Boise State notebook: Broncos add JC safety
Boise State has picked up an oral commitment from a junior-college player who might be able to play the safety/linebacker hybrid position that has become a staple this year and turned senior Ellis Powers into an All-WAC first-teamer.
Winston Venable, a 6-foot, 210-pound safety, was an all-conference performer at Glendale (Ariz.) Community College. He also played cornerback, linebacker and punter.
"He is the best defensive player I've coached at Glendale,"
said coach Mickey Bell, who has been with the team for 13 years.
Venable canceled trips to Colorado State and UTEP when he committed last week, Bell said.
Venable is from San Rafael, Calif. He will join the Broncos in January and has three years to play two seasons, Bell said.
PETERSEN A FINALIST
BSU coach Chris Petersen is one of 10 finalists for the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award, along with Mack Brown (Texas), Pat Fitzgerald (Northwestern), Brady Hoke (Ball State), Urban Meyer (Florida), Joe Paterno (Penn State), Nick Saban (Alabama), Bob Stoops (Oklahoma), Jim Tressel (Ohio State) and Kyle Whittingham (Utah). Fans can take part in the voting process beginning Friday at www.coachoftheyear.com
