Each week, a beat writer from the opponent’s campus newspaper will give his or her take on the day’s matchup against the Ducks. This week: Boise State.
Great talent that flies under the radar is nothing new for Boise State football. Players who could make an impact early in their collegiate careers are often put aside so others can make a mark on recent Bronco history. For example, Lee Marks overshadowed Ian Johnson during his freshman season.
The same could be said with Brad Lau and Richie Brockel. But some decide to display their full intensity early on when given the chance.
Enter Aaron Tevis.
Tevis showed why he earned the Work Horse Award as a freshman. His first showing against Idaho State brought two sacks for a loss of 24 yards, eight tackles and a blocked pass.
“I am definitely looking to get in there and make an impact for the defense,” Tevis said.
His presence was clear to his high school coach, Pat Nugent.
“When Aaron stepped on the field, he was full speed,” Nugent said.
Tevis and Nugent both recounted their best high school memory – coincidently, it was the same play of the same game. “We were playing our rival team,” Tevis said. “We were down by one touchdown. They were going for a field goal. I jump over and blocked that. Then we went down the field and I scored a touchdown.”
“We were down one point and decided to go for two,” Nugent said. “We sent Aaron on a fade and he caught the ball behind the defender’s back with the guy still on top of him with 11 seconds to go.” This incident occurred early in his career at Canyon Del Oro High School in Tucson, Ariz.
“As a sophomore he was able to make an impact,” Nugent said. “Aaron has a lot of highlights.”
“He has helped to boost the program that we have here. The guys watch Saturday football and dream about playing at the collegiate level,” he said.
Tevis was exposed to Boise State during the 2006-07 Fiesta Bowl, one of the most heralded college football games of all time. It was held just down the road from Tucson in the University of Phoenix Stadium. “Everybody jumped on the BSU bandwagon,” Nugent said.
Tevis is looking forward to multiple games where his family will get to come watch him as a collegiate athlete. “My high school coach and family are coming out for the New Mexico State game,” Tevis said. “My mom has already been up. My dad and my stepmom will be up for this game.”
Tevis looks forward to playing the University of Oregon Ducks at Autzen Saturday.
“Playing in their stadium is just going to be a great atmosphere,” Tevis said. “I am excited to see how we will do.” He also mentioned the mental state of entering such an atmosphere. “You’ve got to put that in the back of your mind and play hard. That is what we are going to do.”