Rios makes early decision

Marcus Rios had two early offers from Arizona State and Boise State and would have probably picked up a lot more but the Elk Grove (Calif.) Cosumnes Oaks cornerback felt comfortable with the Broncos and decided to make his commitment.

Coach Ryan Gomes said it was a good choice for many reasons but mainly because Rios is comfortable with Boise State's coaching staff, he'll have friends already in the program and Rios has always been a fan of the Broncos.

This was not a snap decision, Gomes said.

"He's a quiet young man and he's known in his heart for a long time that Boise is a great fit for him," Gomes said. "He grew up as a Boise State fan, has trained for a number of years with Brandon Thompson, we go to team camp at Boise State, so he has a great relationship with the coaching staff. He felt like it was a really good fit.

"He didn't make any type of rush decision. It was well thought out. Robert Ash committed this year and he's following in Robert's footsteps and he's really good friends with him so that only helps the situation."

Like many of Boise State's commits, the Broncos could be getting another steal.

Gomes said he believes Rios, a 6-foot, 170-pound cornerback, will pick up many more offers than just the two. Schools from everywhere have inquired about the Cosumnes Oaks star.

"He got Arizona State last week and I'd expect he'll have 15 to 20 offers by this spring," Gomes said. "We're hearing from the Pac-12, Mountain West, WAC, even some SEC and some schools back east.

"He's a 6-foot, 170-pound corner who can really run. When you put on the film, what stand out immediately are his speed and his burst. He separates from kids. He does all the things players with great speed do."

What's also important to remember is that Rios is only 16 years old so there is still a lot of room for maturity and development. Gomes relayed a story from Rios' sophomore season that exemplifies just how special of a recruit Rios can be.

"He couldn't play varsity ball when he was a sophomore until game seven," Gomes said. "He turned 15 and the day after that we move him up and he takes a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown. That just illustrates the explosiveness and the fast twitch that other kids don't have.

"He's developed and he's physically mature even as a 16-year-old kid. It's a testament to his work ethic and the time and work he puts in. He's running track right now and he just placed first in the 100 this past weekend and then goes to the weight room and gets his lift in. He's a great working kid."