DB Marty Tadman

2005 Statistics

Coach: Chris Petersen
1st year
2005 Record: 9-4
at Georgia LOST 13-48
at Oregon State LOST 27-30
BOWLING GREEN WON 48-20
at Hawai'i WON 44-41
PORTLAND STATE WON 21-14
SAN JOSE STATE WON 38-21
at Utah State WON 45-21
NEVADA WON 49-14
NEW MEXICO STATE WON 56-6
at Fresno State LOST 7-27
IDAHO WON 70-35
at Louisiana Tech WON 30-13
MPC COMPUTERS BOWL
vs. Boston College LOST 21-27
 


2005 Final Rankings
AP-UR, Coaches-UR, BCS-UR

2006 Outlook

This is a year of major changes. The school’s greatest head coach, Dan Hawkins, is in Boulder (U of Colorado) now, and his offensive coordinator since 2001, Chris Petersen, is now running the entire show. Bryan Harsin, an alum who has been TE coach (also since ’01), will take the offensive reigns. But each is a first-timer and has no experience at such lofty levels, so the hypotheticals could easily play out with worse results. But this is Boise State, so don’t think this offense will struggle for any long period, just sporadically.

The big change on offense will be seen in the form of two-back sets as the norm. Petersen cannot just discard his old spread attack that has been so successful, but signal-caller Jared Zabransky has not grasped the system as well as other Bronco QBs have before him, so the move will likely help. Using the run to set up the pass will only help Zabransky, for the running game is strong enough to handle being the main focus, and this OL can make any play work. The WRs are, as a group, amongst the nation’s best. And with TEs being Harsin’s specialty, this offense has no excuse not to return to being top 10 caliber (before 2005’s 29th ranking, 2001 was the last time BSU wasn’t that good).

The defense is also under a rookie coordinator. Justin Wilcox has never been anything more than a LBs coach, but he did his graduate assistant work here in the capitol. His arrival is supposed to turn around the 51st-rated D (in both scoring and total yards allowed), and we see this happening as nine starters return. The focus will be on the pass rush, as the front seven will again stop the run just fine. No pass rush again, though, would mean too much time for opposing QBs and then the secondary will be back where they were (ranked 100th). After allowing 30 or more points to three of their first four in 2005, the D did its job (in only one game after that did they allow this many points – in a 70-35 route of Idaho) and should pick up where they left off.

Three guys with no experience at their respective levels now run the show, so even with such glowing scouting reports from us, a wide possible range of results could spell a growing year. But it is a favorable schedule for such, with only Oregon State – at home – being from a BCS-aligned conference. Still, Utah and Wyoming away, with Hawai’i sandwiched in between, seems like the defining span of the Bronco’s slate. High quality Fresno comes to play on the “smurf turf”, and that game will again decide who wins the WAC. All in all, this bodes well for BSU fans.

Petersen is a self-proclaimed pessimist, so, for sure, he sees any/all of the pitfalls we speak of here already. Expect to see a balanced offense compliment a hustling defense and Boise State again in a post-Christmas bowl game (have been to six in their last eight campaigns), it just may not be as pretty as many have come to expect.


Projected 2006 record: 11-1
BOISE STATE
*POWER RATINGS
Offense
Defense
QB - 4 DL - 3.5
RB - 3 LB - 3.5
WR - 3.5 DB - 3
OL - 4 ..
RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Jared Zabransky, 342-202-16, 2562 yds., 18 TD

Rushing: Ian Johnson, 119 att., 663 yds., 4 TD

Receiving: Jerard Rabb, 38 rec., 572 yds., 5 TD

Scoring: Anthony Montgomery, 6-10 FG, 61-62 PAT, 79 pts.

Punting: Kyle Stringer, 52 punts, 41.5 avg.

Kicking: Anthony Montgomery, 6-10 FG, 61-62 PAT, 79 pts.

