The Idaho State Journal in Pocatello published an article Wednesday about a trio of former Boise State football players-- two of whom played their prep ball in Idaho-- who have transferred to Idaho State.
Defensive back Keith McGowan, running back Stew Tracy, and tight end Jordan Hill have all made the trip down I-84 from the Capital City to the Gate City, hardly the first time that route has been travelled (starting safety Rashaad Richards last season would be one example).
Tracy (Bishop Kelly) and Hill (Blackfoot) are both kids who had stellar high school careers in Idaho who are looking for a place to get on the field. McGowan was dismissed from Boise State's team after the 2008 season but the ISU coaches say "we don't have any problems with Keith."
That's not a back-handed dig at BSU. In fact, just the opposite. The Idaho State staff spoke to their counterparts at Boise State before inviting McGowan to join the Bengal program.
The most interesting quote in the entire article comes from offensive lineman Mitch Rudder, who transferred from Boise State prior to last season:
"I've said it to a lot of people: If they offered me a scholarship now and gave me a million bucks, I wouldn't go back down there," said Rudder, who transferred to Idaho State before last season. "Even though our locker room maybe isn't as nice, or we don't have the equipment that they do, it's not about that. It's about the people you're around, and the people up here are a lot better."
Two ways to interpret the words of the Skyview High School graduate-- (1) his experience at Boise State was that bad, or (2) his experience at Idaho State has been that good. Not for us to judge his personal experiences and opinions, but still some pretty strong words that are bound to find their way into the ears of some people around the Boise State football offices.