Boise State Broncos Offense: Look Solid Going Into Their Second Scrimmage

The Boise State Broncos play their second spring scrimmage on April 8. The first scrimmage left sportscasters, media, and fans pleasantly pleased saying the “offense shined.”

Prior to any scrimmage, the Broncos were seemingly lacking in some vital areas. The area that was of the most concern—according to some media—was wide receiver, but after just one scrimmage that position looked quite passable : )

Of course, the rumors had it that the Broncos were in desperate need at wide receiver since Jeremy Childs jumped ship, and Vinny Perretta and company graduated.

However, the two quality wide outs remaining, Austin Pettis and Titus Young, are seemingly ready and the need for quality-starting receiver is basically filled.

Mitch Burroughs, Aaron Burks, and Chris Potter are producing terrific practice results and appear ready to fill any remaining vacancies.

Still, if need be Kellen Moore’s younger brother Kirby is standing in the wings. Kirby is not just another wide receiver, but potentially the best receiver ever to sign with the Broncos.

The tight end/fullback position is going to be manned once again by Richie Brockel, Tommy Gallarda, and Kyle Efaw. Yet, look for Gabe Linehan—another multi-talented athlete from Oregon—to play tight end as a true freshman and compliment that position in a very big way.

Linehan is looking forward to his new position.

Gabe is also a talented passer as he played QB in high school. Boise State fans have grown to expect nothing less from their players.

Indeed the '09 team had a lot of super large shoes to fill after last season’s graduation, but not in the passing department. In fact, the Bronco quarterbacks may have never been as talented as this season group.

Thus, it seems BSU is overstocked now that the former coaches son, walk-on Drew Hawkins, has been practicing so well.

Most likely, Hawkins will not compete for the second- or third-string QB position, but may very well be a regular in every game. No fans, Moore will still be the starter, and it also appears that Mike Coughlin will remain KM’s back up.

Hawkins is continuing to impress Coach Pete and offensive coordinator Harsin so much that they are considering him in the ever-impressive Tanyon Bissell role.

Young Hawkins is just too multi-talented to bench. Look for him on special teams as a holder, gadget player, slash receiver, whatever.

Ian Johnson kidded Moore last year about Brittany Spears singing “Give me Moore.” Well Spears may have to make room and start singing “Give me Moore Drew.”

For sure, Boise State fans will be singing that tune if young Hawkins continues on the road he’s slinging.

The non-regular and previously unstable offensive line also seemed to be a minor concern, as Coach Petersen’s O-Line coach Scott Huff wants five of the 16 candidates to step up and claim their place on the line.

So far, Huff says the one player that “is a lock” is last seasons Thomas Byrd. Another player that may push for a spot is freshman Michael Ames.

There are a lot of potentials to fill the other four spots including junior tackle Matt Slater and sophomore guards Garrett Pendergast and Cory Yriarte.

Coach Huff has not given young Ames a lock as of yet (but don’t be surprised if he does).

Regardless of Huff’s decision for “O Line”, most of the candidates for starting positions indeed started at one time or another last season. The potentials are truly solid players. The fans and Moore will be content with the final choices.

Completing the look at offense are the running backs. Of course awesome Johnson is gone, but the RB position is far from depleted.

Last season's talented duo of Jeremy Avery and DJ Harper will continue to slug out the yards for Coach Pete and RB coach Keith Bhonapha.

In fact, Coach Bhonapha is feeling very secure with his backs, as Doug Martin has moved to DB (secondary) where he played at times last year leaving Bhonapha with last years red shirt Matt Kaiserman.

The 6-foot 186-pound Kaiserman (former Gatorade Player of the Year in 2006) rushed for nearly 1,800 yards and scored 26 touchdowns for his Sky View High School team in Nampa. Kaiserman is a patient fellow. Look for Matt to have an excellent freshman season.

Coach Bhonapha said that Matt Kaiserman, “has that focus and fire."

Boise State fans are looking for “focus and fire” right out of the hat. Boise fans also expect the Broncos to have another winning season.

Enjoy the ride and go Broncos!