Tackles: Korey Hall, 106 tot., 51 solo

Sacks: Colt Brooks, 6 sacks

Interceptions: Marty Tadman, 5 for 45 yds., 1 TD

Kickoff Returns: Quinton Jones, 30 ret., 24.7 avg., 0 TD

Punt Returns: Quinton Jones, 22 ret., 20.9 avg., 3 TD

 

WR Drisan James
 
BOISE STATE
OFFENSE - 9
----RETURNING STARTERS----
DEFENSE - 9
KEY LOSSES
OFFENSE: Lee Marks-RB, Jeff Carpenter-RB, Antwaun Carter-RB, Cole Clasen-WR, Jason Murray-WR, Daryn Colledge-OT
DEFENSE: Alex Guerrero-DT, Chris Barrios-WLB, Cam Hall-FS
2006 OFFENSE

Quarterback
Senior Jared Zabransky picks up where he left off as a dual-threat who can burn foes many ways. He is big enough to both see over the line and take a big hit but still score when ducking into the endzone (11 rushing TDs). Zabransky just hasn’t been as huge as others before him, but that does not mean he won’t lead the team well. The Hermiston (OR)-native threw 16 INTs to only 18 TDs, and he failed to make his offense finish in the top 10 for total production for the first time since 2001. Still, he got them to finish ninth for scoring, so his ability to make points happen means the bottom line is attainable with Jared. With Dan Hawkins gone, his ex-QB coach and coordinator – Chris Petersen - becomes head coach. The ability for the entire QB unit to make more of their chances seems likely, but not yet proven with the staff revampings. Improvements in Zabransky’s overall decision-making skills need to be the focus, and then he (and the team) can take the next step(s). Taylor Tharp comes from where Hawkins is going – Boulder, CO – and he set throwing records for that state as a prep. Tharp, though the likely 2007 starter, still would constitute a step back with his inexperience and slower feet, but he will see reps regardless for this fact, and, if good, could seat Zabransky. With all of that said, Zabransky’s health is a huge factor for State to stay competitive in the WAC.

Running Back
Petersen issued the team’s depth chart for spring, and it looks like a two-back set is being put in motion after three- and four-WR sets were the norm. Ian Johnson leads a unit that is talented and varied in size. This allows Petersen to insert the right back for the right job, and Johnson has earned his trek to the top of the depth chart here. He has enough size to take the first hit and still go, and can also take the corner ahead of defenders. Jon Helmandollar set Idaho prep rushing records and is a size up from Johnson without being any slower. The Eagle-native is a goal line guarantee. Anchorage-native Brett Denton has not impressed many, but he is ready to make the most of his senior campaign as an on-field leader (can be their PK, if need be). Classmate Brad Lau at FB was a huge reason State ran for over 4.7 per carry and ranked 19th in the nation for their ground game, though the hulkster barely touches the ball anymore. A weight room record-holder (for RBs), this local product can do it all if given (or thrown) the rock. Lau – or backup Mike Lose – will surely see the field more in the new scheme, but don’t rule out hybrid Helmandollar as the regular second back just as often.

Receiver
The hardest part about breaking this unit down is to say who the main guy is, and that only further aids this experienced, well-rounded corps. Jerard Rabb topped the reception chart in 2005, and his size-speed combination keeps DBs from getting most any advantage. Drisan James is the smallest of the bunch, but the ex-track star’s quickness means he will be the most consistent deep threat. The biggest target (at 6’3, 230lbs.) is Legedu Naanee, and his weight room records (for WRs) mean YAC (arm tackles don’t work on him) and, therefore, lots of underneath routes, though he goes deep just as often as the rest. All of them averaged close to the same production, so keying on one doesn’t help. These three seniors give Boise State the nation’s best set of unknown receivers, and that is how this team makes the most of each, along with a deep set of reserves (esp. Perretta). We will see three- and four-WR sets some of the time still with so much talent. And defenders can bet on a reverse (or two) per game as Petersen keeps all variables open and clicking for optimal effect with whoever gets the nod(s). This unit’s maturity, along with Zabransky’s lessons learned, will allow the BSU passing game to get back on track after 2005’s anomalistic ranking of 62nd in the country.

Tight End
Derek Schouman back means there is another senior to throw to, though this all-WAC first-teamer isn’t the body to push major-sized linemen around. That’s where junior Ryan Putnam steps in, and his hands are just as soft, when needed. The unit goes even deeper, a good thing as two-TE sets should be more prevalent as they switch (more often) to a two-back set. Schouman as an H-Back in the spread formations works, for then he is the second back much of the time.

