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Boise State football player Doug Martin is switching to defense to get some playing time at nickelback and the first thought that comes to mind is: What the ... ?
Remember the reports out of past Broncos' practices that no one could stop this guy as a running back on the scout team?
Remember how there were whispers that this guy, as a true freshman, had as much potential as Ian Johnson - maybe more?
And now Boise State fans are supposed to believe that he is best suited for, uh, defense?
Well, yes they should.
Sort of.
There is no doubt that the coaching staff deserves the benefit of the doubt. Last I checked, they have a fairly strong history of knowing how to manage a football team.
Case in point: Legedu Naanee.
He was recruited as a quarterback, and resisted the idea of playing any other position. Finally, after continually being asked by coaches, he relented and moved to wide receiver.
And now? Well, he's a wide receiver in the NFL, playing for the San Diego Chargers.
This isn't to say Martin is on his way to playing nickelback in the NFL.
Only this: It's obviously wise to keep an open mind when Boise State coaches decide to give players a shot at new positions.
And by the way, as good as Korey Hall was at linebacker at Boise State, he's now making a nice living as a fullback with the Green Bay Packers.
Wacky game, this football.
Idaho Statesman reporter Chris Langrill can be reached clangrill@idahostatesman.com
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