Boise State football notebook: Broncos dismiss Lucero from team
Tight end David Lucero pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery last month. He was arrested on a felony charge of attempted strangulation in November in an incident involving a female student-athlete. They were in a dating relationship.
“This type of behavior does not align with the core values of the athletic department at Boise State,” Athletic Director Curt Apsey said in a statement Tuesday, announcing the dismissal.
Lucero received a withheld judgment as part of a plea deal, which means the conviction could be dismissed after two years of probation. He was sentenced to two days in jail, fined $357.50, ordered to attend 32 hours of anger management classes and ordered to attend 32 hours of alcohol/DUI education.
Lucero was suspended indefinitely after his arrest Nov. 17 but had hoped to return after the plea deal. A redshirt freshman, he appeared in nine games this past season. He had four catches for 63 yards as the fifth man in the tight end rotation.
AMBROSE OFFICIALLY JOINS STAFF
Former NFL All-Pro defensive back Ashley Ambrose was officially announced as the new defensive backs coach Tuesday.
Ambrose replaces Julius Brown, who was let go earlier this month after two seasons on the staff. Ambrose played 13 seasons in the NFL for four teams from 1992-2004, logging 42 interceptions and was named to the All-Pro team in 1996.
He spent 2015 as Texas State’s cornerbacks coach and 2014 as Idaho’s defensive backs coach. He was an intern with the New Orleans Saints in 2013, before that spending 2011-12 as Cal’s defensive backs coach and served three different roles at Colorado from 2008-10.
His impending hire was reported by the Idaho Statesman last week.
“For our staff we are always looking for smart and driven coaches, and Ashley brings each of those things to our program,” head coach Bryan Harsin said in a statement. “Anyone that plays 13 years in the NFL is in a very unique fraternity and has to be ultra-competitive, driven and know the ins and outs of playing at a high level.
“All you need is about five minutes with Ashley and you discover his passion for the game. It’s why he decided to go into coaching when his playing career ended: it was an opportunity to mentor and teach the game of football and be a positive influence on young players. His fit within our staff is perfect and we’re excited to have him as part of the Bronco family.”
In the same statement, Ambrose said: “Boise State is one of those programs you are immediately attracted to as a coach because of the long-term success and a culture of excellence. I can’t thank Coach Harsin and his staff enough for this opportunity, and I am excited to get going right now.
“After retiring from the NFL it didn’t take me long to realize how much I still wanted to be a part of the game, and that drove me into coaching. I want to give back to young players so much of what this game taught me both on the field and off. That desire to compete and to work hard every day to get better is my mentality and I can’t wait to share that with our Bronco players.”
On Monday, linebackers coach Andy Avalos was promoted to defensive coordinator. The Broncos are still seeking his replacement, along with an offensive coordinator.
A BEAVER BECOMES A BRONCO
Boise State has swiped a tight end commit from Oregon State for the second straight year.
John Bates of Lebanon, Ore., who grew up a Boise State fan in Nyssa, Ore., announced his commitment late Monday night. He had committed to Oregon State in July.
“After discussing things with my parents and (Oregon State coach Gary Andersen), I have decided to decommit from Oregon State at this time and have decided to commit to Boise State University,” Bates posted on Twitter. “I would like to thank Coach Andersen and all the coaching staff at OSU for everything they have done for me along this journey and wish them all the best in their future.”
Bates could be a bit of a project with high upside. He was 6-foot-6, 210 pounds entering his senior year. He was a standout in track and field, where he won 5A state titles in the 100-meter hurdles and javelin and finished second in the triple jump last spring.
Last year, tight end Matt Pistone flipped from Oregon State to Boise State.
BOISE STATE’S 2016 RECRUITING CLASS
Signed letter of intent, joined team this month
▪ OL Will Adams, 6-7, 303, Sr., Auburn (Tyrone, Ga.)
▪ WR Cedrick Wilson Jr., 6-3, 190, Jr., Coffeyville CC (Memphis, Tenn.)
▪ OL Kole Bailey, 6-5, 285, Fr., Twin Falls High
▪ LB Tyson Maeva, 6-0, 230, Cathedral Catholic High (San Diego)
Expected to sign Feb. 3
▪ QB Micah Wilson, 6-3, 205, Lincoln Christian School (Tulsa, Okla.)
▪ DL Chase Hatada, 6-3, 260, Rocklin (Calif.) High
▪ CB Robert Lewis, 5-10, 170, Augustus Hawkins High (Los Angeles)
▪ RB Robert Mahone, 6-0, 200, Prosper (Texas) High
▪ WR Julian Carter, 6-2, 175, Saguaro High (Scottsdale, Ariz.)
▪ OL Ezra Cleveland, 6-6, 270, Bethel High (Spanaway, Wash.)
▪ CB Reid Harrison-Ducros, 5-11, 175, Heritage High (Colleyville, Texas)
▪ LB/S Desmond Williams, 6-0, 190, Centennial High (Corona, Calif.)
▪ RB Damarea Crockett, 5-11, 211, Little Rock (Ark.) Christian
▪ TE Nick Crabtree, 6-6, 250, Huntington Beach (Calif.) High
▪ LB Ali'i Niumatalolo, 6-2, 225, Broadneck HS (Annapolis, Md.)
▪ DE Derriyon Shaw, 6-4, 225, Legacy High (Las Vegas)
▪ K/P Joel Velazquez, 6-1, 225, Trabuco Hills High (Mission Viejo, Calif.)
▪ DT Danielson Auelua, 6-2, 285, Mesa CC (Alpine, Utah)
▪ DB De'Andre Pierce, 5-11, 175, Long Beach Poly HS (Palos Verdes, Calif.)
▪ TE John Bates, 6-6, 215, Lebanon (Ore.) HS
Note: Boise State is believed to have at least two more commitments who haven’t publicly announced their decisions.
This story was originally published January 19, 2016 at 10:43 PM with the headline "Boise State football notebook: Broncos dismiss Lucero from team."