Seniors prepare for final game on the Blue

By Tate Castleton The Arbiter

November 15, 2007

Boise, ID (CSTV U-WIRE) -- The 2007 Boise State football senior class are a special collection of individuals, unique in their own way. Each of them have helped the Broncos become one of the most dominant football teams in the country over the past four years and each will leave an indelible impression on the BSU football program.

Four years ago senior Marty Tadman left Mission Viejo, Calif. to come to Boise State and has since evolved into a preseason All-American and one of the greatest safeties in Bronco history.

After a turbulent childhood beset by drugs and crime, Tadman's misfortunes were overcome when he discovered his faith in God and a talent for playing football. "This place will always be special to me," Tadman said. "Being able to get out there, play on the field with my teammates and represent the Broncos is just awesome. All I want to do is just keep on playing."

That may not be possible for Tadman and the rest of his senior teammates, but they have played a pivotal role in helping the Broncos go 22-1 over the course of two seasons, including last season's historic 43-42 overtime win over Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl.

"Our seniors are such a special group of guys who've done so much for this team," BSU head coach Chris Petersen said. "You can't replace guys like them. They are such an important part of what we do here and we will miss them when it's time for them to go."

With 18 seniors on the roster, the coaching staff will have their work cut out for them as they try to fill voids that will no doubt be gaping in

the roster.

Meanwhile, another senior that has made a lasting impact on the program is corner back Ia Falo, who at just 5-foot-7 and a 165 pounds is the most unlikely of success stories. Falo has been an intricate part of the Broncos' special teams and a stand-up leader during his time on the field.

"We can't say enough about Ia," Petersen said. "He is a huge part of this team and what we do here. He's all over the field and always making plays."

Senior quarterback Taylor Tharp has become one of the most accurate passers in BSU history, and has silenced critics who questioned his ability to follow in the footsteps of Jared Zabransky, prior to the start of the season by putting together a fantastic season throwing for 23 touchdowns and just eight interceptions.

"It's all about what we do as a team," Tharp said. "The seniors play a big part in that, but this is a team and everybody contributes to our success."

Tight ends Ryan Putnam and Sherm Blaser have been regular targets for Tharp throughout the season and have done well replacing Derek Schouman, who helped the Broncos knock off Oklahoma last January in Glendale, Ariz.

For several years now BSU has been known for their dominance along the offensive line, and it's seniors, center Jeff Cavender, guard Tad Miller and tackle Dan Gore who have helped bring that to pass.

Nick Schlekeway, Sione Tavake, Ian Smart and Jeff Lowe have anchored a tough defensive line that continues to improve and hold teams to less than 16 points per game this season.

"All of our guys, especially our seniors, have such great character," Petersen said. "They know how to play football really well, and they know how to win. Guys like that don't come along everyday."

The Broncos are on course to win their sixth consecutive Western Athletic Conference championship and have an outside chance at another berth in a BCS bowl game if they run the table, and it's all been made possible by a talented group of experienced seniors.

"We know what we're capable of doing," Schlekeway said. "This is a talented team with a lot of seniors who have been there before. It's up to us how far we go."

6 Rashaun ScottCB5-10197Henderson, Nv. 10Taylor TharpQB6-2206Boulder, Colo. 13Mike AltieriLB5-11224Vista, Calif. 20Marty TadmanS5-11185Mission Viejo, Calif. 26Ia FaloCB5-7165Mountain Home, Id. 30Michael LoseFB5-10229Sacramento, Calif. 37Austin SmithS5-9173San Bernardino, Calif. 39Ryan PutnamTE6-2248Chino, HS 54Jeff CavenderC6-2287Elko, NV. 56Josh BeanLB6-2229Calgary, Alberta, Canada 61Jeff BiedermannOG6-3293Gilbert, Ariz. 64Pete CavenderOG6-2293Elko, NV. 66Tad MillerOG6-4296Boise, Id. 75Dan GoreOT6-5296Prosser, Wash. 86Sherm BlaserTE6-3240Meridian, Id. 90Ian SmartDT6-3277Garden Grove, Calif. 95Sione TavakeDT6-1300Salt Lake City, UT. 97Nick SchlekewayDE6-4262Eagle, Id.