08/08/2006 — Boise State defensive backs coach Marcel Yates immediately set a goal of establishing a more physical presence at safety when he took over the entire secondary after last season.
Yates, the cornerbacks coach on the previous coaching staff, was tired of watching the Broncos allow 300-yard passing games while stuffing the run.
So far in fall camp, the new approach looks promising. Safeties Gerald Alexander and Marty Tadman frequently have been in position to put big hits on teammates, but have let up because it’s practice.
Tadman says coaches told him to yell, “Bam!” when he could make a big hit, rather than drilling someone like starting quarterback Jared Zabransky.
Tadman explains more about the new defensive structure — and what an “apple sauce shot” is — right now in Bronco Voices.
•••
In Wednesday’s edition of the Idaho Statesman, read about the three men working on the blue turf this summer who have started a combined total of 65 games at center for the Broncos — and how that experience might pay off this season.
They are tight ends coach Scott Huff, offensive graduate assistant Klayton Adams and junior center Jeff Cavender.
•••
The Broncos’ only true practice today is in the afternoon heat. They take the field at 4 p.m.
The Broncos, who went through their first two-a-days session Monday, had a walk-through this morning. The walk-through is a practice without pads or a football, so players go through the motions of plays. The walk-through is used to review what players already learned.
The walk-through is a result of NCAA rules that don’t allow teams to practice twice on consecutive days.
The first scrimmage, by the way, is at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Bronco Stadium. It is open to the public. The scrimmage portion of practice will start at about 7:15 p.m.
•••
Walk-on linebacker Zac McNally, a redshirt freshman from Brentwood, Calif., has left the team.
•••
USA Today gave new Vandals coach Dennis Erickson a big splash. The story is online at: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/wac/2006-08-07-cover-erickson_x.htm
•••
Today’s links:
Find out who Hawaii's 'King' is: http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060808/SPORTS0201/608080336/1032/SPORTS
Utah QB could have been Oklahoma's QB: http://www.sltrib.com/sports/ci_4149824
La. Tech is counting on newcomers: http://www.thenewsstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060808/SPORTS/608080340/1006
NMSU player didn't enjoy media day in Boise: http://www.lcsun-news.com/sports/ci_4149330
Five questions for Fresno State to answer: http://www.fresnobee.com/sports/bulldogs/story/12560687p-13271668c.html
