Pocatello, Idaho (August 11, 2025) – Idaho State University football is proud to announce the return of the iconic #3 jersey, once worn by legendary Bengal and former NFL player Case deBruijn. deBruijn, a former Idaho State punter (1978-81), a multi-time nominee for the College Football Hall of Fame, twice led the nation in punting (1980-81) and was twice the runner-up (1978-79). In 1981, deBruijn helped the Bengals to a National Championship victory after nailing a 33-yard field goal for a 33-30 third overtime victory over Weber State. He would go on to earn first-team All-American honors that season while averaging 45.9 yards, the third all-time in I-AA.
"Special teams is an integral part of any successful football program, and Case deBruijn is one of the greatest Bengal special teamers in our storied history. While we have a special jersey on defense — #25, honoring Marcus Jackson — we felt that honoring Case's number on the field would bring more attention to his legacy with the program," shared Head Football Coach
Cody Hawkins.
In a celebration of deBruijn's legacy as one of the most impactful special teams players in program history, the jersey will now be awarded annually to a returning player who exemplifies selflessness, leadership, and the vital importance of special teams.
"I am honored and very excited #3 will be worn by a dedicated leader to represent our ISU Bengal Football special teams, remarked deBruijn. "When I played as a Bengal, we took great pride in the dominance our Special Teams unit displayed. ISU special teams were feared and respected in the Big Sky and FCS — then I-AA — because we were efficient and tenacious. We took special teams seriously. If you weren't a starter on offense or defense but you were on special teams, you were still considered a starter."
This year, the honor of wearing the #3 jersey goes to
Janari Boone, a standout player who has consistently demonstrated a team-first mentality and a relentless work ethic on special teams. The decision to bring back the #3 jersey reflects Hawkins' ongoing emphasis on the value of every phase of the game — including special teams — as a foundation for success.
"Boone is the perfect student-athlete to represent special teams excellence for our football team. Last year, he tallied over 200 snaps for us on special teams and he returns in 2025 to lead us in that area again. His presence is felt on defense, but his impact on special teams is undeniable. As such, he (
Janari Boone) will represent the Bengals as our first-ever, Case deBruijn legacy award winner, and will wear deBruijn's #3 on the field this fall," mentioned Hawkins.
Boone, a returning leader both on and off the field, has become a cornerstone of the Bengals' special teams unit and embodies the same traits that defined deBruijn's career — commitment, humility, and unwavering intensity.
"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to wear the #3 jersey and to bring it back onto the field. Thank you to Case for allowing me to carry on this tradition, to my coaches for trusting me with this honor, and above all, to God for blessing me with the chance to play the game I love," said Boone. "Wearing #3 is about more than just a number — it's about upholding the legacy and the high standard that Case set. I'm committed to representing what he built, both on and off the field, and I'm excited for the opportunity to follow in his footsteps and continue that legacy with pride."
"Depending on the game, as much as 25% of plays in college football can involve special teams. Many programs do not take full advantage of these opportunities for positive impact. I am proud to know that the Bengals will continue to seek to win the special teams aspect of every game, and celebrate it. That's the attitude of a great Special Teams group. And #3, to me, represents not only the individual, but rather a unified commitment to excellence and pride in all aspects of Bengal Football; in particular, special teams," noted deBruijn, a tradition that Boone will now carry on.
The #3 jersey will serve as a permanent tribute to the contributions of special teams players and to Case deBruijn's indelible impact on Idaho State Football.
For more information on Idaho State football and the upcoming season, visit www.isubengals.com or follow @BengalGridiron on social media.
