Q&A: Recruiting expert breaks down strengths, weaknesses in Boise State’s 2020 class
Even before quarterback Hank Bachmeier went 7-0 as the starter and running back George Holani began closing in on 1,000 rushing yards, many believed Boise State’s 2019 recruiting class was its best in program history.
It was highlighted by Bachmeier and STUD Casey Kline — both four-star recruits, according to 247Sports — and Holani, the No. 34 running back in the nation. The class also included safety JL Skinner and cornerback Markel Reed, both of whom saw snaps as true freshmen, and wide receiver Shea Whiting, who was named offensive scout team player of the year at the team’s awards banquet.
There’s no crystal ball for projecting how a player is going to develop, but the Broncos’ current class isn’t far from matching last year’s, at least in terms of ranking. 247Sports ranked the 2019 class No. 1 in the Mountain West and No. 54 in the country. With early signing day on Wednesday, the 2020 class ranks No. 1 in the Mountain West and No. 68 in the nation.
The Broncos’ 2020 class includes 14 known commits: four defensive backs, four defensive linemen, three offensive linemen, two wide receivers and one tight end.
Before the national letters of intent start rolling in on Wednesday, 247Sports national recruiting editor Brandon Huffman was kind enough to field a few questions about Boise State’s incoming class.
1. What are the strengths of this class and what areas still need to be addressed?
Obviously, they’d love to get a quarterback. I know they’re waiting to see what Carl Richardson (Salinas, California) is going to do. I’ve got a crystal ball pick in for him because I think they’re going to end up with him. I think they would like to get that done because of the uncertainty with Bachmeier’s health at times this year.
They’ve done a really good job on both the offensive and defensive lines in this class, but then you also look at their secondary class. Semaj Verner is really good, Donovan Clark is really good, Isaiah Bradford is really good, Kaonohi Kaniho is really good. I think they filled a bunch of needs. I think (JUCO defensive end) Shane Irwin’s commitment will certainly help with losing Curtis Weaver. I really like what they’ve done on the defensive line and in the secondary.
2. How big of a late addition was defensive tackle Herbert Gums, and is he a guy you see coming in and competing for playing time early in his career?
I think he absolutely will come in and play early. You get a guy of his caliber — he had SEC offers, he had Big 12 offers, he had Pac-12 offers — but I think he really fits into what Boise State does schematically, and he’s got the size that he could probably come in and play as a true freshman.
3. Boise State went heavy with defensive backs in the class. If there was one that you think may see the field the earliest in his career, who would it be?
I would say Semaj Verner because he’s got the most positional versatility. I think he can play safety, he can play corner, he can play nickel, he can play any spot you need him to because he’s got good size and he’s pretty well put together. I don’t think there’s going to be that much growth needed from him, and I just think his versatility gets him on the field quickest.
4. The Broncos stuck with their tried and true method of recruiting explosive, but slightly undersized wide receivers. What can fans expect from Chance Luper and Latrell Caples?
Guys that I think are going to be exciting players to watch and who are able to stretch the field. Guys that will give them the opportunity to have big plays, the speedster guys. Going back to the Titus Young, Austin Pettis type of one-two punch where guys were 50 and 60 yards downfield with passes getting launched to them.
I think (Boise State) brings a dimension that not a lot of Mountain West schools have, which is the big and physical receivers, but also guys that can fly.
5. Robert Cooper is listed as a strong-side defensive end, but his size suggests a possible move to STUD in Boise State’s system. Does he have the athleticism to rush the passer off the edge and the strength to play with his hand on the ground?
I don’t know that he can play it right away. He could, but the good thing for him is it’s not like he’s going to have to get too big. They don’t need him at 280 or 290 to play that role. He’s kind of at that perfect size (6-5, 252). It’s kind of a tough position to play in terms of being used to standing up a little more. He’s been more of a traditional hand-down defensive end, but I think size-wise, that really is a natural spot for him.
6. There seems to be a sleeper in every class. Who is the player in this class that isn’t getting a lot of publicity now but may evolve into a star in the future?
My guy is Kaonohi Kaniho. I saw him when I was in Hawaii last January. He came to the Polynesian Bowl Hall of Fame dinner as one of the select underclassmen. He’s not really big or thick, but he’s got some length to him and I always love those Kahuku kids.
If you’re going to recruit a school in Hawaii and you want someone who is going to come in with a chip on his shoulder and an edge to him, give me a Kahuku kid every single time... Every year, they’re in a state championship game in front of 25,000 fans, and they’re just tough kids. I think Kaonohi fits that mold.
7. How similar is he to his older brother, Kekaula Kaniho, coming out of high school?
Very similar. Kekaula was a little more heavily recruited, which is kind of interesting because Kaonohi was more of a known quantity because of his brother and still his only other offer was Hawaii.
Kekaula had a higher ceiling, I think, so you knew more of what to expect from him. He was a little more put together in high school and played a little more compact. Kaonohi still has a very young look to him, but I think they have very similar skill sets. Kaonohi can play corner or safety, so they both have that same versatility.
8. Spinning the clock forward, what do you see as Boise State’s biggest areas of need in 2021?
You need a quarterback in every class. You just absolutely need one. I think running back would be a good need to fill. There’s not a lot of running backs in that class in the west in general that are highly thought of. You have Holani, who’s only a true freshman, but if he continues on the trajectory he’s on, he could be heading to the (NFL) Draft early, so going into his junior year, at least, you’re going to want to have a true freshman out there to get a few carries.