Offensive Line
Four of five starters return to solidify the offense behind their big, agile abilities. Redshirted sophomore Ryan Clady is the prototype of this, rising to the starting LT position in just his first year of eligibility. The superior footwork he displays keeps rush ends off of Zabransky as well as allow him to excel in all facets of the Bronco running game. Fellow tackle and namesake Ryan Keating, who will finally start his senior campaign, is another well-sized State potato who can move well on any kind of play. Twins Jeff and Pete Cavender will secure the inside, along with fellow-junior Tad Miller and sophomore Andrew Woodruff. Jeff is being moved to center after his solid work at RT, and, like Pete, is a smarty who can really fill in anywhere. Pete and Victoria (B.C., Canada)-native Woodruff are battling for the right guard slot, with Woodruff an imposing 35 pounds heavier. Local-guy Miller has both an athletic and all-academic approach to go with 300+lbs. Most of the depth here is lighter, but just as mobile, so the interior running game would suffer a bit if the injury bug hits.

OFFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
As stated above, the line is the main reason Boise can balance its offense so well. Sure, QB Jared Zabransky has the talent (arm and feet) to make all ball-moving facets go, but his partial shortcomings in the passing game – now for two seasons (28 INTs over that span) – were finally felt as the Broncos dropped to a very un-BSU ranking of 62nd in passing (Zabs was 49th in efficiency). It still equaled State finishing as one of eleven schools with 200 yards in both rushing and throwing categories, while also earning a ranking of ninth for scoring. All of these numbers are conjured to testify how well Zabransky is capable of making this team go, regardless of his aerial numbers. The receiving corps is one of the nation’s best, and the ball carriers are just as well-rounded and deep (36 rushing TDs in 2005, school record 49 in ‘04). Each area has role players who will have their own huge senior campaigns. Former-coordinator (now head coach) Chris Petersen has BSU poised to look more conventional as he will employ two-back sets more often, which will take the pressure off of Jared so he can make the most of his final year, too. The Broncos will switch it up to surely run more than they pass, and this offense should move back into being one of the nation’s top 10 units.

 

QB Jared Zabransky

 

BOISE STATE 2006 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/
Key Players
OFFENSE
QB Jared Zabransky-Sr (6-2, 203) Taylor Tharp-Jr (6-2, 210)
FB Brad Lau-Sr (5-11, 242) Michael Lose-Jr (5-10, 227)
TB Ian Johnson-So (5-11, 194) Jon Helmandollar-Jr (5-11, 215)
Brett Denton-Sr (5-9, 191)
WR Jerard Rabb-Sr (6-2, 199) Legedu Naanee-Sr (6-2, 228)
WR Drisan James-Sr (5-11, 186) Vinny Perretta-So (5-9, 194)
TE Derek Schouman-Sr (6-2, 233) Ryan Putnam-Jr (6-2, 244)
Jared Hunter-Sr (6-4, 225)
OT Ryan Clady-So (6-6, 319) Tony Volponi-Sr (6-4, 315)
OG Tad Miller-Jr (6-4, 304) Jeff Biedermann-Jr (6-3, 303)
C Jeff Cavender-Jr (6-2, 286) Jadon Dailey-Sr (5-11, 285)
OG Andrew Woodruff-So (6-3, 331) Pete Cavender-Jr (6-1, 293)
OT Ryan Keating-Sr (6-4, 319) Paul Lucariello-Fr (6-4, 266)
K Anthony Montgomery-Sr (6-1, 211) Kyle Stringer-Sr (5-8, 194)

 

2006 DEFENSE

Defensive Line
This unit will rebound well from losing its best pass rusher. Still, senior Mike G. Williams and fellow-end, junior Nick Schlekeway, have yet to live up to their full potentials. Both, along with reserves Mike T. Williams (no relation, but you knew that with the same exact name, huh) and senior Mike Dominquez, are already strong against the run as evidenced by BSU’s 15th ranking nationally. But the two backups have better skills at getting to the QBs, so expect role players like these to find many more reps and the outside will stay fresh. What worries us is how State only had two QB-hurries all year, so something in the pass rush has to give for the secondary (and therefore the entire defensive effort) to improve. Inside, senior Andrew Browning has maximized his chance for optimal team results in both facets, and classmate Tim Volk will finally get the start. Volk, along with the reserves, also could step up more often to make big plays, but BSU seems to like for the linemen to occupy hats while the LBs make the stops, so it is all good as long as this undersized crew can stay focused and fresh.

