Buccaneers Draft 2017: Three Things To Know About Jeremy McNichols

The Buccaneers made Boise State running back Jeremy McNichols the 162nd overall pick, adding some more depth to the backfield. Here are three things to know about the former Bronco.

Many believed the Buccaneers would take a running back fairly early in this year’s NFL Draft. However, the team waited until day three to add to its backfield. With its fifth-round selection, Tampa Bay took Boise State’s Jeremy McNichols. Due to the fact that he was a pick in the middle of day three, he’s likely being brought in as a depth piece for the team.

Despite his suspension and recent struggles, the Buccaneers appear set with Doug Martin as their starter for 2017. Behind him, they have Jacquizz Rodgers, Charles Sims and Peyton Barber. McNichols will likely find himself competing with Barber for playing time and depending on his success, he could challenge Sims. If he’s able to perform well on special teams, he may be able to carve out a role for himself.

Here, we have three things you need to know about the newest Buccaneer running back.

1. He Had A Monster Year In 2016

Despite being somewhat of an unknown to many Bucs fans, Jeremy McNichols had quite the college career. He spent three seasons at Boise State, racking up 3,205 rushing yards, 1,089 receiving yards and 55 total touchdowns. His junior season was a solid one, but his biggest year came in 2016. In his junior season, he ran for 1,709 yards and 23 touchdowns, while adding 474 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

With those numbers, he had the third-most single-season rushing yards in Boise State history.

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His 23 rushing touchdowns were good for fourth all-time, while he put up the second-most all-purpose yards in school history. The production was consistent all year long, as he won Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Week four different times. He was also a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s best running back.

In 13 games, he rushed for over 100 yards nine times and over 200 yards twice. He had 10 multi-touchdown games, with three games of three or more touchdowns. His biggest game came against UNLV. In the 42-25 win, McNichols rushed for 206 yards and four touchdowns on 31 carries (6.6 yards per carry). Performances like that had to be part of what caught the Bucs’ attention, prompting them to take him in this year’s fifth round.

2. He Was Coached By Snoop Dogg

Back in high school, McNichols played on a seven-on-seven team with this year’s ninth overall pick in the draft, John Ross. He and Ross have remained friends in the years since, although it’s who the team’s coach was that is most notable. That’s right, rap legend Snoop Dogg coached the seven-on-seven team. In an article from the Idaho Statesman, McNichols said he still has some contact with his old coach:

"“We definitely still talk here and there. I know he always asks people back home how I’m doing, stuff like that. I know he’s going to be keeping an eye on where me and John, guys we know get drafted,” McNichols said. “It showed me you can be incredibly famous, but not forget where you came from. That’s why I want to be part of the Boise community, my community in Long Beach.”"

Not too many NFL players can say they’ve been coached by Snoop Dogg. However, two of the league’s newest players have that to their name. The relationship is definitely a unique one.

Hey, maybe Snoop will show up at Raymond James Stadium this fall if McNichols is getting some consistent playing time. With the way he performed a year ago, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him get some significant carries.

3. He Is The Third Boise State Running Back Drafted Since 2012

The Boise State Broncos have been developing some successful running backs in recent years. On Saturday afternoon, McNichols became the third back taken from the program since 2012. He joined his mentor and close friend, Jay Ajayi, who was also taken in the fifth round in 2015. And before the two of them came someone that Tampa Bay fans are very familiar with: current running back Doug Martin. Martin, of course, was drafted in the first round in 2012.

Now that McNichols is a member of the Buccaneers, two of the three recent running back selections from Boise State are now teammates. Despite the ongoing questions surrounding Martin and his future with the team, management said they are very happy with him. Martin certainly hopes he’s still a Buc this fall. Since he is currently still with the team, he is thrilled with the selection of McNichols:

Tampa Bay head coach Dirk Koetter has Boise State ties of his own, since he coached the Broncos from 1998-2000. McNichols’ coach while with the school, Bryan Harsin, played under Koetter when he was the program’s coach. There’s no doubt that Koetter got some info on McNichols from Harsin. Everything must’ve checked out with the prospect, as the Bucs made him their 2017 fifth-round selection.

Next: Jeremy McNichols: Instant Analysis

There you have it, Bucs fans. Jeremy McNichols is your newest running back. You can find him on Twitter @JeremyMcNichols. Take some time to follow him and welcome him to Tampa Bay.