Boise State Football: 5 Sophomores Who Should Make an Impact in 2012

There are 16 sophomores on the 2012 Boise State football team. In that mix of players, there are certainly some impact guys who could make a big difference this coming season.

The only problem with this class really is trying to narrow it down to the five players who will have the biggest impact. When you read the names of the sophomore class, you realize it is a very talented group.

Still, there are five who seem to stand out. Let's look at the five sophomores for the Broncos who should make an impact in 2012.

Dallas Burroughs

Player: Dallas Burroughs

Class: Sophomore

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 172 pounds

Position: WR

If there is one thing people know about Dallas Burroughs, it's that he is fast—very fast.

He was the Idaho state champion in the 100-meter dash in high school, and that speed is obvious if you have watched him play.

As a true freshman in 2011, Burroughs had some glimpses of greatness. He had just nine catches for 175 yards, but he did have one touchdown coming against TCU. He returned eight kickoffs for a 17.3 yard average and ran the ball six times.

In 2012, look for BSU's new offensive coordinator to utilize Dallas, as the Broncos will be skinny at running back. It will be interesting to see how they incorporate him into the offense.

Look for Burroughs to have a breakout year in 2012.

Lee Hightower

Player: Lee Hightower

Class: Sophomore

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 183 pounds

Position: S

In 2011, Lee Hightower was named by then-defensive backs coach Marcel Yates as the heir apparent to George Iloka in an Idaho Statesman article. If you know anything about Iloka, then you know that Hightower has some big cleats to fill.

Hightower burned his redshirt last season during the Colorado State game, but coaches are probably glad he got the experience he did over the course of the rest of the season. In the eight games where he did play, Hightower had 25 tackles, with 18 of those being solo. He also broke up four passes and had one interception.

Look for Lee to be an intricate part of the Boise State secondary in 2012. The position of safety is a bit thin, so Hightower will need to step up and stay healthy. If he does both, it will be an outstanding season for the sophomore.

Demarcus Lawrence

Player: Demarcus Lawrence

Class: Sophomore

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 248 pounds

Position: DL

Demarcus Lawrence is a JUCO transfer from Butler CC.

However, there is nothing "junior" about him.

Lawrence caused a stir this spring, as he looked amazing to coaches and players alike. In an Idaho Statesman article by Chadd Cripe, senior Dextrell Simmons said the following about Lawrence;

"

He's always running to the ball. I feel like he's progressing faster than I did.

"

Simmons is a JUCO transfer himself, so his insight is particularly valid.

Lawrence looked good in the spring game and appears to be a future star on a new-look Broncos defense. Look for him to have an amazing year.

By the end of the 2012 season, Lawrence should be a household name among Bronco Nation.

Jeremy Ioane

Player: Jeremy Ioane

Class: Redshirt sophomore

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 192 pounds

Position: S

Ioane redshirted in 2010, but made appearances in 10 games in 2011. Those appearances only netted six tackles, but the experience had to help in his development.

In 2012, Ioane will have to step up in a big way. All indications are that he is ready.

In a press conference noted in the Idaho Statesman, coach Petersen said this about Jeremy's performance this spring:

"

Jeremy is another guy who has done a nice job. We've definitely noticed him and he's taken a step forward. There's no question his game is improved.

"

Coach Petersen doesn't just throw around compliments, so for him to say Ioane has improved means that he certainly has.

Look for him to step into his new role as a leader for this defense. In 2012, Ioane should become a serious contributor for the Broncos.

Matt Miller

Player: Matt Miller

Class: Redshirt sophomore

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 213 pounds

Position: WR

Matt Miller is a name Boise State fans are already familiar with; his redshirt freshman season was incredible, and it has fans very excited to see what he will do next.

In 2011, Miller played in every game and started eight of them. He was named to the Yahoo! Sports Freshman All-American Second Team and the FWAA Freshman All-American Team. Miller also set a single-season team record for a freshman, with 62 receptions for 679 yards and nine touchdowns.

Do not expect a sophomore slump for Miller. He looked good this spring and appears to be ready for another incredible season in 2012.

Miller should shine for the Broncos all season long.