By Chadd Cripe
ccripe@idahostatesman.com

Boise State starting nickel Winston Venable talked to his brother, Will, the other day about what to expect from a big-game atmosphere. Will is an outfielder for the San Diego Padres.

Venable is a junior-college transfer, so Thursday’s game against Oregon will be his major-college debut.

“He told me about one of his first games when he got called up,” Venable said. “He was in Milwaukee or something. There was a crazy amount of fans. The bases were loaded and he was up to win the game. And he felt comfortable. He knew he was supposed to be there.”

The result: “I think he ended up striking out,” Venable said.

But, Venable said, that’s not the point.

“He said, ‘When you’re out there, you’ll know you’re in the right spot,’ ” Venable said. “ ‘Of course, it will be fun to play into the fans, but it won’t get to you as much as you think.’ That was nice to hear from him.”

Venable came to Boise State with the expectation of making an impact this year. He told the coaches during the recruiting process that he didn’t want to redshirt.

He expects to share playing time Thursday with sophomore backup Doug Martin and junior third-stringer Jason Robinson.

They’re replacing All-WAC first-teamer Ellis Powers.

“There’s no doubt about it that we think we can do what Ellis did,” Venable said. “… I see all three of us getting some good playing time. I wouldn’t see a game where we’re all not in there at some point.”

Venable’s goal: Knock safety Jeron Johnson off the top of the tackles chart.

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Sophomore linebacker Aaron Tevis will start the season opener for the second straight year. Last year, he was an injury replacement and he starred against Idaho State, but he wasn’t much of a factor the rest of the year.

He should be a consistent part of the defense this year — but he’ll have to fend off a challenge from freshman J.C. Percy.

“Just have to not be complacent,” he said. “You have to work knowing that someone’s breathing down your neck. You’ve got to bring you’re A-game every practice.”

Linebackers coach Jeff Choate has pushed the linebackers to go for the big play this season. He has said many times that he’d rather his players do something wrong and make a play than do everything right and not make a play.

“They don’t want you to play having a fear of failure,” Tevis said. “If you have a chance to make a play, go out there and try it.”

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Former Boise State and Eagle High tight end Jeb Putzier was cut Tuesday by the Denver Broncos. Former Boise State wide receiver Julian Hawkins was cut by the Dallas Cowboys.

The Vikings and Raiders have made some cuts today and Ian Johnson, Vinny Perretta and Chris O'Neill are safe so far. The final cuts are Saturday.