Significant contributors on both special teams and the defensive line rotation won’t be able to do the same in 2014, Boise State has announced.
According to a press release, junior safety Taylor Loffler has been forced to retire from the game of football due to medical concerns. Additionally, an injury will force senior defensive tackle Justin Taimatuia (pictured) to the sidelines for the entire 2014 season.
Loffler was arguably the Broncos’ top special teams player, contributing 12 tackles during his first on-field season with the Broncos last year. He also had an interception in his limited role as a defensive back.
Two torn ACLs, one in high school and the other after he came to the Broncos, contributed to his inability to play at BSU his first two seasons. An unspecified injury kept Loffler out of most of summer camp this year.
“We appreciate Taylor for the effort he put into this program and what he has given to this team,” head coach Bryan Harsin said in a statement. “Unfortunately, his injuries are not going to allow him to finish his playing career, but he is going to continue to be a big part of Bronco football as he finishes school. He is excited about where Boise State is headed, and we are going to continue to be here for him as he works toward earning his degree.”
Taimatuia, a nose tackle, had 29 tackles, 2.5 for loss, and one sack last season. He was No. 2 on the most recent depth chart, but missed a significant amount of camp with a lower-leg injury.