Broncos land 11th recruit, find Arizona enticing

The Broncos have landed their eleventh early commitment of the summer, DE Kharyee Marshall from Washington High School (Arizona). Expect the Statesman to confirm this recruit in late September.

The 6'2", 215-pound Marshall recorded 106 tackles and 16 sacks last year from his defensive end position. Ryan Winterswyk and Mike T. Williams nod in approval.

Kharyee Marshall profile [Scout.com]
This one goes to eleven [Fight Fight BSU]

Friday: Links with Fall Camp

Story of the day:

Bronco recruits hit double digits [Press-Tribune]

The tenth verbal commitment for the Boise State Broncos came yesterday from Saguara (Arizona) defensive end Justin Jungblut. The senior-to-be is 6'6", 250 pounds, and he should feel right at home when he hits campus next fall.

Jungblut will join former Saguaro teammate Joe Kellogg on the Boise State roster. Kellogg is a freshman offensive lineman. Jungblut said he had 40 tackles, 15 for losses, and also had two sacks last season.

Jungblut also said that he had, like, 50 fumble recoveries.

Fight Fight BSU has the scouting report on Jungblut, who sounds like a keeper. Don't they all? He spurned offers from Idaho (good choice), Utah, UNLV, Air Force, and Wyoming. Coach Pete's penmanship sealed the deal.

“They did the best job of making me feel welcome, by far,” Jungblut said. “Coach Petersen has written me two letters — hand-written, so I thought that was pretty great.”

For some reason, Robb Akey's singing telegram just didn't do it for Jungblut.

Other links:

USA Today's preseason poll released [USA Today]
Boise State comes in at #34.

Murphy picks best offensive players in WAC [Statesman]
Not surprisingly, no Utah State players make the list.

KTVB 24/7 to air Bronco classics [Bronco Country]
Good luck finding KTVB 24/7.

USC #1 in Rivals countdown [Rivals.com]
Mark Sanchez must know someone at the Rivals office.

Fantasy CFB takes it up a notch [Wall Street Journal]
Now with names!

Coach Pete among up-and-coming coaches [Coaches Hot Seat]
Then again, so is Derek Dooley.

Unique shots of stadium expansion [Statue Left]
It looks so huge!

BSU recruiting: where are all the linemen?

The Boise State recruiting tally looks like this: a quarterback, a running back, two tight ends, two linebackers, two cornerbacks, one wide receiver...and zero offensive or defensive linemen. Strange, don't you think?

The Broncos have been the most proactive team in the WAC this summer, but they have yet to reel in a linemen on either side of the ball. Is this the curse of Ryan Clady leaving early? Is the WAC transitioning into a seven-on-seven conference? Whatever the case may be, the whole situation is making us very curious.

But perhaps we should clarify. Despite the lack of linemen, we could not be happier to have nine verbal commitments in mid-July. This kind of activity is something you normally expect from a BCS-conference school, so it is great to know that the Broncos have such an outstanding reputation in recruiting pockets around the country. Plus, Boise State is really separating itself from the rest of the WAC as a premier destination for football, and with early recruits becoming more and more the norm, the Broncos are at the forefront of the future of recruiting. Taste the revolution, Fresno State!

That said, we would still like to see some linemen.

In our opinion, the line is the most important position on the football field, so we would figure that it would be a focal point of Bronco recruiting classes. We imagine that when all is said and done, there will be plenty of hefty high school kids in the '09 class. But in the meantime, we are left to wonder why no big kids have come out and declared their BSU allegiance yet. Are they riding go carts at Camp Hope or what?

Here are some theories we have on the situation.

1. Linemen are harder to recruit.
   This could be true for a number of reasons: No one knows how big 17-year-old kids will get. The potential of linemen is harder to judge at an early age. There is not as much game tape available on linemen as there is for other positions. There hit-or-miss probability with a lineman is extremely high.
2. Boise State coaches are looking for JC transfers. Certainly, having two years in college under their belt would give any lineman an advantage. Plus, the coaches would be more aware of what to expect when the kids arrive on campus.
3. Linemen aren't born; they're created. Perhaps BSU is not in a hurry because they know they can grow their own linemen whenever necessary. Bronco coaches are notorious for molding players into outstanding linemen.
4. The line is young enough as it is. If this year's young class of linemen pan out, the Broncos will be set for at least a couple more years. Maybe the next recruiting class will be the windfall of big uglies we've been expecting.
5. The line isn't as important in the WAC. To be successful in the WAC, you have to score points and create turnovers. Linemen are not prominently involved in either.
6. The more you weigh, the less decisive you are. We have no evidence of this theory other than Jared Lorenzen's NFL career.

