One of the more exciting young players on the roster comes in at number 80, with Eric McAlister ready to make a splash on the Blue after a productive redshirt freshman season. He marks the 2/10th mark done, and the number 2 happens to show up a few times in McAlister’s season last year: it was his second year in Boise, he started two games, and he caught two touchdowns against the Aggies of Utah State in the regular season finale.

#80, Eric McAlister, RS Sophomore, WR

Stats

Height: 6-4

Weight: 195

High school: Azle HS, Azle TX

How’d he get to The Blue™?

McAlister had a healthy list of offers before he came to the 208. P5 big boys like Nebraska, Utah, Virginia Tech, and Wisconsin all offered McAlister, with a few more like TCU showing interest. He clocked in as a high 3 star recruit, with 247Sports putting him as a top 70 wide receiver in his class and a top 70 player from the Lone Star State.

The Broncos were the last team to offer McAlister, Virginia Tech being his first offer and Utah, Nebraska, and Wisconsin all offering in the months leading up to his senior year. The Broncos swooped in a month after the penultimate offer that came from the Utes in July of 2020, offering McAlister in August of that year. A month later, McAlister committed to the Blue and never looked back.

Nickname

(E)M80

Most of the time, I hate when my neighbors get M80 and blow it up on the Fourth of July. It’s annoying and loud, and doesn’t look cool. In this case though, (E)M80 is a good thing. He is EXPLOSIVE, with elite speed and a good vertical.

Look-alike

Maybe its the eyebrows, but McAlister gives me Yoenis Cespedes vibes. I don’t ever like picking a Mets player for anything, but I think it fits here.

Career Highlights

EM80 grabbed 11 catches last season for 259 yards and four touchdowns. He was the big play specialist, racking up over 23.5 yards per catch last season. He didn’t make a reception until the Air Force game in late October, but really exploded onto the scene after that as TG10’s arm was let loose a bit.

2023 Prospectus

I think this could be a big year for EM80. The Broncos will be DANGEROUS on the ground, and that SHOULD bring the secondary in and allow for EM80 to get some single coverage deep down the field. If I’m a DB, that’s not a situation I want to be in.

Is he on Twitter?

EM80 (@EricMcalister9) is indeed on Twitter. He posts a great mix of BSU highlights, posts of his friends successes, and him giving back to the community, both in Boise and Texas. Worth a follow in my books!

Completely made up fact

The Fire Marshal in Logan still wants to question EM80, as he burned the town of Logan so bad for 2 TDs last year that some said it was arson. In reality, it was just EM80 blowing up coverages per usual.

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