For the first time since 2004, the Boise State football team doesn’t feature the small-town, big-time lefty (Kellen Moore) with the ah-shucks approach to success or the crocheting, proposing running back (Ian Johnson) whose No. 41 jerseys remain popular game-day attire.
Nor do the Broncos have the homegrown stars of the early 2000s — the walk-on running back (Brock Forsey) who chased the college football record for touchdowns or the gritty linebacker (Korey Hall) who led the rise of the Boise State defense.
That begs the question: Who is this team’s star?
There isn’t an obvious, standalone choice — but here are a few ways to decide.
PERFORMANCE
Six candidates emerge: senior tailback D.J. Harper (828 yards from scrimmage, 11 TDs), sophomore wide receiver Matt Miller (42 catches, 435 yards, two TDs), senior linebacker J.C. Percy (70 tackles), senior cornerback Jamar Taylor (40 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, three forced fumbles), sophomore defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles) and senior defensive tackle Mike Atkinson (36 tackles, two forced fumbles, interception for TD).
JERSEY SALES
The hottest seller this year is No. 7, which belongs to Harper — a sixth-year senior who ranks fifth in school history with 34 career rushing touchdowns.
POPULARITY
We used Facebook, Twitter and our weekly college football chat at IdahoStatesman.com to poll fans. The winner in all three venues: Matt Miller.
The unassuming product of Helena, Mont., recoiled at the idea of being the team’s star.
“I don’t get noticed much,” he said. “I’m a pretty average guy. I love it that way.”
Miller received 54 of 180 votes (30 percent) on Facebook, 35 percent in the live chat and eight of 24 (33 percent) on Twitter.
Harper, Atkinson and redshirt freshman tailback Jay Ajayi also received strong support.
Chadd Cripe: 377-6398, Twitter: @IDS_BroncoBeat
