Linebacker leaves Hawaii to join Boise State football team

Linebacker Tyler Gray chose the coaches he just met over the ones he didn?t know.

Gray, a high school star who signed with Hawaii in February but grayshirted during the fall semester, committed to the Boise State football team Thursday ? a day before he was scheduled to fly to Hawaii and join the Warriors.

Hawaii changed coaches last month, which opened the door to other suitors.

Boise State contacted Gray for the first time Wednesday. The 6-foot-3, 225-pounder is from Templeton (Calif.) High.

"With all of Hawaii's coaches leaving, I didn't really know anybody that was there anymore. So we decided to go with Boise State," Gray told his local TV station, KSBY. "I feel very lucky that all of this, not just Boise State, but this whole thing happened. It's just the cherry on top I guess."

Gray was an all-state linebacker and productive running back at Templeton. He graduated last spring. As a senior, he made 143 tackles and five sacks and rushed for nearly 1,600 yards and 25 touchdowns.

John Spells, who is Gray?s speed coach and helps small-town athletes with the recruiting process, said he had been trying to get Boise State to recruit Gray for a couple years. The Broncos called out of the blue Wednesday, he said.

Gray has gained more than 20 pounds since his high school career ended a year ago.

?He?s a monster,? Spells said. ?He was born to be a linebacker.?

MCCLELLIN TO COMBINE

Former Boise State defensive end Shea McClellin of Marsing High has received an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine, he said. He joins quarterback Kellen Moore, safety George Iloka and offensive tackle Nate Potter on the list of confirmed combine invitees.

McClellin also has received an invitation to play in the East-West Shrine Game. However, he remains hopeful that he?ll get an invite from the more prestigious Senior Bowl.

EAGLE HIGH KICKER COMMITS TO VANDALS

Jace Johnson gave the verbal commitment Thursday.

The 6-foot, 195-pound senior wrapped up his high school career with a second consecutive appearance on the All-Idaho first team as a kicker.

Johnson made 56-of-57 point-after tries and 7-of-9 field goals ? including a long of 39 yards ? for the state runner-up Mustangs. Eighty-eight percent of Johnson's kickoffs went for touchbacks.

?We all know that Jace has been blessed with a terrific leg, great determination and a high level of confidence,? Eagle coach Paul Peterson said. ?I think he has the characteristics that bode well for having a successful kicking career.?

Johnson said he will likely grayshirt and join the team in 2013.

?It just seemed right. I liked the coaches and everything about Idaho,? Johnson said.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/IdahostatesmancomSports/~3/YpzVxWEaAgc/linebacker-leaves-hawaii-for-bsu.html

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