A no-brainer for Gerke

Ever since the Gerke family moved to the Boise, Idaho area, Spencer Gerke looked to the blue turf and Bronco Stadium as sacred ground. The Boise State Broncos became his team, the team he was supposed to follow. And Wednesday Chris Petersen made a dream come true when he offered Gerke a scholarship.

Gerke, who was with his father at the time of the offer, didn't waste one second. "My Dad and I had been talking and that has been my goal all along, to play for Boise State," Gerke told Scout.com Wednesday afternoon after verbally committing to Boise State. "So I told him (Petersen) on the spot that I wanted in.

"I've been a fan since we moved here, when I was ten years old. I've followed their program ever since. That's it. It's so close to home and my parents get to come to all the home games. It just works out perfectly for me."

The BSU coaches and the Gerkes had made plans to visit this week, and Gerke knew the Bishop Kelly coaches were talking about maybe something big happening. But until the words came from Coach Petersen's lips, it was still all a dream. And now Gerke might have to pinch himself to make sure his dream has really come true.

"It's incredible," he said of the opportunity to play for the school he grew up a fan of. "It's hard to explain."

Gerke was looking hard at Nevada, saying how great it was down in Reno and how awesome the coaching staff was at UNR. But no longer. His heart has always been in the Treasure Valley, and now he gets to stay where he's always wanted to play.

He normally is a standout defensive end for BK, but the Broncos want him to play offense. For that switch, he'll have to gain at least 30 pounds, so is a possible grayshirt in the offing? "We didn't really talk about it," Gerke said. "I'm sure they'll let me know at some point. I wouldn't care, personally.

"I'm still part of the team."

Spencer Gerke Scout.com profile