Boise State Roster Countdown 2022: Day 0, JL Skinner

It’s been a long ride, but it’s finally over. We’ve reached kickoff! College football is in full bloom, anybody could make the playoffs, and OBNUG is ready to take a long vacation from countdowns after today’s subject — JL Skinner

#0 JL Skinner, Sr, Safety

Boise State University

Stats

Height: 6’ 4”

Weight: 220 lbs (+2)

High School: Point Lima HS, San Diego, CA

How’d he get to the Blue™?

He was a three star recruit per 247Sports and ESPN out of high school and he made it to Boise State by steering clear of a school in his own back yard, San Diego State (also Not A State) and picking the Broncos. He also had offers from Cal, Arizona, Iowa State, Louisville, most of the rest of the Mountain West, and BY-ewwwww.

Nickname

“The Psychologist”

Taking a page from the book of the famed pioneer of Skinner Boxes and operant conditioning, JL has conditioned opposing quarterbacks to throw at not-him, and “reinforced” the fear tailbacks have of running near him by making it painful to do so.

Look-a-like

Taye Diggs with good hair? It’s possible!

Career Highlights

We could write some flowery stuff about his accomplishments, or we could take the easy way out and list his impressive collection of awards and nominations.

• Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List (2022)
• Jim Thorpe Award Watch List (2022)
• Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List (2023)
• All-Mountain West Second Team (2021)
• Preseason All-Mountain West (2022)
• Athlon Preseason All-Mountain West First Team (2022)
• Phil Steele Preseason All-Mountain West First Team (2022)

2021 Prospectus

While he considered going pro after 2021, Skinner decided to come back for one more season with the team.

One of the most highly respected safeties in the country, the sky’s the limit for JL Skinner this season. As a senior leader on the defense, he’s got a guaranteed starting spot, and the coaches will be looking to him to help lead and direct the defense on the field.

With the pro hype from last season carrying over as well, Boise State fans aren’t the only ones looking forward to his performance this fall. The Senior Bowl director has compared him to Kam Chancellor, and NFL draft analysis is already underway.

Is he on Twitter?

You betcha. Apparently a little annoyed with BJ Rains lately?

Completely made up fact

After watching the infamous Willem Dafoe “There Was a Firefight” scene in Boondock Saints, JL listens to a classical music soundtrack before games to balance out the violence.