Who’s your Bronco?

Who’s your Bronco?

Here in Metro Detroit a constant theme from the Detroit Tigers organization is “Who’s your Tiger?”

Not long ago after hearing this in the millionth commercial for the Tigers it got me thinking who’s my Bronco?. Writing about and doing multi-media works around the Bronco’s I’ve come to appreciate just how much of Boise States football success is truly a team effort.

Now I could spend the next five hours dropping names and giving examples of those that have contributed, but one guy sticks out in my mind. When you think about who’s your Bronco I think you have to first ask what is a Bronco? Is it the player with so much natural skill they shine like a Diamond? Or how about the guy quality racks up huge offensive or defensive stats over their career? Maybe even a player who rarely ever sees the field during games but gives it all in practice if only to help the team?

For me my Bronco does have an advantage over those others and I will say I’m a bit predigesting with whom to me reflects what I believe best represents Bronco Nation.

My Bronco is someone who came to Boise with not a ton of Hype who not only changed which side of the ball he played on but position altogether even after his playing solidly his Freshman year at his original position, and while doing so knew he would be playing his new position in a backup roll. To me that is huge. To go from a position in which you performed well at and offered more of the spot lite to a less acclaimed position that is even harder to stand out at and knowing you will be competing against guys recruited to play that position? I have to say for most players to embrace that, well let’s all put ourselves into the position. Yet this Bronco not only did it he kept his attitude as well. Never the proclaimed starter at the beginning of the year he was always there at the end of the year.

Certainly there has to be something more than just good sportsman ship to be my Bronco , leadership, and quality of play are also of importance and as someone who has spent hours upon hours editing and watching game tape there is one other thing that stands out about My Bronco he just doesn’t make many mistake whether it be assignment or penalties. I challenge anyone to find some video of Charles Hayes getting a false start a holding clipping or otherwise

Charles Hayes is my Bronco dedicated; loyal, leadership, sacrifice and dependability only begin to describe Chuck for me. Boise State records his career as such.

BOISE STATE CAREER
RS JUNIOR (2010): Reserve offensive lineman appeared in nine games for the Broncos.
RS SOPHOMORE (2009): Moved to the offensive line during spring drills…switched back to the defensive line at the beginning of the season…saw time in three games on the defensive line before suffering a season-ending injury…recorded four tackles (one solo) on the season.
RS FRESHMAN (2008): Played in five games…recorded six tackles (one solo) on the season, including 0.5 tackles-for-loss…season-high four against Fresno State. 
FRESHMAN (2007): Redshirt season

By the end of 2011 I’m very sure Chuck played in every game and certainly a key member of the O’line.

To me Chuck embodies what it is to be a Boise State Football player, undervalued over looked with a heart of a championing.  During his career Chuck displayed the self-assurance that corporations look for in future leaders.  I’m sure like all ballers Chuck still holds on to the dream of continue playing and I certainly believe he would be worth giving a shot at the next level, regardless of what happens there if he can get a camp offer or not I will be pulling for Chuck in anything he seeks to do and I know he will do it the Bronco way and find his future successes.

So Who’s your Bronco??