On an encouraging note, Scout.com has a list of linemen who are at least interested in the Broncos. Here some of the top guys:

• OT Charles Siddoway: 6'7", 310 pounds (offered)
• DE Jackson Powell: 6'5", 220 pounds
• OT Gavin Pascerella: 6'5", 260 pounds

The list also includes some junior college players and other big high schoolers, so at least the Broncos are trying. And the fact that we are concerned over a lack of linemen in a recruiting class that still has seven months to fill out and which has absolutely no bearing on anything that will happen on the football field this year, well, it's probably a bit presumptive of us. As always, the Bronco coaches know what they're doing, so we really needn't worry.

Our anxiety would be better spent on the "Q."

Friday: Links with kitties

Story of the day:

More recruits! How 'bout that! [Press-Tribune]

The Broncos have reeled in recruit number nine. QB/LB Gabe Linehan from Banks High School (Oregon) has given his verbal commitment to the Broncos. Does his name sound familiar? It should. His uncle is Rams head coach and former Idaho quarterback Scott Linehan, and his father was an All-Big Sky linebacker at Idaho.

Despite the fact that the Broncos' roster is already replete with quarterbacks and linebackers, Linehan was still happy to commit early. Of course, he won't be a QB/LB for long.

He said Bronco coaches want him to play tight end once he arrives in Boise, though he is the quarterback at Banks.

Currently, Linehan is 6'4" and 205 pounds, so he will need to put on some weight to be effective at the tight end position. Fortunately, Linehan has two 300-pound brothers who have played line for Pac-10 schools, so his mom should know how to feed him.

Here is some extra reading on Linehan:

Idaho Statesman

Scout.com

Fight Fight BSU

Other links:

Taylor Tharp cut by Panthers [Statesman]
Our immediate reaction: Tharp was still on the Panthers?

New turf is nearly complete [Statesman]
Next up? New Boise State inflatable helmet for team intro!

Coaches association discussing changes for recruiting [Birmingham News]
An early signing period would be nice right about now

BSU football is best sporting event in Treasure Valley [Statesman]
The Idaho Steeleheads will forever be bridesmaids.

Rather comprehensive WAC preview [Southern college sports]
We stopped reading after it said Boise State was rebuilding.

Highlighting the skinny BSU offensive linemen [Scott Slant]
Thirty pounds lighter than last year, but the heavier expectations should balance that out.

Yep, Oregon is still good [Rivals.com]
And we're still scared of going to Eugene.

Tuesday: Links with unemployment

Story of the day:

Seattle LB commits to Broncos [Scout.com]

Chalk up another one for proactive Bronco recruiting.

According to Scout.com, O'Dea (Seattle, WA) linebacker Allen Mooney has given a verbal commitment to Boise State, choosing the Broncos over an offer from Army and interest from Pac-10 schools like Washington and Oregon. How did the Broncos land him? Judging by the lede of the Scout story, it may have been that his height was an issue for some teams.

He may not be the tallest linebacker in America, but Allen Mooney carries some big game with him. And the 5-foot-11, 215-pound Mooney - from O'Dea High School in Seattle - will be taking that big game to the Gem State...

A 5'-11" linebacker is not the end of the world, so if other schools were scared off by Mooney's size, we are happy to have him. Of course, it's not an official verbal commitment until the Statesman says it is, so give them a week or so to catch wind of the story and do whatever fact-checking they do.

Also, check out Fight Fight BSU for some Mooney video.

Other links:

Tom Scott's personal thoughts on summer practice [Scott Slant]
Tanyon Bissell and Vinny Perretta get him very excited.

Completely pointless Bob Behler interview [Statesman]
This just in: Behler watched the Fiesta Bowl, likes sports.

A gambler's preview of Boise State [Bet US]
Hint: give the points.

