Boise State Football: The 7 Best Defensive Players on the Squad

When you think Boise State football, you immediately think of offensive playmakers, but the defense will have some standout players taking the field in 2011.

Boise State will field one of the oldest defenses in terms of class on defense, and although they will not be a great defensive squad—they will be good enough to compliment the Broncos' high-powered offense nicely. 

These seven players are the guys that head coach Chris Petersen will rely on heavily to carry the Boise State defense in 2011—and these guys look to be up for the challenge. 

7. Aaron Tevis

2010 Stats: 46 tackles, one sack, two interceptions 

Position: Linebacker 

Class: Senior

Aaron Tevis will be teaming up with Byron Hout at the linebacking position for Boise State.

Tevis was nothing spectacular for Boise State last year, but it's not like the Broncos are known for having premier linebackers, they just have to have a good enough group—and Tevis is just that. 

6. Chase Baker

2010 Stats: 28 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four tackles for loss

Position: Defensive Tackle

Class: Senior

Boise State should have another elite defensive line in 2011, and Chase Baker is one of the four playmakers on the defensive line for the Broncos.

Baker should build off of a good-but-not-great junior year and be a big help on the defensive front.  

5. Billy Winn

2010 Stats: 28 tackles, 4.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss

Position: Defensive Tackle

Class: Senior

Billy Winn is another playmaker that Boise State fans will see lineup on the defensive line and make plays. Winn will prove to be a great run-stopper on the inside at 6'4'' and 290 pounds. 

4. Byron Hout

2010 Stats: 34 tackles, one sack

Position: Linebacker

Class: Senior

Despite being most famously remembered for being the man on the receiving end of the infamous LeGarrette Blount's right hook, linebacker Byron Hout will play a vital role on the defensive side of the ball for the Broncos.

Hout will get his chance to start from day one and put together a successful senior campaign, and the Broncos will need him to be a leader for the linebacking unit. 

3. George Lloka

2010 Stats: 63 Tackles, two interceptions

Position: Safety

Class: Senior

George Iloka will be one of the top players in the secondary for Boise State this season, and after a respectable junior year, Iloka will be a force once again his senior year.

The Boise State secondary will be in need of a playmaker when the ball is in the air, and George Iloka will be their man. 

2. Tyrone Crawford

2010 Stats: 37 tackles, seven sacks, nine tackles for loss

Position: Defensive End 

Class: Senior

List at 6'4'' 245 pounds, Tyrone Crawford looks to be an absolute terror on the defensive front. 

Crawford will have a breakout year for Boise State, and between him and our No. 1 guy—the Broncos are going to get to the quarterback as good as any team in the country.

1. Shea McClellin

2010 Stats: 30 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss

Position: Defensive End

Class: Senior

Out of a very talented defensive front for Boise State, Shea McCllelin looks to be the best of the bunch. McCllelin is a high motor player that should have a great senior campaign, after an already impressive junior season.

McCellelin and Crawford combine for close to 30 sacks in 2011.