08/04/2006 — With 20 returning starters, the Boise State football team doesn’t have much room for unknown players to make heavy contributions.
Among the top contenders this year is redshirt freshman tight end Richie Brockel, particularly with injuries to seniors Sherm Blaser and Derek Schouman.
“It doesn’t matter how much depth you have,” BSU coach Chris Petersen said, “there’s always room for a good, smart young player who takes care of business, and that’s Richie Brockel to a T.”
Read more about the potential for impact players who you might not know in Saturday’s edition of the Idaho Statesman.
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Senior defensive lineman Dennis Ellis has not practiced yet this fall. Ellis had arthroscopic knee surgery in the offseason, and his return date is uncertain.
Ellis, a junior-college transfer, came on strong in the spring and is expected to help fill the void at defensive tackle where Alex Guerrero played last year.
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In Bronco Voices, listen to freshman cornerback Kyle Wilson talk about the Broncos’ defense and the adjustment he made moving from New Jersey to Boise.
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The Broncos begin the season at No. 31 in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll, released today.
The Broncos received 46 points in voting by coaches across the country. BSU coach Chris Petersen is on the panel and he voted the Broncos in the Top 20.
TCU was the lone mid-major program to crack the Top 25, at No. 21. Utah, which plays host to BSU on Sept. 30, was No. 28. WAC members Fresno State (No. 35) and Nevada (No. 43) got some attention, while Oregon State received two points.
The Broncos made the preseason Top 25 last year for the first time. The complete poll is available at:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/usatpoll.htm
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The Broncos wore shoulder pads for the first time during fall camp today, the third day. Newcomers and some veterans practiced at 9:30 a.m.
The highlight of practice was the “Red Ball” session — a hurry-up drill.
Freshman safety Jason Robinson recorded an interception to continue an impressive start to camp, and sophomore tight end Julian Hawkins hauled in a touchdown pass from redshirt freshman quarterback Nick Lomax.
True freshman quarterback Mike Coughlin hit sophomore wideout Toshi Franklin for a big play during his series.
Most veterans practice at 4 p.m.
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Today’s links:
Sacramento State, the Broncos’ first opponent, has question marks at quarterback, running back and offensive line as practice begins: http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/story/14287434p-15107122c.html
Can Utah State field a successful football program? http://www.sltrib.com/usuaggies/ci_4135001
Oregon State draws motivation from baseball team: http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/sports/115466933180880.xml&coll=7
Fresno State has a star in CB Marcus McCauley; transfer from Miami may play this year: http://www.fresnobee.com/sports/bulldogs/story/12543691p-13256070c.html
