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Basically ... All the Boise State defense usually has to do is make a couple of stops and let the offense do the rest. This year, it'll stand out on its own with several good athletes and a few WAC superstars to build around. The linebacking corps is the best in the league, while the corners are strong. There could stand to be be more of a pass rush and the new tackles need to step in and prove they can handle the starting jobs.
Star of the defense: Senior LB Andy Avalos
Player that has to step up and become a star: Junior DT Alex Guerrero
Unsung star on the rise: Sophomore CB Gerald Alexander
Best pro prospect: Avalos
Top three all-star candidates: 1) Avalos, 2) CB Gabe Franklin, 3) DE Julius Roberts
Strength of the defense: Linebacker
Weakness of the defense: Defensive tackle
Defensive Line
Projected Starters
- Defensive end Julius Roberts, Sr. - The concern going into last year was whether or not there'd be much of a pass rush. The problem was solved a little bit as Roberts cranked out 5.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss. He'll be one of the WAC's elite pass rushers.
- Defensive tackle Andrew Browning, Soph. - Browning walked on a few years ago and now will take over for Paul Allen on the left side. He saw plenty of action last season making 31 tackles while proving to be strong at getting into the backfield.
- Defensive tackle Alex Guerrero, Jr. - Guerrero went from being a big end to a good backup tackle making 18 stops playing behind Dane Oldham. The 286-pound junior will man the right side.
- Defensive end Mike Williams, Soph. - Williams got bigger over the last year bulking up to 241 pounds meaning he'll be even more of a force against the run. He's not a natural pass rusher, but could develop into one with teams paying so much attention to Julius Roberts on the other side. He made 30 tackles and a sack last season.
Top Backups
- DT Dan Gore, RFr. - While young and inexperienced, the 286-pound Gore needs to be a factor as one of the team's biggest players. He'll backup Andrew Browning on the left side.
- DE Mike Dominguez, Soph. - He's a solid athlete who put on twenty pounds to try and become more physical playing behind Julius Roberts. He made 13 tackles and two sacks in a limited role.
The Skinny: The line did a great job against the run, at least statistically, mostly because teams spent so much time throwing the ball after getting behind. This is a good line that could use a little help at tackle after losing Paul Allen and Dane Oldam. There could also be a bit more of a pass rush.
Player to keep an eye on: Mike Williams ... Defensive Line Rating: 6
Linebackers
Projected Starters
- Jared Hunter, Soph. - Hunter suffered a broken leg last year limiting him to only six games of action. He's a good sized athlete who should clean up on the strongside once he gets back in the mix combining with Colt Brooks and Josh Bean for the job.
- Korey Hall, Soph. - Hall can play either inside or out, but at 231 pounds, he's useful in the middle finishing with 92 tackles last year. He's a bit overshadowed by Andy Avalos, but he should be an All-WAC performer this year.
- Andy Avalos, Sr. - Avalos might be the best linebacker in school history. He's a great blend of pass rusher and run stopper always all over the field leading the team in tackles over the last few seasons with 220. He got a bit bigger making him even more of a physical force.
Top Backups
- Colt Brooks, Soph. - Brooks will get every shot to win the strongside job with his mix of speed and athleticism making him too good to keep off the field. At only 209 pounds, he'll have to prove he can be as physical as the other players in the mix.
- Chris Barrios, Jr. - The versatile Barrios is a key reserve playing behind Korey Hall in the middle. He made 29 tackles last year as a big hitting backup.
- Josh Bean, RFr. - The star of the future, the 220-pound Bean has tremendous skills and will get every shot at winning the strongside job using his size and athleticism.
The Skinny: This is the WAC's best linebacking corps led by superstar Andy Avalos and All-WAC performer Korey Hall. There are plenty of good options with tremendous athletes at every spot including the reserves. It'll be a major disappointment if this crew doesn't become the team's best unit.
Player to keep an eye on: Korey Hall ... Linebacker Rating: 8.5
Secondary
Projected Starters
- Cornerback Gerald Alexander, Soph. - Alexander is one of the best all-around athletes in the Bronco secondary. The 6-0, 192-pound sophomore can move and is physical with the bigger receivers. He made 20 tackles last season playing behind Julius Brown.
- Free safety Cam Hall, Jr. - Hall has to try and replace the 98 tackles and all-around great play of Wes Nurse. He's a big hitter and should turn into an intimidating presence after seeing plenty of time as a nickel back finishing with 35 tackles and three interceptions.
- Rover Chris Carr, Sr. - Carr is the leader of the secondary and a sure tackler making 81 stops last year and six tackles for loss. He's not just great against the run, he's a ball-hawk picking off four passes and breaking up six.
- Cornerback Gabe Franklin, Sr. - A two-time All-WAC performer, the speedy Franklin is one of the league's best cover-corners with three interceptions last year, bringing his career total to 13, and 16 broken up passes. While he's not huge, he's strong in run support making 73 tackles.
Top Backups
- Cornerback Rashaun Scott, RFr. - Scott is a tremendously quick defensive back with good hands. In time he should blossom behind Gerald Alexander on the right side.
- Defensive back Marcossus LaBlanc, Jr. - The star JUCO transfer will find a spot somewhere in the secondary when he gets to camp. He's a premier pass defender with the speed to play corner and the strength to play safety.
The Skinny: Boise State gives up a ton of passing yards, but many of them come when the game is already out of reach. The loss of Wes Nurse and Julius Brown won't hurt if Gerald Alexander and Cam Hall play as well as expected. There could stand to be more developed depth, but things will be fine if Marcossus LaBlanc lives up to the JUCO hype.
Player to keep an eye on: Gerald Alexander ... Secondary Rating: 6
Special Teams
- Placekicker Tyler Jones, Sr. - Jones is one of the WAC's best kickers coming off a sharp season hitting 19 of 25 field goals with three of his misses coming from beyond 40 yards. He has a good leg hitting a 52-yarder and blasts the ball on kickoffs.
- Punter Kyle Stringer, Soph. - Stringer had a solid freshman walk-on year averaging 40.2 yards per kick while putting 18 inside the 20. He'll be an effective weapon as he gets more and more experience.
The Skinny: The kicking game is rock solid with Tyler Jones and Kyle Stringer each strong All-WAC candidates. Chris Carr will handle most of the kick return duties after averaging a whopping 19.8 yards on six punt returns and 26.3 yards per kickoff returns.
Special Teams Rating: 9
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