John Tate: Not a Diamond in the Rough
Boise State has made a living finding the diamonds in the rough. Taking the lesser known talents and turning them into household names. It’s become a strategy synonymous with the program. Over the past three off seasons however, Boise has taken a different approach. Instead of constantly searching for the hidden talents, go after the obvious ones. That’s the case with John Tate.
Tate is currently ranked anywhere between 3rd and 10th in the state of Arkansas depending on which recruiting site you frequent. The 6’5’’ 280 pound defensive lineman holds an offer from at least one team in the PAC-12, Big 10, and SEC. Boise isn’t trying to land a minnow anymore; they’re trying to land a shark.
Tate says despite his offers from the Power 5’s elite, Boise has really made an impression on him. “I love the way they (Boise) win, and the great coaches they have. They have as good a chance as anyone.”
Tate isn’t the first big name Boise is trying to land out of Arkansas this year. Damarea Crockett, the number three ranked recruit in the state, has already verbally committed to Boise State, and will be accompanying Tate to Boise for their official visit January 15th.
“…He’s always in my ear about it.” Tate said of Damarea trying to lure him to Boise State.
It would be quite the accomplishment for Boise too if you consider four of the top ten Arkansas high school players are committed to the University of Arkansas getting two of them would be quite a trophy for BSU.
This coming weekend will be one of the more important weekends for Boise recruiting in quite a while. With Tate being accompanied by Crockett and Micah Wilson fans could be seeing the future of BSU football on both sides of the ball.
“If I listen to the coaches and what they tell me, I feel like I could make an immediate impact for them.” Tate said. “That’s if I am ready, If I’m not then I will work until I am.”
Tate has three visits planned at this time. Boise January 15th, Memphis January 22nd, and Arizona State January 29th. John says he doesn’t want to rush such an important decision, and when he makes one he wants to feel confident to stand behind it.
“A hard worker and well coached player. I get after it each play and I’m determined” is how Tate humbly described himself as a player. His film demonstrates all of those qualities and more. Boise is gaining a reputation for developing world class defensive line play. Tate very well could be the next iteration of the dominant Bronco linemen.
Boise has a shark on their line, now the hard part, to land him.