Boise State Football: Which Incoming Freshmen Will Broncos Count on Most?

From being a big deal in high school to the scramble to determine which college to attend and finally to the letter of intent and enrollment—moving from high school to college is full of stress and expectations. Coaches have certain expectations, fans have expectations and the players themselves have expectations of the program they are entering and their role within that team concept.  

For the sake of argument, let’s forget those that came and sat out the 2011 season as a redshirt and look at the true freshmen that arrived on campus with dreams of football stardom shining bright in their eyes. The Broncos have 23 true freshmen listed on their 2012 roster, and while each was capable in high school, it’s time to single out a couple of names of players that may jump up in either the upcoming season or in 2013 as redshirt freshmen.

So, roll the dice and here are some of the names that jump out from the incoming crop of freshmen …

Nick Patti: Quarterback

The 8A Florida State Player of the Year, Nick Patti had a great spring game and could well challenge Joe Southwick for the starting spot on the Bronco offense. However, in addition to Southwick, coach Chris Petersen also has Grant Hedrick and redshirt freshmen Jimmy Laughrea competing for the QB spot.

If Patti does not win the job outright, he may find himself redshirted with the idea that he takes over when the Broncos join the Big East in 2013.

Jack Fields: Running Back

With the likes of D.J. Harper, Jay Ajayi and Drew Wright—not to mention Mitch Burroughs and Chris Potter, who are capable on wildcat formation—all vying for time to tote the pigskin, there is a great chance that Jack Fields will be redshirted in 2012.

As a high school senior, according to BroncoSports.com, Fields recorded  280 carries for 2,478 yards and 25 touchdowns. He has good size coming in and time in the weight room should add more muscle and remind Bronco fans of a “Muscle Hamster” known as Doug Martin.

Sean Wale: Kicker

Sean Wale has the kicking pedigree, having attended the "Chris Sailer Kicking Top 12" invitation only camp in 2009, 2010 and 2011. In addition, he is coming into the Bronco system at a time when the kicking game has holes that need to be filled.

On the Broncos 2012 roster, Wale is listed as a punter, but he can also kick field goals and could content for that position on the team. As a high school senior, he kicked a field of 52 yards and averaged 47 yards per punt.

BSU head coach Chris Petersen realized the kicking game at BSU was not the strongest and has several young kickers that could compete for starting position.

Tyler Gray: Linebacker

As a high school running back, Tyler Gray posted some impressive numbers—more than 1,600 yards and 25 touchdowns. As a linebacker, he recorded 143 tackles and five sacks. He has good size at 6'3" and 215 lbs, and because he was a solid running back, it means he has speed.

Gray was about to head to Hawai'i when he was offered a scholarship at BSU and took the offer and changed his flight. He is one of a trio of incoming freshman linebackers that include Chris Collins and Ben Weaver, and any one of them or all three could be the Broncos linebackers of the near future.