97 is the only prime number in the 90s. 97 AD was the year that human sacrifice was forbidden throughout the Roman empire. So, now that we’ve gotten the obligatory daily thought about the Roman Empire for the day out of the way, let’s talk about what “97” has to do with Boise State…
#97, Hayden Hanks, Redshirt Freshman, DT
Stats
Height: 6-3
Weight: 280
High school: Thompson Falls High School (Thompson, Montana)
How’d he get to The Blue™?
Hayden was the first commit of the 2024 recruiting class (technically committing in 2023). As a three-star recruit, he chose Boise State over offers from Montana and Montana State. Hayden came from a program that played 8-man football until 2022, when they switched to full 11. At Thompson Falls, he played offensive and defensive line. In 26 games as an O-lineman, he recorded 56 pancake blocks. For some reason, he has no statistics listed anywhere for his junior season. However he compiled impressive numbers in his other two seasons as a starter. As a sophomore, he had 15 tackles, 7 sacks, and 5 TFLs. As a senior, he racked up 33 tackles, 9 sacks, and 13 TFLs. In addition to the three-star ranking, Hayden’s exploits resulted in his ranking as 247Sport’s #2 overall recruit in the state. He was the first FBS player to come from Thompson Falls and holds the school record in bench press, squat, and clean.
You can view his high school highlights here.
Nickname
“Sheriff”
Something about the small town origins, earnest face, and wonderfully alliterative name combine to form a picture of a laconic Montana sheriff. Not to mention the fact that most people wouldn’t be too eager to cause mischief if they had to face this:
Sheriff Hayden Hanks. C’mon. It’s straight out of a novel. Also, picture above notwithstanding, Hayden will be wearing #97. “10-97” in police code means “arrived on the scene”.
Look-alike
Sgt Denver “Bull” Randleman, played by Michael Cudlitz, from the (incredible) HBO mini-series, Band of Brothers.
Career Highlights
As a redshirt last season, he has not yet accumulated any stats at Boise State.
2025 Prospectus
We’ve previously highlighted how deep Boise State is on the defensive line. So, while I see a very bright future for Hayden, I anticipate that his redshirt freshman season will be spent accumulating valuable reps as a special teamer and backup. Next year or the year after though? Look out. The man has some impressive power.
Is he on Twi/X?
He is (@HaydenHanks70). Mostly retweets, but it’s there:
Completely made up fact
During one game, Hayden Hanks hit an offensive lineman so hard that the stadium’s Wi-Fi went out for 12 minutes. Tech support said the impact “reset the router… spiritually.”
Totally get the look-alike.
I agree completely with your assessment. I think he has a bright future with the Broncos. If he works hard and eats his Weaties, college football will not be his final stop.