Boise State steals away Byrd

Chris Petersen and Boise State slipped into the Sunshine State and stole away a hidden gem in the form of Dade City (Fla.) Pasco safety Jamie Byrd. The defensive back committed to the Broncos earlier this week.

"I was tired of waiting," Byrd said. "It is a stressful process."

The 6-foot, 180-pound defensive back took an official visit to Boise in mid-December and that is when he was offered. He said his commitment nearly happened immediately upon being offered.

"I just felt it was right," Byrd said. "It was just the big break I had been waiting for. When they offered me, I thought about it then."

The two-star defensive back shared a few more details about his official visit.

"I liked it when I went up there," Byrd said. "I just feel it is the right fit for me. I liked what they have to offer as far as academics and what they are doing on the football field.

"I met all of the coaches," Byrd added. "I also got around the team. They showed me a good time. I just had a real good vibe there."

It was two assistant coaches, including his future position coach, that made the biggest impact upon his decision.

"I really like Coach (Marcel) Yates and Coach (Jeff) Choate," Byrd said. "They keep it real at all times. I was enjoying the process when they were showing me around. I just feel good with them. They showed me the ropes and told me the good things about the program and some of the negative things about the program as well."

When Byrd arrives at Boise State this summer, he expects to start his career working at the strong safety spot.