A position by position preview for the Boise State Broncos headed into the 2012 season:
QB
#16 Southwick, Joe QB 6-1 191 R-Jr. Danville,
Calif. (San Ramon Valley HS)--8 games played in 2011. 23-30 passing for 198
yards and 1 TD.
#14 Laughrea, Jimmy QB 6-2 192 R-Fr. Rocklin,
Calif. (Rocklin HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#9 Hedrick, Grant QB 6-0 186 R-So.
Independence, Ore. (Central HS)--1 game played in 2011. 2-3 passing for 19
yards.
#?? Patti, Nick QB 5-11 195 Fr. Orlando, Fla.
(Dr. Phillips HS)--Incoming Freshman.
After
losing 4-year starter Kellen Moore to graduation and the NFL, Joe Southwick
looks to be the front runner to winning the quarterback job. Southwick was the
backup in 2011 and did get 30 pass attempts in 2011. The job is his to lose.
Redshirt freshman Jimmy Laughrea and Redshirt sophomore Grant Hedrick should
battle all season for the backup job. Incoming freshman Nick Patti should be
redshirted this fall.
RB
#07 Harper, D.J. RB 5-9 201 R-Sr. Cypress, Texas
(Cypress Creek HS)--12 games played in 2011. 115 carries for 557 yards and 9
TDs. 19 catches for 140 yards and 1 TD. 5 kickoff returns, 13.2 yard average. 1
blocked kick.
#39 Wright, Drew RB 5-9 201 R-Sr. Nampa, Idaho
(Vallivue HS)--11 games played in 2011. 43 carries for 218 yards and 3 TDs. 3
catches for 17 yards. 1 kickoff return for 26 yards. 4 special teams tackles.
#38 Lambert, Raphiel RB 5-7 205 R-Sr. Portland,
Ore. (Jesuit HS)--1 game played in 2011. 3 carries for 2 yards.
#27 Ajayi, Jay RB 6-0 211 R-Fr. Plano, Texas (Frisco Liberty HS)--Redshirted
in 2011.
#19 Hogan, Phillip RB 5-6 163 R-Fr. Honolulu,
Hawaii (Radford HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#?? Demas, Devan RB 5-9 176 Fr. Houston, Texas
(Cypress Creek HS)--Incoming Freshman.
#?? Fields, Jack RB 5-10 196 Fr. El Paso, Texas
(Americas HS)--Incoming Freshman.
Redshirt
senior DJ Harper is the favorite to get a majority of the carries in 2012 after
winning his petition for a 6th year of eligibility. Redshirt senior Drew Wright
should split carries with Harper after seeing action in 11 of 13 games in 2011.
Both redshirt freshmen Ajayi and Hogan have the chance to fight for carries as
well. Expect both incoming freshmen Demas and Fields to be redshirted as Boise
likes to do.
FB
#47
Paul, Dan FB 6-0 251 R-Sr. Boring, Ore.
(Sam Barlow HS)--No stats in 2011.
#44 Wilson, Jamal FB 6-1 240 R-Fr. Fontana,
Calif. (A.B. Miller HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#?? Nance, Armand FB 6-2 245 Fr. Houston, Texas
(DeKaney HS)--Incoming Freshman.
The
Broncos may use the fullback in 2012 more often than in the past with Dan Paul
and Jamal Wilson battling for the starting spot. Incoming freshman Armand Nance
will most likely be redshirted in 2012 unless too many injuries occur.
TE
#87 Linehan, Gabe TE 6-3 240 R-Jr. Banks, Ore.
(Banks HS)--12 games played, 9 starts in 2011. 23 catches for 252 yards and 5
TDs.
#88 Koch, Chandler TE 6-2 246 R-Sr. Flower
Mound, Texas (Flower Mound HS)--11 games played, 2 starts in 2011. 4 catches for
39 yards.
#86 Sosnowski, Kyle TE 6-1 223 R-So. Boise,
Idaho (Capital HS)--12 games played, 2 starts in 2011. 2 catches for 11 yards.
1 tackle.
