Boise State Football: 5 Players Nobody Is Talking About

They fly under the radar. Nobody sees or appreciates their contributions until they have what is known as a "breakout game." But there are just some players that seem poised on the edge of being water-cooler subjects following game day.

All it takes is that one game, that one play that defines them as players and makes highlight reels. Up until that point, they may have largely gone unnoticed. But unnoticed does not mean they haven’t put in the time and the work to achieve the dream of success.

Obviously, if the players on the rosters of Division I-A football schools didn't have potential, they would not suit up. The title of this slideshow may be a bit of a misnomer because any Broncos fan knows these names, but on the national stage, they are not so well-known. That could change in the upcoming campaign.

During spring ball, a lot of attention has been placed on some of more key players—like those in the battle for quarterback. But there are some other players who could be major contributors, and so—with a nod to so many others—here are some names that could be mentioned often in 2012.

1. Gabe Linehan: Tight End

Gabe Linehan didn't get the attention of Kyle Efaw in 2011, but when called upon, Linehan posted the kind of numbers that bring a smile to an offensive coordinator's face. Last season, he caught 23 passes for 252 yards and five touchdowns. He missed the MAACO Las Vegas Bowl with an injury, but look for Linehan to be the go-to tight end in 2012.

2. Jeremy Ioane: Safety

Jeremy Ioane earned a starting spot as a sophomore in the Broncos' defensive secondary in 2011 during his redshirt freshman season. If the Broncos' secondary is going to step up and shut down some of their opponents' passing attacks in 2012, Ioane will have to be a key factor in that success.

3. Matt Paradis: Center

Matt Paradis moved from defense to offense as a redshirt freshman with the Broncos and was the center in eight games during 2011. Regardless of who the quarterback is, every offensive possession begins with the exchange from center to quarterback. Paradis may toil in a bit of obscurity on the offensive line, but his talent and experience could be a big part of the Broncos' offensive success in 2012.

4. Drew Wright: Running Back

Drew Wright’s fumble late in the game gave TCU the chance it needed to drive the football for the winning score, leading to BSU’s only loss of the 2011 season.

Wright, an Idaho native, has primarily been used in the backup role, but he has size and speed, and during the 2011 season he carried the ball 43 times (mostly in mop-up duty), averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Even if relegated to a backup in 2012, Wright will give the Broncos' running game another option.

5. Dan Paul: Fullback

It's no coincidence that Dan Paul has linebacker size because he actually converted from linebacker to fullback his freshman year at BSU. And, if one was to read into head coach Chris Petersen's game plan, Paul was redshirted before his senior year. So, what could that mean?

Simple—this premium blocking back may find himself in the mix of a prototypical two-back set, leading the way with his tenacious blocking ability. Paul also has the ability to catch the ball, and he presents quite the load toting the pigskin as well.