Is this how we're getting so many recruits? [SI.com]
I would have chosen a college, too, based on their making a personal comic book of myself.

Another recruit?! California tight end commits

Updated info at bottom

The recruits just keep on coming.

Trevor Peterson, a tight end from El Dorado High School in California, has given a verbal commitment to the Broncos, according to Scout.com. The 6'4", 220-pound senior-to-be recorded 964 yards and eight touchdowns last season, and he chose the Broncos over Oregon State, Utah, UC Davis, and Harvard. We wonder if the Bob Behler announcement sealed the deal.

Trevor Peterson [Scout.com]

Peterson was named offensive MVP on last year's team, according to the school's website. Also according to the website, Peterson wants to go to Cal-Berkeley. Let's hope his commitment sticks.

Boise State's early verbals: When to expect them on the field

The Broncos have seen a rash of early commitments this summer, which is great for the program and fun for fans. A total of six recruits so far have committed, which is roughly 1/3 of the entire 2009 recruiting class. Let's hear it for proactivity!

While we're at it, let's hear it for perspective, too. These half-dozen 17-year-olds are at least a year away from having any on-field impact whatsoever, and it is hard to picture them on the blue when they are still in high school for 10 more months.

Well, when should Bronco Nation expect these players on the field? Glad you asked.

Joe Southwick QB

We're starting to lose track of which quarterbacks we should be excited about. With Kellen Moore performing football miracles for the next few years, Southwick better Nazarene himself some patience. Worst case scenario: Moore plays every game for the next few years, Southwick gets anxious and switches to tight end. Best case scenario: Moore leads the Broncos to the national championship in '08 and '09, turns pro, and Southwick takes over. The actual scenario is probably somewhere in between. Southwick will most likely redshirt in 2009, back-up Moore the next two years, and grab the reigns his junior year.
Look for Southwick in 2012.

John Michael Davis LB

Don't know about the rest of you, but we always keep an extra box of Pop Tarts in the pantry just in case something happens to the first box. We feel that BSU is doing the same with linebackers. An obvious focus of last year's recruiting class was to build up the position to avoid the type of letdown from the 2007 unit. Where does Davis fit into the mix? We're pretty sure that Davis will redshirt, but he seems like the type of player who won't be on the sideline long.
Expect Davis in 2010.

Malcolm Johnson RB

Depth is the strength of the Bronco running backs, which is good news for touchdowns but bad news for Johnson. Still, BSU coaches will not keep a good player off the field (unless he plagiarizes during bowl week), so Johnson will have every chance to contribute immediately. We believe that Doug Martin is the future; Coach Pete told us so in a dream. Still, we think Johnson could get his share of carries as early as his freshman year. Give him a redshirt season on the scout team, and he'll be ready.
Watch for Johnson in 2010.

Ebo Makinde CB

Though he isn't rated as high as some of his fellow '09 recruiting class members, Makinde has had some outside interest from Pac-10 schools since his verbal. Can you say potential? Like fellow recruit Quaylon Ewing, Makinde will have lots of opportunity to play right away, but we feel that he may be more of a late bloomer type. Give him a grayshirt for the time being, and he'll deserve a nice, long look in a couple years.
We foresee 2010.

Quaylon Ewing CB

Cornerbacks are a precious BSU commodity, which may be why the Broncos have had a long history of starting young DBs. Ewing should be next. If he has a good senior H.S. season, he could pull a George Iloka, get in camp early, and be in the mix to contribute immediately.
Could be a factor in 2009.

Arron Burks WR

The most recent BSU recruit is still quite an enigma to Bronco fans. Sure, he's got size, but does he even exist? We'll leave that one to the Statesman to figure out. In the meantime, Burks will most likely have a long wait until he sees the field. With the youth at the wide receiver position (Young, Pettis, Potter), a grayshirt then redshirt seems like a possibility. Don't go buying your Burks personalized jersey just yet.
Wait until 2014.

Another early recruit for Broncos

The Idaho Statesman has breaking news that Aaron Burks, a 6'3" 180-pound wide receiver from Timberview High (Texas), has given an oral commitment to play for the Broncos. Did lowered expectations reel him in?

