How is Boise State's Football Cupboard Looking?

I apologize for yesterday's rant on the hypocrisy of the NCAA. I get really worked up sometimes. Wait a second, I don't apologize at all. I am not sorry for what I said. I mean it and will forever feel like that. I am fully aware that there is not much a 25 year-old guy from Twin Falls can do to bring about an enormous change in college football, but that still won't stop me from trying! Let's get back to familiar territory and talk Bronco football! As I mentioned a couple of days ago, there are a few questions regarding Boise State football that need to be answered. I took care of one before the Sugar Bowl-induced interruption of yesterday, so let's hit another one now.

Who will replace Boise State's departing seniors and how effective will they be?

I tend to get a little bit anxious about these types of thoughts. It was the same way when Legedu Nanee, Drisan James, Ryan Clady, Jerard Rabb, Jeremy Childs, and Ian Johnson all left. I retain comfort knowing that all of those players were replaced by the likes of Austin Pettis, Titus Young, Nate Potter, and Doug Martin. In other words, Boise State knows how to recruit and will get the job done.

There are a lot of great players on the departing list, as you already know. I understand that it will be impossible to find someone with hands like Austin Pettis. Titus Young's speed is unparalleled. Nobody scares the pants off of Fresno State quarterbacks like Winston Venable. Yes, this was a fantastic class, one of the best to play on The Blue. Remember, Coach Petersen is one of the hottest, most coveted coaches in the nation for a reason. Also, football is amazing because great minds who teach and train these players (like Coach Pete!) can twist, change, mold, form, tweak, cater, and alter an offensive or defensive scheme to fit the players that are currently on the roster. Petersen and his staff are experts at doing just that. Example: Vinny Perretta was a triple threat. He could catch, throw, and run, and he did all three on a consistent basis. There were plays and variations of plays based on his unique skill set. With Kellen at the helm, the offense is tailored to fit his pocket-passing strengths. Do you ever see him running the option (I think I remember seeing it once, but only once)? Joe Southwick, on the other hand, will run the option consistently when he gets a hold of the reigns of the offense.

Next year, you will see a lot more of Doug Martin and (hopefully) a healthy DJ Harper. They will be the feature of the offense because they are both really talented and the absence of Young and Pettis will make it so. I wouldn't even be surprised to see a lot more use of the pass-catching tight ends and Chris Potter running the wildcat as a run/pass option (much like Vinny Perretta did). With that said, let's go over who will possibly replace the above mentioned seniors.

~Austin Pettis - Aaron Burks - Let's hope he can learn how to catch like Mr. Pettis. Maybe we can even surgically attach Austin's sticky hand to Burks' arms. Come on science! Help us out here! Tyler Shoemaker is also an option to move from the third option receiver to prime time as number 1 or 2.

~Brandyn Thompson - Ebo Makinde - Not only does he have a sweet name (his real one is Ebeneezer), but he was a good recruit for the Broncos. It's time to step up.
Jerrell Gavins, Antwon Murray, and Quaylon Ewing are also options. There is a four-star CB recruit named Stefan McClure that is still considering Boise State. It's a long shot that he will come here, but if he did he would get a good look at starting as a freshman.

~Daron Mackey - JC Percy was already starting due to the fact that Mackey was constantly injured. Percy will stay there. Look for freshman Blake Renaud to make some noise in spring ball.

~Darrell Acrey - Byron Hout was already the starter before he got injured. He should re-assume that role next season. The primary backups will be Tommy Smith and Allen Mooney.

~Jarvis Hodge - Matt Kaiserman, Jay Ajayi - the question here is who will be the third string, garbage time running back. Ajayi is really good, but I don't know if the coaches will want to burn his red shirt.

~Jason Robinson - Cedric Febis - Robinson was the back up and Febis, a special teams stand out, will replace him in that role.

~Jeremy Avery - DJ Harper - He will be back and I sure hope he stays healthy. He is a great running back. Raphiel Lambert is an option as well. It's too bad that Malcolm Johnson crapped out. He was a great recruit for the Broncos.

~Jeron Johnson - Jeremy Ioane - I am really excited about this kid. He chose Boise State over Washington and Notre Dame. There is a lot expected from him and I think he will deliver.

~Kevin Sapien - ? - Sapien called it quits after the Fiesta Bowl last year due to some serious nagging injuries. He helped coach on the sidelines. His presence and personality might be missed, but that's about it.

~Kyle Brotzman - Jimmy Pavel or Jake Van Ginkel - The Van Ginkel kid has not committed yet, but is seriously considering the Broncos. Trevor Harman is also a legitimate option.

~Matt Slater - Brenel Meyers - Meyers started at the Fiesta Bowl. The Broncos have a pretty deep offensive line rotation. Other names that will be considered are Charles Leno and Faraji Wright.

~Mike Coughlin - Joe Southwick - Coughlin and Southwick were already co-back ups. Grant Hedrick will get a look as well.

~Ryan Winterswyk - Tyrone Crawford - As a back up this last season, Crawford was named a third-team all American. He is an absolute beast and will wreak plenty of havoc next year. Don't overlood Sam Ukwuachu or Robert Ash either. Boise State's D-Line is really deep.

~Sean King - ? - King never even saw the field. There is not much to replace here.

~Titus Young - Geraldo Hiwat - He has the speed. Let's see if he can hold on to the ball. Also, if Matt Miller can recover from his ruptured achilles, he could see some action as well.

~Tommy Gallarda - Gabe Linehan - When Gallarda got hurt, Boise State's run game took a hit. He was a great blocker and good at catching touchdowns in the red zone. Linehan played well this year when he saw the field. If he can work on his blocking, he will get the nod. Don't forget Chandler Koch or Kyle Sosnowski.

~Will Lawrence - Faraji Wright - This one is a toss up. There are any number of players that could take this spot.

~Winston Venable - Dextrell Simmons - Simmons is a JuCo transfer from Blinn College in Texas. He was a great pick up for Boise State. Don't overlook hard-hitting Jonathan Brown either.

So there you have it. I am not too worried about the replacements. Boise State's recruiting has improved considerably since they started winning Fiesta Bowls. The team is in good hands and I look forward to another great year. The offense will change, of course, but it is nothing to lose sleep over. Go Broncos!