Boise State adds first DB to 2021 class; No fans at games in Albertsons Stadium for now
The Boise State football team added the first defensive back to its 2021 recruiting class on Friday.
Eaglecrest High safety Seyi Oladipo announced his verbal commitment Friday afternoon on Twitter. He’s a three-star recruit and the No. 19 overall prospect in Colorado, according to 247Sports.com.
Hailing from Aurora, Colorado, he’s the third member of the class from the Centennial State, joining slot receiver Kaden Dudley and offensive lineman Cord Kringlen.
Oladipo also has scholarship offers from Kansas, Army, Air Force, Colorado State, Fresno State, Nevada, Utah State and Wyoming, according to 247Sports.
The 5-foot-11, 175-pound safety was a first-team 5A all-state selection last season, and he heads into his senior year with five career interceptions.
Boise State made the secondary a focus of its 2020 recruiting class, signing six defensive backs. The move may pay off sooner than expected this fall after safeties Jordan Happle (Oregon) and D’Andre Pierce (Arizona State) were lost to the transfer portal and Kekoa Nawahine to graduation.
Safety Semaj Verner and nickel Rodney Robinson — both true freshmen — have earned praise from coaches and teammates in recent weeks, and junior college transfer Jonathan Earl (6-2, 190) has the size to play cornerback or safety.
No fans at home games
Boise State reiterated late Friday afternoon that no fans will be permitted at home games in Albertsons Stadium as of now, but that could change.
“Following conversations with local health authorities, Boise State has determined it is in the best interest for the health and safety of our community to forego having fans in Albertsons Stadium for football games at this point in time,” the university said in a statement.
Boise State also said it will “continue to monitor the situation in the Treasure Valley throughout the course of the season.”
Ada County is currently in a modified Stage 3 of the Idaho Rebounds plan, which limits large gatherings to less than 50 people.
Albertsons Stadium can hold more than 36,000 fans, and in September, Boise State Athletic Director Curt Apsey estimated its capacity would be reduced to 25% or 30%.
Fans can have cutouts of them placed in the stadium for $50. Details haven’t been released yet.
Boise State opens the 2020 season Oct. 24 at home against Utah State.
2021 RECRUITING CLASS
LB Jai Jones, 5-11, 230, South Oak Cliff High (Dallas, Texas)
WR Jalen Richmond, 6-0, 175, Chandler (Arizona) High
RB Eli Sanders, 6-0, 190, Chandler (Arizona) High
QB Taylen Green, 6-5, 215, Lewisville (Texas) High
WR Kaden Dudley, 5-11, 190, Palmer Ridge High (Monument, Colorado)
TE Matthew Lauter, 6-4, 222, Torrey Pines High (Encinitas, California)
LB Rejhan Tatum, 6-2, 224, Del City High (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
OT Cord Kringlen, 6-5, 275, Holy Family High (Broomfield, Colorado)
LB Marco Notarainni, 6-3, 195, Torrey Pines High (Encinitas, California)
WR Eric McAllister, 6-3, 180, Azle (Texas) High
OL Joseph Amos, 6-3, 325, Lancaster (Texas) High
OL Mason Randolph, 6-4, 280, Yorba Linda (California) High
OL Jason White, 6-4, 260, Orange Lutheran (Orange, California)
S Seyi Oladipo, 5-11, 175, Eaglecrest High (Centennial, Colorado)
This story was originally published October 9, 2020 at 5:41 PM.