#42 Hardee, Jake TE 6-3 231 R-Fr. Boise, Idaho
(Bishop Kelly HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#85 Huff, Holden TE 6-5 201 R-Fr. Rocklin,
Calif. (Rocklin HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#?? Peters, Connor TE 6-4 245 So. Antioch,
Calif. (Laney College) (De La Salle HS)--Incoming transfer.
#?? Plinke, Hayden TE 6-4 230 Fr. Hillsboro,
Ore. (Glencoe HS)--Incoming Freshman.
Redshirt
junior Gabe Linehan should be a player to watch for Boise in 2012 as a security
blanket for whoever wins the quarterback job. Linehan was able to use his
sturdy frame to get open in the red zone as evidenced by his 5 touchdowns in
2011. Redshirt senior Chandler Koch and Redshirt sophomore Kyle Sosnoski should
be able to improve on seasons that saw them catch 4 and 2 passes respectively. Redshirt
freshmen Hardee and Huff will have to work themselves up the depth chart
although Huff's height does give him an advantage in the red zone. Expect
Peters and Plinke to both be redshirted.
H-Receiver
#34 Moore, Kirby WR 6-2 204 R-Jr. Prosser, Wash.
(Prosser HS)--13 games played, 3 starts in 2011. 0-1 passing. 22 catches for
247 yards and 1 TD.
#03 Potter, Chris WR 5-9 156 R-Sr. Westlake
Village, Calif. (Oaks Christian HS)--10 games played, 1 start in 2011. 11
catches for 105 yards. 14 punt returns, 10.5 yard average.
#15 Jackson, Tyler WR 6-0 191 R-Sr. Castle Rock,
Colo. (Douglas County HS)--8 games played in 2011. 1 catch for 10 yards.
#?? Dean, D.J. WR 6-1 180 Fr. Eagle, Idaho
(Eagle HS)--Incoming Freshman.
X-Receiver
#02 Miller, Matt WR 6-3 213 R-So. Helena, Mont.
(Capital HS)--13 games played, 8 starts in 2011. 1-1 passing for 5 yards and 1
TD. 62 catches for 679 yards and 9 TD.
#81 Burroughs, Dallas WR 5-9 172 So. Meridian,
Idaho (Rocky Mountain HS)--13 games played, 1 start in 2011. 6 rushes for 6
yards. 9 catches for 175 yards and 1 TD. 8 kickoff returns for 18.2 yard
average.
#18 Burks, Aaron WR 6-2 191 R-Jr. Grand Prairie,
Texas (Mansfield Timberview HS)--1 game played in 2011. 6 catches for 57 yards.
1 tackle.
#83 Ware, Troy WR 6-1 185 R-Fr. Oceanside,
Calif. (Vista HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
Z-Receiver
#20 Burroughs, Mitch WR 5-9 186 R-Sr. Meridian,
Idaho (Meridian HS)--13 games played, 7 starts in 2011. 17 carries for 94 yards
and 2 TD. 49 catches for 500 yards and 1 TD. 18 punt returns for 13.3 yard
average. 5 kickoff returns, 22.8 yard average.
#17 Boldewijn, Geraldo WR 6-4 204 R-Jr.
Amsterdam, Netherlands (Capital HS)--9 games played, 3 starts in 2011. 19
catches for 266 yards and 2 TD.
#49 Richardson, Hilton WR 6-3 215 R-Fr.
Kirkland, Wash. (Lake Washington HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#?? Williams-Rhodes, Shane WR 5-7 160 Fr.
Spring, Texas (Klein Collins HS)--Incoming Freshman.
Moore,
Miller and Mitch Burroughs look to be the top three wide receivers on the
roster with a combined 133 catches between the three. Burroughs also gives the
added value of running with the football gaining nearly 100 yards and 2
touchdowns on the ground. Redshirt senior Chris Potter, sophomore Dallas
Burroughs and Redshirt junior Geraldo Boldewijn should all get plenty of
playing time as well after proving themselves capable on the field in 2011.
Hilton Richardson should be the player to watch with size and speed that could
move him up the depth chart in 2012.
