Adonte Medley’s Journey to Boise State: A Bet on Himself That Paid Off
Adonte Medley’s path to Boise State wasn’t the straightest, but it’s the kind of journey that defines a player’s character before he ever steps onto a Division I field. From a shoulder injury in high school to a position change in junior college, Medley’s story is one of resilience, self-belief, and steady transformation - both physically and mentally.
The former College of the Canyons standout officially committed to Boise State after a fast-moving recruiting process that brought his junior college chapter to a close. For Medley, the commitment is more than just a football decision - it’s the payoff for betting on himself when the odds weren’t exactly stacked in his favor.
“The JUCO route is not easy for anybody that takes it,” Medley said. “So I bet on myself.”
Coming out of high school, Medley had offers on the table. But a shoulder injury and some tough circumstances led him to the JUCO route - a detour that many players see as a setback. Medley saw it as an opportunity.
And he made the most of it.
Embracing the Grind at College of the Canyons
Landing at College of the Canyons, Medley didn’t just show up to play - he showed up to grow. That meant trusting the coaching staff, learning a new position, and reshaping both his game and his body.
“It was really a mental thing,” he said. “I trusted in the coaches there to help me get better, learn a new position, and I just capitalized on what they taught me throughout the season.”
That trust paid off. As the season wore on, coaches around the country started to take notice. Medley’s growth was obvious - on tape and on the stat sheet - and his confidence was growing just as fast.
“It opened doors and kept opening more doors for me,” he said.
From Linebacker to Defensive Tackle
One of the most pivotal moves in Medley’s development came when he transitioned from linebacker to defensive tackle - a shift that was part instinct, part coaching insight.
“I’ve always been the big dude,” Medley joked. “Coming to College of the Canyons, they’re known for producing defensive linemen. The coaches gave me advice, and I just took it.”
Medley had already been thinking about the switch. With his size and movement skills, the interior line made sense. What followed was a full commitment to learning the position - from technique to footwork to hand usage.
But this wasn’t just about learning a new spot on the field. Medley had to rebuild his body after shoulder surgery in high school. That meant bulking up while keeping the speed and explosiveness that made him a threat in the first place.
“Getting bigger meant working out, eating a lot, and staying consistent,” he said. “The biggest thing was I still kept my speed and explosiveness.”
Making an Immediate Impact
After gray-shirting his first year, Medley hit the field in 2025 and wasted no time making an impression. Despite being new to the defensive tackle position, he racked up 27 total tackles, five tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and even snagged an interception - not bad for a guy who admitted he was still figuring it all out.
“At first, I was just running into people,” he said. “I wasn’t really using my hands.”
That changed quickly. With the help of his coaches, Medley refined his technique and started to look like a natural on the interior.
“They taught me hand striking, technique, and getting out of bad habits,” he said. “Everything was new to me, so shoutout to them. They stayed on me all season.”
The Boise State Connection
Once the season wrapped, Medley’s recruitment picked up speed. Boise State was the first to reach out, with GM Brandon Jones leading the charge.
“He told me he loved my film, and it was a quick process from there,” Medley said.
Defensive line coach Frank Maile and coach Washington were heavily involved as well, building a relationship that stood out to Medley throughout the process.
“They showed me the most love,” he said. “They stayed with me through the whole process and really trusted in me.”
But it wasn’t just about football. When Medley visited Boise, it was the academic support and the sense of community that sealed the deal.
“They showed me everything I needed and made it clear they had my back,” he said. “They showed me it’s not about money or anything like that. It’s about building relationships and helping me reach my goals in football and outside of football.”
Shortly after his visit, Medley made it official. The Broncos coaching staff - including the head coach - couldn’t have been more excited to welcome him aboard.
“They were all excited,” Medley said. “Even the head coach - everyone was just so excited for me to be there.”
What’s Next on the Blue Turf
Medley will report to Boise State in May, just in time for fall camp. Coaches have already talked with him about how they plan to use his power and hand-striking ability, with a clear focus on continuing to refine his technique.
He’ll arrive with three years of eligibility and a redshirt year still available - a valuable asset for a player who’s already shown he can adapt and grow quickly.
“It puts a big chip on your shoulder,” Medley said of his JUCO experience. “I had offers out of high school, so going JUCO, a lot of eyes were on me. This just shows I can do it.”
And yes, he’s already had his moment on the famed Blue Turf.
“I’d only seen it on TV,” he said. “But actually stepping on it?
That was dope. One of the craziest things I’ve ever seen.”
For Adonte Medley, the road to Boise wasn’t easy - but every step, every rep, and every hard-earned lesson brought him here. Now, with a fresh start and a new number on his back, he’s ready to make his mark on the Mountain West.
The next chapter begins on the Blue.