"He said the campus was bigger than he thought it would be. He was impressed with the town, the campus and the coaches," high school coach Terry Cron said. "He thinks it's a good fit for him."

Perhaps BSU is serious about wrapping up this class by August.

BSU lands oral commitment [Statesman]

Friday: Links with thrift

Story of the day:

You win some, you lose some [Fight Fight BSU]

On the same day that the Broncos lost out on local prospect Darren Markle, BSU received a verbal commitment from Tesoro High (California) LB John Michael Davis. The bright lights of Boise apparently won him over.

From the Statesman:

He arrived in the city Wednesday and visited the school and met with coaches. That was enough for him.

"I just liked everything about it. The town was great. The campus was awesome. The coaches were great. It was a good fit," Davis said Thursday evening before heading to a Boise theater to watch "The Incredible Hulk" with his father.

We always try to celebrate our big life achievements with the cinema of Edward Norton, too.

Davis, in addition to having three names, is a 6'2", 225-pound stud, and he is expected to play middle linebacker at BSU. Welcome to Bronco Nation, John Michael.

Other links:

Did someone say superconference? [Orlando Sentinel]

Here's some food for thought.

Coach Pete's second-year coaching review [College Gridiron]
Another person who thinks he'll be in Boise for awhile.

Utah State website sees the light [USU Aggies]
Spending money on a football team? What a crazy idea!

Nevada stocks up on JC transfers [Reno Gazette Journal]
Highly sought-after freshmen are so overrated.

A positive story on the Mothership [KBCI]
Rhode quits Boise Burn [Statesman]
Taylor Bennett (LaTech QB) feature [Rivals.com]

Thursday: Links with feminism

Story of the day:

Markle commits to Washington State [Idaho Sports Zone]

Local prep standout Darren Markle from Mountain View High School has given his verbal commitment to the Washington State Cougars.

An opportunity to play in the Pac Ten and an opportunity to play early were cited as contributing factors in Markle's decision, as well as a high level of comfort with the new coaching staff in Pullman, headed by former Cougar offensive lineman Paul Wulff.

No word yet on whether or not he's actually visited Pullman.

Many BSU fans had hoped Markle would join the Broncos next fall, considering his local ties and apparent beastliness. Oh well; you can't get all the local recruits (right, Idaho?).

Other links:

More news on BSU radio search [Statesman]
An announcer with NFL experience? Bring on Jesse Palmer and Ron Pitts!

Comprehensive list of preseason polls [LSUfootball.net]
Boise State is at least in the discussion.

Non-BCS odds at a national championship [Fanblogs]
Odds? Not very good.

Statesman and Press-Tribune to merge printing [Statesman]
Can a single Sunday paper be far off?

Tuesday: Links with recruiting

Story of the day:

Welcome, Malcolm Johnson [OregonLive Blog]

The big recruits just keep coming.

Boise State got a verbal commitment from Barlow High (Oregon) RB Malcolm Johnson, one of the top-rated running backs in the state.

"I really wanted to commit early and then focus on my senior year," Johnson said.

We really wanted you to commit, too.

Johnson's junior season numbers were outrageously great and not at all congruent with the offers he had received.

Johnson, who led Oregon’s Class 6A in rushing with 2,514 yards last season, chose the Broncos over offers from Portland State and Air Force.

Hmm, Portland State, Air Force, or five-time WAC champion and national darling Boise State? We like that our recruits can problem solve, too.

Other links:

Wolfpack players not above Reno DUI law [Deadspin.com]

Well, at least they're getting national media attention.

Colt Brennan throwing for Redskins [Redskins.com]
We don't really have a joke for this one.

Fresno season hinges on injuries [Fresno State blog]
...and on actually beating teams on the WAC schedule.

New CB recruit a Scandrick clone? [Dave's blog]
Hello, shirtless wind sprints!

Oregon prep RB commits to Broncos

Oregon three-star running back Malcolm Johnson (Barlow High, Gresham, Ore.) has given his verbal commitment to Boise State. Rivals.com was first to break the story, and with follow-ups from the Idaho Statesman and Fight Fight BSU, we know it to be true.

Thanks for a heads up email from one of our loyal readers. We'll have more on Johnson tomorrow.