OL
#75 Wright, Faraji LT 6-3 275 R-Sr. Vallejo,
Calif. (Berkeley HS)--10 games played in 2011.
#61 Kellogg, Joe LG 6-2 303 R-Sr. Scottsdale,
Ariz. (Saguaro HS)--12 games played, 11 starts in 2011.
#74 Yriarte, Cory C 6-1 286 R-Sr. Palmdale,
Calif. (Oaks Christian HS)--11 games played, 8 starts in 2011.
#76 Broyles, Jake RG 6-4 289 R-Jr. Henderson,
Nev. (Foothill HS)--3 games played, 3 starts in 2011.
#78 Leno, Jr., Charles RT 6-3 294 R-Jr. Oakland,
Calif. (San Leandro HS)--13 games played, 13 starts in 2011.
#72 Henry, Marcus OL 6-2 284 R-Fr. Bellevue,
Wash. (Bellevue HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#77 Gerke, Spencer OL 6-3 289 R-Jr. Boise, Idaho
(Bishop Kelly HS)--13 games played, 2 starts in 2011.
#67 Odhiambo, Rees OL 6-4 302 R-Fr. Mansfield,
Texas (Mansfield Legacy HS)--Redshirted in 2012.
#63 Sheffield, Adam OL 6-4 313 R-Fr. San Jose,
Calif. (Branham HS)--Redshirted in 2012.
#65 Paradis, Matt C 6-1 280 R-Jr. Council, Idaho
(Council HS)--8 games played, 1 start in 2011.
#64 Myers, Brenel RG 6-2 282 R-Sr. Houston,
Texas (Westfield HS)--8 games played in 2011.
#54 Ames, Michael OL 6-4 283 R-Sr. Boise, Idaho
(Centennial HS)--7 games played in 2011.
#62 Tozer, Chris OL 6-3 302 R-Jr. San Jose,
Calif. (Foothill CC) (Valley Christian HS)--Redshirted in 2012.
#71 Dohmen, Greg OL 6-2 282 R-So. Red Bluff,
Calif. (Red Bluff HS)--Did not play in 2011.
#?? Lewis, Archie OL 6-4 255 Fr. Rancho
Cucamonga, Ca. (Rancho Cucamonga HS)--Incoming Freshman.
#?? Averill, Travis OL 6-4 270 Fr. Anaheim,
Calif. (Servite HS)--Incoming Freshman.
#?? Baggett, Steven OL 6-3 225 Fr. Arlington,
Texas (Martin HS)--Incoming Freshman.
#?? Yakoo, Mario OL 6-4 320 Fr. San Diego,
Calif. (Steele Canyon HS)--Incoming Freshman.
Four
of the 5 returning starters (Wright, Kellogg, Yriarte, Broyles, and Leno) have
starting experience in 2011 with Kellogg starting 11 and Leno starting all 13
games last season. Gerke, Paradis, Myers, and Ames all got some playing
experience with Gerke and Paradis both making starts in 2011. This is an
experienced line that will make life easier for the 2012 quarterback and
running backs looking to make big plays this fall.
LB
#33 Smith, Tommy LB 6-1 236 R-Sr. Atlanta, Ga.
(North Atlanta HS)--12 games played in 2011. 1 catch for 11 yards. 18 tackles,
3 for loss.
#48 Percy, J.C. LB 6-0 221 R-Sr. Blackfoot,
Idaho (Blackfoot HS)--13 games played in 2011. 48 tackles, 1 for loss. 1
interception. 1 pbu, 2 pd, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble.
#13 Renaud, Blake LB 6-2 242 So. Concord, Calif.
(De La Salle HS)--10 games played in 2011. 10 tackles, 1 forced fumble.
#45 Saxton, Travis LB 6-1 212 R-So. Star, Idaho
(Eagle HS)--4 games played in 2011. 2 tackles.
#56 Kamper, Dustin LB 6-0 212 R-Jr. Meridian,
Idaho (Nampa Christian HS)--Did not play in 2011.
