Boise State Football 2012: Predicting the Pre-Spring 2-Deep Depth Chart

The Boise State spring practice is underway, and expectations are in full bloom. It should prove to be a complicated month for the Broncos coaching staff.

On the to-do list is replacing eight defensive and seven offensive starters, including a college football legend in quarterback Kellen Moore. No pressure, right?

On one hand, Coach Petersen is facing a rebuilding process, but on the other hand, he does have 26 seniors on his roster—many of them with big-game experience. It won't be as if the Broncos are starting from scratch, but to say there isn't some rebuilding among the reloading would be disingenuous.

So, who will replace Moore? Who will replace those amazing defensive and offensive players from a legendary squad? Only time will tell, but let's do some guessing.

Quarterback

The leader going into Spring is no doubt Joe Southwick. However, that is only because he has been around the program the longest and has a grasp of much of the Broncos offense.

He will be challenged by three other guys. Sophomore Grant Hedrick will be give Southwick a run for his money, but so will redshirt freshman Jimmy Laughrea and the new kid on the block, Nick Patti.

Look for Hedrick to be used in certain situations, similar to last season. But, he may find himself behind Laughrea on the depth chart unless he does something really special in the spring. As for Patti, he will have to show something spectacular to even be considered. Look for him to redshirt.

Depth Chart

1. Joe Southwick

Southwick gets the nod for now. Again, he has the most experience, and he is the veteran among the field.

2. Jimmy Laughrea

Laughrea looks like he could take over the backup spot for the Broncos. He was the Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year last season, and he has a cannon for an arm.

Running Backs

The Broncos have several running backs on the team, but few with playing time experience. D.J. Harper is the veteran of the crew, as he was given a sixth year of eligibility because of his knee injuries. If he stays healthy, he will be an excellent back and should prove to be a substantial threat to opposing defenses.

Drew Wright has very limited game experience, but he will be looking to get more. Look for him to battle for his time running the ball.

Jay Ajayi was highly thought of when he came to Boise last year. However, a knee injury and some legal trouble put him in the proverbial doghouse. He probably won't be completely healthy and ready to play until the summer, but he will be doing what he can to impress the coaching staff this spring.

Newcomer Jack Fields could be a potential wild card. He is an amazing back with some serious potential. It will be interesting to see how he does this spring.

At fullback, the Broncos are happy to have Dan Paul back and healthy. He should help considerably in the running game especially in the area of blocking.

Depth Chart

Running Back:

1. D.J. Harper

2. Drew Wright

Fullback:

1. Dan Paul

2. Jamal Wilson

Offensive Line

There are four guys who should plug in well for the Broncos on the O-Line.

Guards Joe Kellogg and Jake Broyles, tackle Charles Leno and center Cory Yiarte will all be back for 2012. Each of these guys have experience and should be up for the task.

Right now, this is how it all stacks up. However, this will no doubt change by the time Michigan State rolls around.

Depth Chart

Left Tackle:

1. Faraji Wright

2. Charles Leno/Michael Ames

Left Guard:

1. Joe Kellogg

2. Spencer Gerke

Center:

1. Cory Yriarte

2. Matt Paradis

Right Guard:

1. Jake Broyles

2. Brenel Myers

Right Tackle:

1. Charles Leno

2. Michael Ames

Receivers

The Broncos have some excellent pass-grabbers coming back for the 2012 season.

With the likes of Matt Miller, Mitch and Dallas Burroughs, Kirby Moore, Chris Potter, Geraldo Boldewijn, Aaron Burks, Chandler Koch and Gabe Linehan all coming back, it is safe to say Boise State is in good hands.

Depth Chart

Wide Receiver:

1. Matt Miller

2. Mitch Burroughs

Wide Receiver:

1. Geraldo Boldewijn

2. Aaron Burks

Wide Receiver:

1. Kirby Moore

2. Chris Potter

Tight End:

1. Gabe Linehan

2. Chandler Koch

Defensive Line

The Broncos are replacing some of the greatest defensive players in Broncos history.

Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe, J.C. Percy, Mike Atkinson, Jamar Taylor and Jerrell Gavins are all coming back. However, that still leaves some serious holes on the defensive side of the ball.

Look for some young players to work hard this spring to make sure they get noticed.

Depth Chart

Defensive End:

1. Tyler Horn

2. Kharyee Marshall

Defensive End:

1. Nick Alexander

2. Demarcus Lawrence

Defensive Tackle:

1. Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe

2. Greg Grimes

Defensive Tackle:

1. Michael Atkinson

2. Darren Koontz

Linebackers

The Broncos have a lot of excellent talent on the roster at linebacker. Among the list are returning players J.C. Percy, Travis Saxton, Blake Renaud and Tommy Smith.

There are also some new faces looking to make their marks. Chris Collins, Tyler Gray, Andrew Pint and Ben Weaver will try to prove they belong. 

Depth Chart

Middle Linebacker:

1. Tommy Smith

2. Blake Renaud

Weak-side Linebacker:

1. J.C. Percy

2. Travis Saxton

Defensive Backs

This is one area the Broncos where should be just fine. They will need some new talent to step up, but they have some talented players returning.

Right now, it is anyone's guess as to who wins out in these position battles, but the leaders going into spring are pretty clear.

Depth Chart

Cornerback:

1. Jerrell Gavins

2. Ebo Makinde

Cornerback:

1. Jamar Taylor

2. Josh Borgman

Nickel:

1. Jonathan Brown

2. Dextrell Simmons

Safety:

1. Lee Hightower

2. Jeremy Loane

Kickers

Boise State does not want to see another game decided by a missed field goal. Two years in a row the Broncos have missed out on BCS bowls because of late missed field goals, and Coach Petersen certainly doesn't want history to repeat itself.

Look for the new guy on campus to make some serious waves this spring. Sean Wale is an excellent kicker, and he will no doubt challenge Michael Frisina, Jake Van Ginkel and Dan Goodale for the starting spot.

Depth Chart

Field Goals:

1. Michael Frisina

2. Dan Goodale

Punts:

1. Trevor Harman

2. Sean Wale

Kickoffs:

1. Trevor Harman

2. Dan Goodale

Spring Goals

It should be an interesting spring for the Boise State Broncos. With significant competitions in the area of quarterback, kicker and half of the defense, it should be a wild ride.

You can be sure that Coach Petersen and his staff will work hard to get these guys focused and unified.

Boise State gets three fewer practices in pads this year as the start of a three-year penalty by the NCAA begins. The three practices a year, along with the three lost scholarships per season, have been appealed by the Broncos, but no word as of yet if they will see an adjustment.

Check back for the latest news and headlines from Boise.