Thursday, February 7, 2008

Welcome to the family, Faraji Wright

For the next couple days, we'll be profiling BSU's recruiting class. Enjoy.


Faraji Wright (#75) blowing people up.

Faraji Wright
6’3”, 273 pounds, Offensive Tackle
Berkeley High School, CA

Another big offensive line recruit, Wright was a solid player at Berkeley, and he has good potential to contribute at BSU. As with any college freshman, he will need to increase his strength, but judging from the video above, he is a technically sound blocker who moves his feet well and gets in great position. There is certainly enough here for the Bronco coaches to work with.

Something to think about:
Is Wright related to Ryan Clady?

Chris Berman nickname:
"Fara-genie in a bottle" Wright

Welcome to the family, Chandler Koch

Over the next couple days, we will be profiling BSU's recruiting class. Enjoy.


Koch (#88) makes some good catches and runs in this game highlight.

Chandler Koch
6’2.5”, 217 pounds, 5.04 40, Tight End
Flower Mound High School, TX

The Boise State passing game is much more effective with a good tight end. Derek Schoumann was an overlooked, but important part of the 2006 offense, and it was obvious that BSU’s attack was different this year with Julian Hawkins and Sherm Blaser in his place. Koch has a chance to round into a solid player. He sounds like a willing blocker and smart route runner. If he can develop bulk and better speed, then Koch should be able to make an impact down the road.

Something to think about:

Which sounds more like a character from Sex and the City: Chandler, Julian, or Sherm?

Chris Berman nickname:

Chandler “Not in the Koch!”

Chandler Koch Recruiting Profile [ESPN.com]

Thaddeus Brown hates winning


Thaddeus Brown backed off of his commitment to Boise State, choosing instead to sign with WAC rival Nevada.

"(Thaddeus) Brown ... may be the fastest one of all of them. These two cornerbacks (Brown and Isaiah Frey) are as good a cornerbacks as we've ever recruited at this university as freshmen," said coach Chris Ault.

The Pack convinced Brown to reconsider his verbal commitment to Boise State.

The draw of a 3-10 season must have put Nevada over the top.

Class pleases Ault [Reno Gazette-Journal]

Welcome to the family, George Iloka

Over the next two days, we will be profiling BSU's new recruiting class. Enjoy.


George Iloka
6’3”, 205 pounds, 4.6 40, Safety
Kempner High School, TX

Based on raw talent, Iloka looks like quite a football player. He was a two-way player in high school, and he was a standout wide receiver. Judging from the video posted above, he has superb ball skills and is not afraid to go up and fight for a ball. Hopefully, all this translates well to the Broncos defensive secondary. He is currently enrolled at BSU, and he could be ready to contribute right away.

Something to think about:
Does Iloka mean "Tadman" in some foreign language?

Chris Berman nickname:
George "Iloka? I barely know her!"

George Iloka profile [Scout.com]

Idaho puts spin on incoming class


Idaho coach Rob Akey feels his new recruiting class if full of "winners." No word on if the Vandals got any "athletes," "football players," or kids that other teams "wanted."

"I'm like every football coach in the country," said Akey, whose team finished 1-11 last fall. "I'm happy today. We think a lot of these guys or we would not have offered them scholarships.

"I think the fact that every guy on this list comes from a winning program says a lot... In regards to helping teach how to win and change expectations of winning, recruiting winners helps add that."

The Vandals ranked behind Fresno and BSU in the WAC recruiting standings, so they must have done something right. Their class, which includes two good running backs among others, should help them get out of the WAC cellar and maybe even come within 20 points of the Broncos in the next few years. That's what "winners" do.

Idaho recruits a class of 'winners' [Idaho Statesman]

Welcome to the family, Byron Hout

Over the next couple days, we'll be profiling the new Bronco recruiting class. Enjoy!



Byron Hout
6'1", 225 pounds, 4.6 40, Linebacker
Lake City High School, ID

You can tell a lot about how far Boise State has come in the commitment of Hout. Time was that Idaho’s best high school players would choose to go elsewhere to play college ball, but Hout, a two-time state player of the year, decided long ago to stay put in his home state.

And we could not be happier that he did. He should follow in a long line of great linebackers at Boise State, continuing the tradition of Andy Avalos, Korey Hall, and friends. It will be interesting to see what the Bronco coaching staff decides to do with his eligibility. The team’s linebacking corps returns in tact from last year, so there is really no need to rush Hout into the lineup. Then again, there is no doubt that the 6’1”, 225-pound playmaker would make a difference.

Something to think about:
Could Byron Hout actually kill someone with a tackle?

Chris Berman nickname:
Byron “Who Let the Dogs Hout”

Recruiting Profile [ESPN.com]
Idaho POY--Byron Hout [RISEmag.com]

Photo courtesy Spokesman Review

BSU's recruiting class ranked 67th

Scout.com

Scout.com's official rankings put BSU's recruiting class at 67th in the country. The rankings don't include the grayshirts, so this number should actually be higher. Still, 67th is not that bad all things considered.

Scout.com Team Rankings [Scout.com]