Boise State Football: 5 Things to Know about Likely QB Joe Southwick

Joe Southwick spent the last three seasons waiting for his shot. In 2012, it appears as if his patience is about to pay off.

If the spring game is any indication, Southwick is currently the favorite to take the helm from the winning-est college football quarterback of all time—Kellen Moore, who is now looking for his own respect as a member of the Detroit Lions.

However, the job is not a lock for Southwick. The much-touted freshmen, Nick Patti, is in town looking to spoil Joe's debut. Patti also looked good in the spring game, but he has a considerable amount of ground to make up if he wants to overtake Southwick.

Look for Joe to lead the Broncos into uncharted waters in 2012. It has been four years since Boise State had to worry about who will lead their potent charge.

It will be an intriguing season for all of Bronco Nation, but before it starts, let's get to know Joe Southwick a little better.

Let's look at five things you should know about the likely leader of the Boise State offense in 2012.

Offensive Scout Player of the Year as a Freshmen

In his first year at Boise State (2009), Southwick was named the Offensive Scout Player of the Year. This is impressive and proves that this kid came to Boise to play.

It was his redshirt season, but Southwick made the most of the opportunity.

Look for him to do the same thing in 2012 with the opportunity he has now.

He Is Camera Ready

Joe Southwick is a confident young man who seems to have the right kind of football I.Q. that BSU fans are used to.

He is a student of the game and judging from his spring game performance, he appears to have a firm grasp on the Bronco System.

However, one other notable item Bronco fans can count on is that Southwick is camera ready. In this 2011 spring interview, Southwick seems like a veteran long before even being considered for the starting job.

He says all the right things off the field, and he does all the right things on the field. The more you see of Joe Southwick, the more impressed you have to be.

Southwick Is Fast

When Kellen Moore was the Boise State quarterback you could always count on him to stay in the pocket at all costs. However, if Southwck is the guy, expect him to run when needed.

Southwick is fast, and we saw some of that last year when he would come into games in certain situations to give the Boise State offense a more mobile look.

Southwick uses the scramble only if he needs to, but it will be interesting to see the new dynamic created by a mobile quarterback.

According to NFLdraftscout.com, Southwick has a 40-yard dash time of 4.64. That is not too shabby for a quarterback who also has a great arm.

Look for the speedy Southwick to use his legs when he needs to in 2012. It should give opposing defenses nightmares.

Was a Solid Backup

One of the reasons Bronco fans can feel good about Southwick as the starter in 2012 is the fact that he has been a solid backup for the last two seasons.

In 2010-2011, Joe completed 40-of-54 passes for 400 yards and two touchdowns with only one interception. He also rushed the ball 16 times for 47 yards.

He was more than efficient as Kellen Moore's backup, which points to good things for 2012. The experience he acquired behind Moore is invaluable, and the maturity and familiarity with the system should pay big dividends.

Look for this solid backup to be a solid starter when the Broncos take the field this season.

Joe Southwick Has a History of Surprising People

Joe Southwick was an outstanding athlete in high school, competing in baseball, basketball and of course, football.

Southwick was a first-team all-state selection and first-team all conference as a senior out of San Ramon Valley High School in Danville, California.

In that same season, Southwick threw for over 3,700 yards and 36 touchdowns with only 11 interceptions. He also ran for 350 yards on 90 carries according to Broncosports.com.

Southwick attended the Berkeley Elite 11 Camp in 2008 and was labeled at the "top performer" by those paying attention. You can see some of that video on Rivals.com.

No matter where Southwick shows up, he impresses people. The most recent example is this year's spring game. Many people came to see how the new guy Nick Patti would do, but it was Southwick who would dazzle the crowd with his skill and athleticism.

He has already impressed Bronco Nation; look for that to continue. But also look for Joe Southwick to impress the rest of the nation in 2012.