Veteran pass rusher from Ball State follows defensive coordinator to Boise State
Boise State went back to the transfer portal to find a pass rusher who is familiar with one of the Broncos’ newest coaches.
Former Ball State defensive end Tavion Woodard announced Sunday afternoon that he is transferring to Boise State. He follows former Ball State defensive coordinator Tyler Stockton, who the Broncos hired last month as safeties coach and co-defensive coordinator.
Woodard is the fourth transfer that has committed to the Broncos since Friday, following wide receiver Cam Camper, quarterback Malachi Nelson and cornerback Jeremiah Earby.
Woodard is a veteran of 20 starts during four seasons at Ball State. He has appeared in 41 games since 2020, and he joins the Broncos with 80 career tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. He has one season of eligibility left.
The 6-foot-4, 265-pound native of West Lafayette, Indiana, led Ball State defensive linemen with 28 tackles in 2021 and 35 in 2022. Woodard, a three-star recruit, signed with the Cardinals in 2018 and enrolled the following year.
Boise State coaches are hoping to pair him with returning sack leader Ahmed Hassanein, who posted 12.5 last season. Linebacker Andrew Simpson was No. 2 on the team with 6.5.
The Broncos tried to boost their pass rush with additions from the portal last season, but it didn’t work out. Former Boston College edge rusher Kivon Wright never caught on and is bask in the portal. Utah transfer Tyler Wegis played in just three games because of injuries.
This story was originally published January 7, 2024 at 3:53 PM.