#51 McCarthy, Mitchell LB 6-0 219 R-Fr. Redding,
Calif. (Foothill HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#?? Gray, Tyler LB 6-3 215 Fr. Templeton, Calif.
(Templeton HS)--Incoming Freshman.
#?? Pint, Andrew LB 6-1 220 Fr. Highlands Ranch,
Colo. (Valor Christian HS)--Incoming Freshman.
#?? Weaver, Ben LB 6-1 225 Fr. Klein, Texas
(Klein HS)--Incoming Freshman.
#?? Collins, Chris LB 6-1 208 Fr. Santa Monica,
Calif. (Santa Monica HS)--Incoming Freshman.
The
only definite thing about the linebackers for 2012 is that Redshirt senior JC
Percy will be in the starting lineup. Percy and fellow Redshirt senior Tommy
Smith look to get a majority of the snaps for the Bronco defense that must
replace many starters from a stellar defense in 2011. The only other linebacker
with much experience is sophomore Blake Renaud who played in 10 of 13 games as
a true freshman. Expect one of the three incoming freshmen to battle with
Saxton and McCarthy and see some playing time similar to Renaud last season.
DB
#04 Gavins, Jerrell CB 5-9 167 R-Sr. Miami, Fla.
(El Camino JC) (South Miami HS)--3 games played, 3 starts in 2011. 11 tackles,
3 interceptions, 3 pbu, 6 pd.
#38 Bell, Corey N 5-11 199 So. Boise, Idaho
(Capital HS)--8 games played in 2011. 9 tackles, 1 pbu, 1 pd, 1 fumble recovery.
#05 Taylor, Jamar CB 5-11 196 R-Sr. San Diego,
Calif. (Helix HS)--9 games played, 9 starts in 2011. 27 tackles, 2 for loss.
0.5 sacks, 6 pbu, 8 pd. 1 interception returned for TD.
#29 Hightower, Lee FS 6-1 183 So. Inglewood,
Calif. (Loyola HS)--8 games played, 4 starts in 2011. 25 tackles, 2 for loss. 1
interception, 4 pbu, 5 pd.
#28 Lukehart, Dillon SS 6-0 200 R-Fr. Eagle,
Idaho (Eagle HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#37 Makinde, Ebenezer CB 5-11 175 R-Jr. Phoenix,
Ariz. (Paradise Valley HS)--7 games played, 4 starts in 2011. 16 tackles, 1 for
loss. 1 interception, 3 pbu, 4 pd. 1 forced fumble.
#06 Simmons, Dextrell N 5-10 202 Sr. Houston,
Texas (Blinn JC) (Westfield HS)--13 games played in 2011. 16 tackles, 1 for
loss. 2 pbu, 2 pd, 1 forced fumble.
#32 Brown, Jonathan N 5-10 212 R-Jr. Alameda,
Calif. (Encinal HS)--10 games played, 4 starts in 2011. 19 tackles, 2.5 for
loss. 1 interception, 1 pd, 1 forced fumble.
#46 Douglas, Bryan CB 5-9 163 R-So. Los Angeles
(Narbonne HS)--7 games played, 1 start in 2011. 10 tackles, 1 pbu, 1 pd.
#19 Borgman, Josh CB 5-7 167 R-Sr. Boise, Idaho
(Centennial HS)--13 games played in 2011. 16 tackles, 1 fumble recovery.
#23 Agbaroji, Eric DB 6-1 192 R-Fr. Midlothian,
Texas (Midlothian HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#35 Thompson, Darian FS 6-1 179 R-Fr. Lancaster,
Calif. (Paraclete HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#10 Ioane, Jeremy S 5-10 192 R-So. Honolulu,
Hawaii (Punahou School)--10 games played, 1 start in 2011. 6 tackles.
#24 Moss, Hazen DB 5-11 200 R-Sr. Rifle, Colo.
(Rifle HS)--13 games played in 2011. 11 tackles.
#34 Loffler, Taylor S 6-4 204 R-Fr. Kelowna,
B.C., Canada (Kelowna Secondary School)--Redshirted in 2011.
