:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69781364/1167094316.jpg.0.jpg)
Look, I’m currently on vacation for the first time in two years, and I might be slacking on countdown duties because I barely know what day it is. That said, the helpful staff here at OBNUG keep each other in line, and despite the Homefield hype (we’re gonna be so broke this weekend), somebody remember to ping me about today’s countdown, #7, Ezekiel Noa.
#7, Ezekiel Noa, RS Senior, MLB
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22808063/NoaEzekiel_2021Web.jpg)
Stats
Height: 5’ 11”
Weight: 240 lbs (+1 lbs)
High School: Helix High School, La Mesa, CA
How’d he get to the Blue™?
Zeke was a 3-star prospect out of Helix sporting offers from Colorado, Wisconsin, Washington State and San Diego State. He made the correct decision and passed on all of them.
Nickname
“Zeke”
Don’t mess with what works.
Look-a-like
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22808062/Michael_Pe_a.jpg)
Michael Pena? Our sources say “maybe”
Career Highlights
After suffering a torn ACL in 2019, Zeke made his comeback in the crazy 2020 season. One of the team leaders on defense, he started every game, and gave it his best shot, gaining a All-Mountain West honorable mention. Despite the Covid-shortened season, Zeke easily eclipsed his previous high mark for tackles.
Some preseason awards:
- Phil Steele Preseason All-Mountain West Third Team (2021)
- Athlon Preseason All-Mountain West Fourth Team (2021)
2021 Prospectus
After his injury-shortened 2019 and Covid-shortened 2020, Zeke feels primed to have his coming out party in 2021. When he’s available, he’s been a consistent rock on defense, and representative of the Bronco lineage of hard-hitting linebackers who are also leaders on the team.
With Spencer Danielson and Frank Maile working on the defense, returning starters like Noa are laying the groundwork for a unit rumored to be so good that they might be deserving of a nickname.
Asked #BoiseState OC Tim Plough who's a guy on defense driving him crazy right now
— Will Hall (@WillHallKTVB) August 17, 2021
"Oh God, take your pick... I'm just done with the defense. I don't want to see them"
Added going up against Coach Danielson's unit everyday is making the offense a much better unit
Is he on Twitter?
Yes.
06012017 THANK U LORD because without you none of this would be possible #AG2G pic.twitter.com/6MHVAafqxn
— Ezekiel Noa (@zekenoa7) June 9, 2017
Completely made up fact
While in recovery for his ACL tear, Noa took up the ancient Chinese game of Go, and has become quite proficient at it. Not only does he apply the “game of surrounding” on the game board, he’s taken the mindset to his swarming defense.