Ian Johnson, Boise State Fan's Favorite Son

Ian Johnson is one game from ending his college career with Boise State. The November 28th, 2008 Senior Night was his last game on the Bronco Blue. It was one last game that easily was in the top ten of his college career and one many Bronco Fans will never forget. Ian’s last night on the Blue served as a reminder of what No. 41 meant to Boise State and to Bronco Nation.

Ian burst onto the national seen by tying a Boise State record scoring five touchdowns while rushing for a career-high 240 yards in a Thursday Night ESPN game against the Oregon State Beavers. That game set the wheels in motion for “Ian for Heisman” talk as well as Boise State’s march towards an eventual BCS Bowl birth.

With every run Ian had that night, Bronco Fans were treated to something special. Fans began to get used to those types of runs as Ian finished the season with 1,713 yards and 25 touchdowns. What often gets lost in the 2006-07 season, was Ian had a hernia injury in spring camp.

In addition, the Broncos that year were thin at the running back position as senior RB Brett Denton and Sophomore WR/RB Vinny Perretta were listed behind Ian on the depth chart. Despite his lack of size, previous injuries and lack of depth at his position Ian Johnson the O-Line became the focal point of the Broncos offense.  

However the 2006 season wasn’t without further setbacks as Ian’s family, BSU player & coaches as well as fans learned Ian suffered a collapse lung during the San Jose State game. Ian sat out of the following weeks game against Utah State probably against his wishes.

Ian was back for the final game as the Broncos finished off the regular season undefeated, afterwards Ian was spotted amongst Bronco Nation sporting a sombrero as it became clear Ian had become Bronco Nation’s favorite son. It was only fitting that Ian scored on the Fiesta Bowl’s Final play to give the Broncos their biggest win in school history. Oh and there was the marriage proposal in front of millions. 

As the Broncos headed into the 2007 season, the focus of the fans and media shifted from IJ to the quarterback position. Coach Petersen made an effort to keep his star running back fresh throughout spring and fall camp. Not to mention some freshman running backs were chomping at the bit for playing time.

Clearly, as the season began to play out, Ian just didn’t look the same. Speculation began to swirl as some thought he hadn’t healed from his lung collapsing in the San Jose State game the previous year.

One local sports editor went as far as to blame Ian’s new bride for the lack of yards. To the educated fans and coaches the setback was simply attributed to teams keying in on Ian, making each run more difficult than the next.

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