Let's get this 2009 recruiting class wrapped up before August!

Malcolm Johnson [Rivals.com]

Monday: Links with obscurity

Story of the day:

Fresno recruits another Carr [ESPN.com]

The WAC just wasn't the same without a Carr at Fresno State.Derek Carr, younger brother of overhyped Fresno star David, will be joining the Bulldogs after high school, and opportunistic WAC defenses couldn't be happier.

Derek Carr, brother of David, the first overall player selected by the Houston Texans in the 2002 NFL draft, told us recently his older brother had a major influence on his quarterback development, which is obvious by his quick release and sound mechanics.

The elder Carr also taught little bro how to take a sack 76 times in one season.

We project Derek will blossom in the latter half of his college career like his brother and fit just as smoothly in the Bulldogs' system.

...never winning a WAC title.

Other links:

Welcome back, Drew [Fight Fight BSU]

LaTech looking at 3-star QB [Scout.com]
Is his campus visit similar to a pity date?

Yet another preseason blogger poll [cidsports]
And yet another "Fresno State in Top 25."

BSU starting a softball team [Press Tribune]
We would have preferred a second football team

Friday: Links with education

Story of the day:

Boise State recruiting adds two more [CSTV.com]

Yesterday's big news of getting a commitment from California QB Joe Southwick was just what we needed during this long summer. And now this!

Quarterback Joe Southwick of Danville-San Ramon Valley, Cal., who passed for 3185 yards and 35 touchdowns as a junior; defensive back Quaylon Ewing of Sugar Land-Kempner, Tex; and defensive back/receiver Ebenezer Makinde of Phoenix-Paradise Valley, Ariz., have committed to Boise State.

Looks like the Broncos have added two defensive backs to their 2009 recruiting class. This year's incoming class was short on both positions, so it is nice to see that the coaches have made it a point of emphasis to build up those areas of the team. And it is nice to have something fresh to talk about in late May.

Other links:

Southwick stories: Press-Tribune, Idaho Statesman, and Contra Costa Times.

More from Dave Southorn's interview with Southwick [Dave's Blog]
Good to know the Fiesta Bowl got Southwick's attention.

Boise State cracks Top 25 in random guy's poll [Domer Law]
But we don't really give too much credence to any poll that contains Notre Dame.

Fresno State adds Colorado to future schedule [Daily Camera]
Pat Hill will have to wait until 2011 to lose to Dan Hawkins again.

MAC looking to steal Sun Belt teams [AOL Fanhouse]
Please, take Idaho! Please!

QB recruit Southwick commits to Broncos

It appears that Boise State has landed its next big QB recruit.

Joe Southwick from San Ramon Valley HS (California) gave the Broncos a verbal commitment, and he sounds like a keeper. We'll let ESPN.com explain:

This guy has college starter written all over him. He is a guy that mid-majors are going to be all over and BCS programs should take notice. Southwick hasn't even come close to reaching his potential and his upside for development is outstanding. He is underdeveloped physically, but time in the weightroom and natural maturation will take care of that. He has good height and a quick, smooth arm. He is extremely poised and balanced within the pocket and does a great job working through progressions and buying time to find the open man.

This is a guy that plays in a pro style offense on the high school level and he really understands the passing game and he does an excellent job reading defenses especially for a young player. He is a very accurate quarterback that knows how to put his receivers in good position to make plays. He has excellent overall touch to make all the throws and although he does not have a cannon for an arm, he has enough zip on the ball to get it where he needs to. Footwork, drop and set up are quick and confident.

Throws well on the run, can change ball speeds and throws a soft, accurate ball on underneath and intermediate routes. Needs to be on time when throwing the ball deep, but can make vertical throws. His release is very quick and he shows a good clock for timing routes. Overall, Southwick is a late-bloomer with so much to work with and he has solid intangibles and leadership qualities. Excellent sleeper prospect.

Sounds good to us! Welcome to the team, Joe! We're glad to have you.

SRV QB commits to Boise State [East Bay Prep Sports]
ESPN.com scouting profile [ESPN.com]

Wednesday: Links with exercise

Story of the day:

Boise State to host big-time QB recruit [Idaho Press-Tribune]

The Idaho Press-Tribune's Dave Southorn is reporting that California high school QB Richard Brehaut will be in camp this summer with the Broncos. Rivals.com ranks him as a four star recruit and gives him a 5.8 on their rating scale that goes up to 6.1.