#?? James, Chanceller S 6-2 190 Fr. Spring
Valley, Calif. (Steele Canyon HS)--Incoming Freshman.
#?? Santini, Christopher S 6-1 208 Fr. San Jose,
Calif. (Leland HS)--Incoming Freshman.
#?? Deayon, Donte CB 5-9 155 Fr. Rialto, Calif.
(Summit HS)--Incoming Freshman.
#?? Anderson, Chaz CB 5-10 164 Fr. Los Angeles,
Calif. (Loyola HS)--Incoming Freshman.
The
secondary was hit hard by graduation from the 2011 team with only 2 projected
started having any starting experience last year. Redshirt senior Jerrell
Gavins started 3 games making 11 tackles but hauling in 3 interceptions. Fellow
redshirt senior Jamar Taylor started 9 games and ended up with 27 tackles and a
pick six in 2011. Lee Hightower played in 8 games and made 4 starts as a true
freshman at the free safety spot with 25 tackles. Corey Bell and Dillon
Lukehart are all looking at starting roles after spring practice although
Makinde, Simmons, Brown, Douglas, Moss, and Borgman should all see the playing
field as well. Expect all of the freshmen to be redshirted although one may
stand out in the fall practices and make a splash like Hightower in 2011.
DL
#?? Lawrence, Demarcus DE 6-4 248 So. Aiken,
S.C. (Butler CC) (Silver Bluff HS)--Incoming transfer.
#82 Ukwuachu, Samuel DE 6-5 215 R-Fr. Pearland,
Texas (Pearland HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#99 Atkinson, Michael DT 6-0 312 R-Sr. Windsor,
Ontario, Canada (Catholic Central HS)--13 games played, 6 starts in 2012. 31
tackles, 2.5 for loss. 1 pbu, 1 pd.
#43 Tjong-A-Tjoe, Ricky DT 6-3 303 R-Jr.
Amsterdam, Netherlands (Boise HS)--7 games played in 2011. 15 tackles, 3 for
loss. 2 sacks.
#91 Grimes, Greg DT 6-0 268 R-Sr. Sacramento,
Calif. (Inderkum HS)--11 games played in 2011. 14 tackles, 1 for loss. 0.5
sacks.
#95 Koontz, Darren DE 6-3 280 R-Sr. Los
Alamitos, Calif. (Los Alamitos HS)--9 games played in 2011. 5 tackles.
#69 Horn, Tyler DE 6-4 253 So. Meridian, Idaho
(Mountain View HS)--8 games played in 2011. 7 tackles, 2.5 for loss. 1.5 sacks.
#68 Cushing, David DL 6-0 263 Sr. Caldwell,
Idaho (Vallivue HS)--2 games played in 2011. 1 tackle.
#41 Marshall, Kharyee DE 6-1 228 R-Jr. Phoenix,
Ariz. (Washington HS)--5 games played in 2011. No stats.
#93 Jungblut, Justin DT 6-4 273 R-Jr.
Scottsdale, Ariz. (Saguaro HS)--1 game played in 2011. No stats.
#81 Alexander, Nick DE 6-4 243 R-Jr. Los
Angeles, (Crenshaw HS)--Did not play in 2011.
#98 Worthy, Jeffrey DT 6-4 289 R-Fr. La Mirada,
Calif. (Whittier Christian HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#58 Ash, Robert DL 6-3 259 R-Fr. Elk Grove,
Calif. (Cosumnes Oaks HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#70 Connop, Rory DL 6-4 265 R-Jr. Edmonton,
Alberta, Ca. (Grant MacEwan Univ.) (St. Francis Xavier)--Incoming transfer.
#53 Martin, Beau DL 6-2 253 R-So. Denver, Colo.
(CSU-Pueblo) (JK Mullen HS)--Incoming transfer.
#?? Barrett, Darien DE 6-3 215 Fr. Inglewood,
Calif. (Inglewood HS)--Incoming Freshman.
#?? McCaskill, Sam DE 6-3 230 Fr. Eugene, Ore.
(Sheldon HS)--Incoming Freshman.
