A 2008 Boise State Preview - Part III: Player Projections

Last year, Taylor Tharp emerged from a four-way competition during the off-season to claim the QB job for the Broncos. Many expected him to simply "manage" the offense, otherwise known as handing the ball off to Ian Johnson.

Johnson had health issues, however, and Tharp was forced into a more active role, which he thrived in, tossing 30 TDs and 3340 yards. I don't quite expect those type of numbers from rookie QB Kellen Moore, but I do foresee a productive season that he can build off of.

Here's my picks for the main offensive and defensive leaders for the Broncos.

QB Kellen Moore

Moore is lucky enough to be surrounded with some amazing talent. Having Ian Johnson to hand the ball off to and Jeremy Childs and Titus Young to throw to should cushion the learning curve for the lefty.

235-360, 65.2 percent, 2940 yds, 26 TD 11 INT

RB Ian Johnson

I know it's a long-shot for IJ staying healthy, but I'm going to assume he lasts the year, and that his workload is reduced, somewhat due to the presence of Jeremy Avery and D.J. Harper. 

216 carries, 1258 yds, 5.8 YPC, 14 TD; 22 rec, 180 yds, 8.2 YPR, two TD

RB Jeremy Avery

Avery will help reduce the load on IJ and also provide a different running style, one I see the Broncos utilizing. Expect Avery to make some plays on special teams too.

112 car, 501 yds, 4.5 YPC, eight TD; 18 rec, 98 yds, 5.4 YPR, 0 TD

RB D.J. Harper

Harper should see some decent time, but if IJ figures out a way to stay healthy I don't see how he equals the same numbers he had last year.

65 car, 298 yds, 4.6 YPC, four TD; 10 rec, 68 yds, 6.8 YPR, 0 TD

WR Jeremy Childs

Childs is the heart of this receiving corp, and while Titus Young may be the playmaker, there is no doubt who will be the number one target once he returns from his one-game suspension.

67 receptions, 987 yds, 14.7 YPR, six TD

WR Titus Young

Young should have a breakthrough year in '08. Expect Peterson to use him in the passing AND running game. His performance against ISU in the season opener should give everyone a little taste of what he is capable of every game.

56 rec, 909 yds, 16.2 YPR, nine TD

WR Austin Pettis

Pettis should build on his strong finish last season. Look for Moore to look for him in the red-zone this year.

50 rec, 650 yds, 13.0 YPR, 7 TD

DE Ryan Winterswyk

Winterswyk has the talent to get 10+ sacks this season—and every season. If he can stay healthy he might come close to getting them. Let's hope.

33 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks 

LB Derrell Acrey

Acrey showed what he is capable of in the season opener: 10+ tackles per game, ability to rush the passer, tenacity to deliver the big hit. 

112 tackles, five tackles for loss, four sacks, two INT

LB Tim Brady

Brady brings the experience to the Boise State linebacking corp. He will get the starts to show off his skills, and as long as he stays healthy he should have a productive year.

95 tackles, six tackles for loss, four sacks, two INT

S Jeron Johnson

I LOVE Johnson. He has the meanness to play safety and hits like a linebacker. He's good against the run and has sweet hands to take a few away that way.

92 tackles, five INT, two forced fumbles

K Kyle Brotzman

Brotzman showed some big time skill in his rookie season, nailing all but two field goals, earning him a honorable mention pre-season All-American nod. Look for him to equal his stats from year one.

17-20 FG, 63-64 PAT, long of 52