BRYAN DOUGLAS, CORNERBACK

Douglas was a surprise starter in the opener and split time with senior returning starter Jerrell Gavins. Douglas has blossomed as a sophomore — first, off the field, by accepting coach Chris Petersen’s challenge to attack the weight room and commit to the classroom; and second, on the field, where he forced a fumble against Michigan State.

Douglas’ reward: the No. 1 jersey, replacing No. 46.

“Coach Pete says our guys that are doing good in academics are our best guys on the field, and it’s true,” Douglas said. “… I want to be one of those guys.”

Douglas has improved his football skills by mimicking Gavins and senior starter Jamar Taylor.

“I’m kind of like their little brother,” he said. “I’m just trying to latch onto them before they get out of here.”

KIRBY MOORE, WIDE RECEIVER

The slot position has developed into a hugely productive spot for the Broncos. Tyler Shoemaker became a star there last year and Moore looks like he could do the same this year.

In the opener, Moore made a team-high six catches for 52 yards. Nobody else had more than two grabs.

“He had a really good fall camp,” Petersen said. “You can tell he’s moving better, he’s quicker. He’s really smart. I think he’s tough. He can catch the ball in seams. I hope he keeps making strides, and I know he will with the type of person he is and how he works and how focused he is.”

Moore also threw an incomplete pass on a trick play against Michigan State. He’s 0-for-2 in his career.

“Throwing the ball is perfectly fine,” he said. “I just need to make sure I find the laces sometimes.”

GREG GRIMES, DEFENSIVE TACKLE

One of the Broncos’ question marks coming into the season was the set of backup defensive tackles, who play a third to a half of the snaps in the Broncos’ rotation.

Grimes, a senior nose tackle who made five tackles, and Darren Koontz, a senior tackle/end who made four, did a nice job against Michigan State.

“Greg Grimes really stood out. ... He made plays. He was physical. He got some good pass rush,” defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski said. “I was pleased.”

Grimes only made 18 tackles in 18 games over the past three seasons.

“This is my last season, so it’s the biggest season for me,” Grimes said. “I’d like to be able to get experience and get known at least for being out there.”