National Signing Day 2011: Boise State Football's Top Positional Needs
When the 2010 season began, Boise State had its eyes set on breaking into the national championship game. After a late season loss, Boise State ended up in the Las Vegas Bowl but still finished on a positive note with a victory.
While Boise State continues to remain competitive on the field, it looks to put together a great recruiting class to keep them in the national eye. While some position are deep with young talent, the coaches will have some positional targets to fill.
Let's break down the Boise State depth chart and the needs they face coming into next year.
Quarterback
1 of 10
Lost: Mike Coughlin
Verbal Commits: Jimmy Laughrea (3-star)
Comments: While Kellen Moore does return for the Broncos, they will need to bring in some young talent with the understanding that it is Moore's last year.
Priority Level: High
Running Back
2 of 10
Lost: Jeremy Avery
Verbal Commits: Jay Ajayi (3-star) and Dillon Lukehart (2-star)
Comments: The future at running back is bright for Boise State. While they do have young talent in the backfield, the staff welcomes two more additions so far.
Priority Level: Low
Wide Receiver
3 of 10
Lost: Austin Pettis and Titus Young
Verbal Commits: Dallas Burroughs (2-star)
Comments: This may be the position that is hit the hardest. Boise State will be losing 19 total touchdowns from last year. They will have to rely on Moore and young talent to get the job done.
Priority Level: High
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Offensive Line
4 of 10
Lost: Matt Slater and Will Lawrence
Verbal Commits: Marcus Henry (3-star), Adam Sheffield (2-star) and Rees Odhiambo
Comments: While Boise will lose a couple of starters, the Broncos are in good hands with the talent they have returning, as well as the recruits they are bringing in.
Priority Level: Medium
Defensive Line
5 of 10
Lost: Ryan Winterswyk
Verbal Commits: Sam Ukwuachu (3-star), Robert Ash (3-star) and Tyler Horn
Comments: The defensive line will remain strong in 2011, and the young talent gives the defense a solid future.
Priority Level: Low
Linebacker
6 of 10
Lost: Darrell Acrey
Verbal Commits: Blake Renaud (3-star) and Dextrell Simmons (JUCO)
Comments: The defense continues to remain strong, as the linebacker corps only loses one player. With the addition of Simmons, the Bronco defense will not take a step back at this position either.
Priority Level: Low
Corners
7 of 10
Lost: None
Verbal Commits: Eric Agbaroji (2-star)
Comments: Another position, another strength. Boise brings back its starters and looks to get the most out of Agbaroji.
Priority Level: Low
Safety
8 of 10
Lost: Jeron Johnson
Verbal Commits: Jamie Byrd (3-star), Taylor Loffler (2-star) and Corey Bell
Comments: This is the one spot on the defense that could be a concern. They lose Johnson this year and will lose three more players next year. The coaching staff will have to work hard on recruiting this position over the next two seasons.
Priority Level: High
Kicker
9 of 10
Lost: Kyle Brotzman
Verbal Commits: Jake Van Ginkel (2-star) and Michael Frisina (JUCO)
Comments: Frisina's recruitment will allow them to bridge the gap with Brotzman graduating. While Brotzman may be remembered for his misses, he was a steady kicker that will eventually be missed.
Priority Level: Medium
Athletes
10 of 10
Verbal Commits: Darian Thompson (3-star)
Comments: What a decision to make with this young man. With both size and speed, Thompson is a solid fit at either receiver or safety. With both positions needing young talent to make up for the loss of players to graduation, it will be interesting to see where he ends up.
Priority Level: Medium
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
