nose for the ball has only improved with age.

It would be difficult to guess what kind of production Weaver might have in this, his final season, but it's also difficult to imagine it's not at least as good as his penultimate one. This year, Weaver's slimmer and presumably speedier, and should make the sledding tough for running backs and receivers alike. We were teased a bit in the spring with Vallejo in the nickel spot, and I think the coaches might just hang on to this 4-3ish 4-2-5 alignment. With Weaver and Martarano in the Will and Mike positions, it will allow Vallejo to do his best Winston Venable impersonation. I think Weaver finally gets an All-MWC nod in this, his final season and gets darn close to hitting the 300 tackle plateau for his career. He may not be mentioned in the same breath as some of the Broncos all-time 'backers, but he's exuded toughness throughout his career and I'm sure glad he's with us and not against us.

Is he on Twitter?

Not that I'm aware. Probably not playing Pokemon Go, either.

Completely made up fact

When Weaver is feeling low on energy, he drinks an old Texas home remedy in the locker room. It's two parts cactus juice, one part jalepeño and one part fresh-squeezed armadillo.