The following are stats from Brehaut's freshman year. Freshman!

65.0 completion percentage, 2,348 yards, 22 touchdowns
528 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns

Bush Hamdan was not available for comment.

Other links:

Numerical evidence that the BCS is awful [The Big Lead]
Along with the compelling case of common sense and demand, numerical evidence should make things pretty clear.

Boise State's hook-and-ladder spawns new iterations [Scout.com]
One high school is calling it the hook-and-latter. Also popular: the statue of levity, the double reverb, and quarterback stink.

Boise State games are fun to watch [Are you ready for football?]
Was there ever any debate?

McMackin to keep Hawaii's traditional pre-game dance [Scott Slant]
Former BSU WR Bady has new afl2 team [OurSportsCentral]

Broncos eye QB for next year's class

Several media outlets are reporting that Boise State has offered junior QB Taysom Hill from Highland High School (Pocatello, Idaho) a scholarship.

A rising senior-to-be, Hill received an offer from Boise State, which is something in and of itself because the Broncos are notorious for not making as many early offers as other programs.

Hill has already received scholarship offers from Idaho State, Stanford, and Arizona, and he has visits set up to several other big schools. No word yet on whether or not the University of Idaho knows he exists.

Recruiting odds and ends from the weekend [Salt Lake Tribune]
Coach says Highland's Hill offered scholarship... [Idaho Sports Zone]

Hot QB prospect considers Boise State

Upland (Calif.) High School QB Josh Nunes can have his pick of colleges next spring, and the senior-to-be has Boise State on his short list. Or, actually, long list.

Some of the schools he's considering are: Colorado, BYU, Arizona State, Cal, Stanford, UCLA, Boise State, Utah, San Diego State, Arizona, Notre Dame, Harvard and Princeton.

Wow, we didn't even know some of those schools had football.

Nunes had an excellent junior season, and scouts expect him to blossom in his senior year, which will only be his fourth year playing organized football. He is smart, accurate, and, judging from his picture, an American Eagle employee. Rugby polos and pre-worn jeans on two! Set, hut!

Nunes' decision to consider the Broncos might hinge on the performance this year of Kellen Moore. For comparison, here is a photo of Moore:



Maybe Nunes would be better off at Princeton.

Nunes' recruiting about to boom [ESPN.com]

Thanks for nothing, Judases

A common rite of recruiting is the de-commitments of athletes. Verbal agreements are far from binding, and many high school football players are far from decisive. Those who commit early in the recruiting process are especially prone to changing their minds.

Boise State was bit hard by the de-commit bug, and all three who betrayed the Broncos were cornerbacks.

Kevin Frank chose Washington State, Mike Williams picked Baylor, and Thaddeus Brown committed the ultimate sin by signing with WAC rival Nevada. These losses hurt even more now that Orlando Scandrick has turned pro.

Welcome to the family, Tyler Jackson

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

A nice interview with Jackson (hint: he's the one without the mullet).

Tyler Jackson
6'0", 185 pounds, Safety
Douglas County High School, CO

Boise State commitment Tyler Jackson picked up Gold Helmet presented by the Denver Post anually to the top senior football player, scholar and citizen. He certainly has the flair for the dramatic. In Colorado's 5A championship game, he definitely rose to the occasion:

And his punt block, his third of the game and one that could serve as a how-to
video, one he had instinctively recovered then returned for a touchdown in the
closing moments of regulation, went for naught. A penalty far from the block
negated the score.

Sounds like shades of Scandrick. Also reported in the article was a game against Rangeview in which Jackson intercepted 3 passes and returned a fumble for a touchdown in the span of 8 minutes and 36 seconds in the 3rd quarter.

The Bronco program definitely has a propensity for red-shirting freshmen so we probably won't be seeing him until to 2009 season. Sounds like he'll be worth the wait.

Something to think about:

How much would you pay for the Golden Helmet on eBay?

Chris Berman nickname:

Tyler "Apple Jackson"

Tyler Jackson awarded Gold Helmet [Denver Post]