Today is small school day in the draft

Yesterdays drafting belong toe the big named schools with the big named talent. Today belongs to the smaller schools with talented players that are lesser known. I am not saying they are lesser talent, just not as well known is all, and today is their draft day.

The only two that I am following are Ian Johnson and of Boise State, my team of over 40 years.

Ian was a Heisman candidate in 2006 turning in his best and first season as a BSU starter. He made runs up the middle that left you wondering how he did it.

During 2006 he had runs against both Oregon State and Hawaii that should not have gained a yard but he not only turned them into long gainers but scored as well, against OSU 5 times.

Against The San Jose Spartans he played with a collapsed lung and still made a big difference in the game.

The 2006 Fiesta Bowl was his crowing achievement against the Oklahoma Sooners and Adrien Peterson. Not only did he out gain A.D. he scored the winning two point conversion in over time and got national publicity for proposing to his wife to be on national television.

2007 should have been a banner season after his break out of 2006 but it was not. He was not the same running back nor was his offensive line as good as the 2006 team. During the final regular season game against Hawaii he showed some of his former self in a 58 yard touchdown run that was vintage IJ bouncing outside breaking tackles head down and running for the paint.

Last season he shared time with other running backs and was often a decoy. He learned and homed blocking skills as well as receiving skills. He played kickoff returns and was on the punt blocking team.

From being the star running back he selflessly learned his role as an all purpose player. He always put the team first and in the process against TCU in the Poinsettia Bowl broke Marshal Faulk's WAC touchdown record.

Ian will be a last round draft at best and I sure hope he makes it. The guy plays with heart and passion for the game, he is selfless, always putting the team first.

Good luck to you Ian, Boise State will miss you, always be grateful you played here and be a better team because of you. thanks IJ for all you did.