2008 Woodie Awards
BSU football engages in transformation
Jake Garcin
Issue date: 3/15/07 Section: Sports
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Monday, March 12, BSU began the first day of spring football practice.
At this time the team is comprised of returning players, red-shirts, grey-shirts and even some walk-on prospects.
Over the next month, the Broncos will work out and begin competition for some of the open spots in next year’s starting lineup.
“I think it’s huge,” BSU quarterback Bush Hamdan said about the importance of spring practice. “It’s the first opportunity for a new guy to step in and establish yourself.”
Hamdan is in the middle of the new race for the starting quarterback position, which opened up after the conclusion of three-year starter Jared Zabransky’s career.
Hamden is considered to be in heavy competition with Taylor Tharp, Nick Lomax and Michael Coughlin for the starting job.
“I don’t see it as anything other than the best guy will play,” Lomax said Monday before practice. “This year offers a fresh new start and I’m excited to get out there.”
All four quarterbacks will have plenty of opportunity to work on separating themselves from the pack with two spring scrimmages prior to the annual Spring Game, Friday, April 13.
The players will receive a week off over spring break, but will return for another full two weeks of practice after that.
“People think there’s an off-season but there isn’t,” Lomax said.
“I’ve just been trying to keep my skills up going into spring ball.”
Not everyone was actively working out in Monday’s drill session, however, as some players had scheduling conflicts with class. Star running back Ian Johnson was in Bronco Stadium but did not participate in at least the first half of Monday’s practice.
Johnson did say his body is fully rested from the grueling 2006 season, although his cardio isn’t quite back to where he would like it to be.
“That’s just me,” Johnson said. “I’ve been lackadaisical in that aspect. I have standards for myself. I don’t want to ever get tired. I could definitely be more fit in my eyes because I have such high standards.”
Johnson did acknowledge he has gained a new understanding for the importance of off-season training after experiencing an entire season as the feature back in the BSU offense.
Last spring Johnson was still trying to separate himself as the No. 1 running back in the program.
This year he is trying to maintain his edge on the competition.
“There are definitely a few more people who know who we are,” Johnson said. “I understand how important the spring is as a stepping stone towards getting ready for the season.”
Johnson said he is trying to put on enough weight to crack the 200-pound mark by next season.
He said he’s currently weighing around 197 pounds, but feels a little more weight could help him absorb punishment for another full season.
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