#?? Hoyte, Elliot DL 6-4 275 Fr. Tavistock,
England (Ivybridge CC)--Incoming Transfer.
The
Bronco defensive line was decimated due to graduation as only 1 returning
player has any starting experience. Redshirt senior Michael Atkinson played in
all 13 games and started 6 last season and had 31 tackles from the defensive
tackle spot. The other defensive tackle, Redshirt junior Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe
played in 7 games after serving a suspension to start the season. He pulled in
2 sacks from his spot. Sophomore Demarcus Lawrence is a ready to play defensive
end coming from juco and should start if he picks up the defense quickly.
Redshirt freshman Samuel Ukwuachu looks to be in the driver's seat for the
other defensive end position after a strong spring. Grimes, Koontz, Cushing,
Marshall, and the redshirts should be fighting to get in the rotation on the
defensive line. Elliot Hoyte is a defensive tackle that may be a project but
could end up being a great player for the Broncos.
K
#84 Frisina, Michael PK 5-5 159 Sr. Brea, Calif.
(Saddleback JC) (Brea Olinda HS)--5 games played in 2011. 3-4 field goals.
21-23 PAT.
#41 Goodale, Dan PK 5-9 184 R-So. Boise, Idaho (Timberline HS)--11
games played in 2011. 3-5 field goals, 50-56 PAT. 2 tackles.
#18 Van Ginkel, Jake PK 6-0 186 R-Fr. Upland,
Calif. (Upland HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
The
kicking game will be much more present in 2012 than in the past as Boise will
have to settle for more field goals with Moore no longer running the show. Both
Goodate and Frisina struggled with their misses coming within 30 yards and one
costing the Broncos a chance to play in the BCS title game. The PAT were even
an issue at the kickers combined to only make 90% of the PATs. Redshirt
freshman Jake Van Ginkel could push his way up the depth chart with a strong
showing in the summer. As of right now, it is an open race to see who will fill
the position this fall.
P
#14 Harman, Trevor P 6-2 216 R-Jr. Beaverton,
Ore. (Southridge HS)--13 games played in 2011. 6 tackles.
#?? Wale, Sean P 6-2 175 Fr. La Habra, Calif.
(La Habra HS)--Incoming Freshman.
Redshirt
junior Trevor Harmon has not officially punted in a game for the Broncos yet
but has a very strong leg as show by his use as the kickoff specialist in 2011.
Barring injury, Harman should make all the punts in 2012 save a quick kick that
quarterback Kellen Moore did a couple times last season. Incoming freshman Sean
Wale should redshirt unless an injury forces him into action this season. He
will be given this upcoming season to strengthen his leg and prove that he is
ready to challenge for a spot as the starting punter.
LS
#44 Roberson, Chris LS 6-0 241 Sr. Katy, Texas
(Katy HS)--13 games played in 2011. 1 tackle.
#50 Shackleton, Dakota LS 6-1 209 R-Fr.
Danville, Calif. (Monte Vista HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
Senior
Chris Roberson long snapped in every game in 2011 and was a very useful piece
to the special teams for Boise. Barring an injury, Roberson should take all of
the snapping duties as well in 2012. Redshirt freshman Dakota Shackleton must
add bulk to see the field in 2012. Right now Shackleton is just too light to
put out there on a regular basis. Shackleton should be spending this season
getting ready to take over for Roberson when Roberson leaves after this season.
Overall, things
will look much different for the Broncos in 2012 with the loss of Moore,
Martin, and company to graduation and the NFL. There is no chance to ease into
things as the Broncos start the season in East Lansing for a matchup with
perennial Big 10 power Michigan State. The schedule is weaker than last year
with the loss of TCU from the schedule. Trips to Southern Miss, Hawaii, and
Nevada as well as a home date with independent BYU on the blue turf in Boise
should be games to watch out for. Eight wins looks to be the minimum for Boise
with 11 being about the cap. It is possible for the Broncos to do something
special but with the sheer number of starters that are being replaced, a 9 or
10 win season with another bowl appearance is expected.
*PLAYERS IN BOLD ARE PROJECTED
STARTERS FOR 2012.
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