If you didn't see it, here is today's North County Times story about former Maverick Runningback Vinny Perretta. Vinny graduated in 2004 and walked on to Boise State where he worked hard and eventually earned a scholarship. His blue collar style work ethic has continually been praised by the Boise State coaching staff. Look for Vinny and the Boise State Broncos as they gallop towards an anticipated undefeated season.

Alumni Report: Passing Versatility

By JOHN MAFFEI - Staff Writer | Sunday, November 9, 2008 5:30 PM PST

Vinny Perretta, a hybrid receiver/running back for Boise State, burst on the national scene with a pass.

It was a fourth-down touchdown pass from the former La Costa Canyon High star in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl that set up the winning two-point conversion in overtime, propelling the Broncos to an upset of Oklahoma in one of the most-exciting bowl games in college football history.

Boise State finished that season unbeaten.

This year, the Broncos find themselves in the same position, 9-0 and ranked No. 9 in the nation. With games remaining against Idaho, Nevada and a national-TV date with Fresno State on Nov. 28, a second trip in three years to a Bowl Championship Series game is very possible.

"Obviously, our goal is to go undefeated," said Perretta, now a senior. "We have a lot of young talent, but at the start of the season the coaches said we can make a run at this.

"You can't look too far ahead because there is so much talent in football. There are upsets every week, so we can't overlook anyone."

The reality, however, is that Boise State should be 11-0 going into the ESPN2 game against Fresno State.

"Oh yeah, that's going to be a big one," Perretta said. "It's the Friday after Thanksgiving, so there will be a lot of families at home watching football.

"Fresno State is good, a team that is very physical and is always ready to play us.

"But it's our home game, and I guarantee, our fans will be wild and crazy for that one."

This season hasn't been quite as wild and crazy for Perretta.

As a sophomore the year the Broncos reached the Fiesta Bowl, Perretta lined up all over the field, running the ball 55 times and catching 17 passes.

A shoulder injury limited him to four games last season.

Healthy again, this season, the 5-foot-10, 195-pound Perretta has settled in as a receiver, but he's still among Boise State's most versatile offensive performers.

Perretta ranks No. 2 on the team with 26 catches for 353 yards. He has eight rushes for 56 yards and has returned five punts.

Saturday, in a 49-14 win over Utah State, Perretta had four catches for 69 yards, including a 38-yard TD reception. He also threw a 17-yard scoring pass.

"I'm still moving around some, but I'm much more of a wide receiver now," Perretta said. "I'm not running the ball as much, but I've been asked to step up and be a team leader.

"It's a role I embrace. This is my fifth year in the program, and I think I have the respect of my teammates. I try to be disciplined on the field, run my routes with precision, show the young players how it's done.

"Off the field, you try to tell the kids how to budget time, juggle school and football and all the responsibilities that go with playing on a nationally rated team.

"I can't believe how great this has worked out for me. Five years ago when I got here, I wasn't expecting a lot. I was just trying to find a spot to play.

"Now I'm taking advantage of the opportunity I've been given. I'm so grateful I got a chance to play."

Playing beyond this season is something Perretta has thought about ---- a lot.

He'll graduate in December with a degree in history, something he hopes caps a month that includes a bowl game and a trip home to watch La Costa Canyon in the CIF San Diego Section Division I championship game in Qualcomm Stadium.

"I want to play football as long as I can," Perretta said. "Once you hang up the cleats, there is no going back, so I'll give pro ball ---- if I have that opportunity ---- my best shot.

"If that doesn't work out, I might try to stay in the game as a high school coach. Darrin Brown at LCC has been a huge influence in my life, a great friend and mentor. I still talk to him a lot.

"We'll just see how this season ends and where it leads."