Boise State Football: November Recruiting Update

Boise State football recruiting has had quite the roller coaster ride this fall. After assembling what looked to be another fine class of recruits, the Broncos received a harsh reminder of the word "verbal" in verbal commitment. 

Since late August, the Broncos have had four recruits decommit from their promises to play for the Blue and Orange.

The latest, tight end Dimitri Flowers, is now committed to Oklahoma. The Broncos also lost wide receiver Shay Fields, who is now going to play for USC, as well as defensive tackle Hawkins Mann, now committed to San Diego State, and running back Squally Canada, who is still running around recruiting circles but is certain that he doesn't want to be a Bronco.

There are now ten current verbal commitments in the Broncos 2014 recruiting class. That list includes Kekoa Nawahine, a local wide receiver that the Idaho Press-Tribune reports as newly committed to Boise State. 

Even with the four lost commits, this is still a fine class for the Broncos, but some work needs to be done in order for this class to fulfill all of the needs this team has going into next season.

Key Needs

The defensive line is a probably the biggest need for Boise State right now, but some bigger, more physical defensive secondary players are certainly needed as well.

A couple of big guys up front on offense and some physical wide receivers wouldn't hurt. The Broncos always take at least one quarterback, and to keep the classes even, a running back would be wise.

With 14 seniors on the roster and with three scholarships returning after NCAA penalties, Boise State should have at least 17 players in its 2014 class. If you add to that the handful of players that leave for various reasons, then that number could climb as high as perhaps 19 or 20.

With that in mind, it seems the Broncos coaching staff has a lot of work to do by signing day.

Most Important Commits 

Name	Stars	Position	Height	Weight
Jalen Greene	4	QB	6'3"	195
Drew Sample	3	TE	6'4"	234
Greg Gaines	3	DT	6'1"	292
Jaylen Johnson	3	SDE	6'3"	232
Brandon Lewis	3	CB	5'11"	182
Ryan Griswold	2	OT	6'4"	250

Boise State spent the offseason changing its offense to a more uptempo spread-type offense that could really benefit from the talents of a dual-threat quarterback. 

Jalen Greene is that outstanding dual-threat quarterback, and he simply knows how to win. It may take him a year or two to acclimate, but he has a serious upside. Don't be surprised if he competes for playing time early in his career.

The Broncos could also use another tight end. They have been hindered by injuries in that position, and with senior Gabe Linehan leaving, they will need a fresh face. Drew Sample should fill that need.

Another offensive lineman on the roster wouldn't hurt either, and Ryan Griswold, although not highly rated, is a typical Boise State recruit that will no doubt become something special as a Bronco.

On the other side of the ball, defensive tackle Greg Gaines, stud end Jaylen Johnson and cornerback Brandon Lewis will help the Broncos fill some serious needs on a struggling defense this season.

  

Most Important Targets 

Name	Stars	Position	Height	Weight
Kalen Ballage	4	ATH	6'2"	215
Jaeden Graham	3	S	6'3"	210
Louis Vecchio	3	SDE	6'4"	232
David Hartmeier	2	OC	6'3"	262

Kalen Ballage is an outstanding player who could play running back, wide receiver or both for the Broncos. He is also a very good high school linebacker.

The problem with all of that, for Boise State anyway, is that he isn't a secret any longer. According to 247Sports, Ballage has offers from Nebraska, Michigan, Michigan State, Oregon and Boise State.

His talents are certainly more fitted toward Oregon or Boise State, and it will probably come down to those two schools for him. He would certainly find more playing time early at Boise State, but that may not be enough to sway him. Still, it would be an incredible grab if he does choose to become a Bronco.

Jaeden Graham is a strong, physical safety out of Englewood, Colo. He would be a great addition to the Boise State secondary, and at 6'3" and 210 pounds, he has a physical presence that the Broncos desperately need back there.

David Hartmeier looks to be highly underrated, and with his physical ability, he should be a solid recruit up front for Boise State.

Louis Vecchio could play stud end or even tight end in college. He is big and physical, and he is fast and athletic. Boise State could use a player like him, but they are going to get competition from teams like Colorado and Cal. 

Overall, the Broncos seem to be putting together a decent recruiting class, but there are still a lot of unknowns.