Linebacker
With the new coordinator being a LB specialist, things look even better. Two seniors return as starters to solidify the front seven, let alone being the meat of this corps. SAM Colt Brooks plays much bigger than his 208lb frame may suggest and is the playmaker needed in the box (three forced fumbles, team best five sacks). Korey Hall only led the Broncos in tackles from his middle spot and tied for second with two INTs, so shortcomings on the line seem covered by these roamers. Junior Josh Bean gets his chance to start on the weak side, and he has the tools for the job in our humble opinion. Reserves here have all seen time, but with each smaller than his starting counterpart, usual size issue found in WAC LBs are abundant here in the capitol. Fresno, BC, and Georgia exploited this fact (all losses), and fans cannot think that matchups this year with major powers Oregon State, Utah, and their in-conference nemesis Bulldogs (as well as with their next bowl opponent) won’t play out similarly again this campaign due to size mismatches.

Defensive Back
This is an area that will see improvements through hard lessons learned. Since foes couldn’t run it, they seemed to pick on these guys for some reason – the other team made sure that seven out of ten plays were passes. It is the 31 TDs allowed that needs the most attention, because this crew is full of hard hitters and playmakers. Super soph Orlando Scandrick (11 passes defended) can live on an island if need be, while fellow-CB Austin Smith will battle it out with senior Quinton Jones for the starting spot throughout this offseason. Smith should win out, but both are a bit short at 5’9 to really defend guys over 6’0 effectively by themselves. Jones is the team’s speed king, so his cover skills just need honing. Keeping the action in front of them will go a long way toward stifling those big plays we saw burn this crew so often last campaign. Starting safeties Gerald Alexander (led the team in passes defended with 13) and junior Marty Tadman (most INTs, five, and second-most tackles) will again find the play and make it as needed. These two size up better and even help the rush defense amply when asked to do such. Reserves throughout the secondary are experienced, but the pass rush again not living up to expectations will mean their work is cut out for them. This group has no other excuses if they again finish 100th in pass defense.

DEFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
Nine of eleven starters return, but seeing that some areas may not grow stronger, Petersen made sure Justin Wilcox has been brought in as coordinator. Still, this is his first time ever being in charge of any D, so the results here are up in the air until actual games reveal what he can/has do/done. Wilcox was a graduate assistant here already (in charge of LBs, like he was at Cal when hired away), so “he’s very dialed into [the] system so we don’t have to start from scratch,” says Petersen. His pass defenders (back seven) will be the most improved dimension, but that much talent has nowhere to go but up after allowing 36 TDs. The front seven are already strong against foes carrying the rock (15th), so the DL itself only needs to make the pass rush better to make all areas then sequentially improve. The DBs aren’t bad (they leant their hand to halting the run, but too often), so going by last campaign’s numbers would be misleading. The overall result (51st-ranked in both total effort and scoring allowed) wasn’t good enough for Petersen, and we respect his want for change. But an inexperienced coordinator means 2006 should be a learning year here, especially since he is working with a first-time head coach in Petersen. But those LBs sure should be good, eh?

 

LB Korey Hall

 

BOISE STATE 2006 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/
Key Players
DEFENSE
DE Nick Schlekeway-Jr (6-4, 262) Mike T. Williams-So (6-4, 238)
DT Tim Volk-Sr (6-2, 289) Ian Smart-Jr (6-3, 278)
DT Andrew Browning-Sr (6-0, 278) Dan Gore-Jr (6-5, 300)
DE Mike G. Williams-Sr (6-3, 244) Mike Dominguez-Sr (6-2, 255)
SLB Colt Brooks-Sr (6-1, 216) Mike Altieri-Jr (5-11, 218)
MLB Korey Hall-Sr (6-1, 228) Josh Bean-Jr (6-2, 231)
WLB David Shields-So (6-2, 225) Kyle Gingg-So (5-11, 215)
CB Orlando Scandrick-So (5-11, 187) Chad McKibben-Sr (5-10, 178)
CB Austin Smith-Jr (5-9, 173) Quinton Jones-Sr (5-9, 177)
S Gerald Alexander-Sr (6-0, 204) Ashlei Nyong-Dunham-Jr (5-10, 210)
FS Marty Tadman-Jr (5-11, 182) Ellis Powers-So (5-10, 205)
P Kyle Stringer-Sr (5-8, 194) ..

 

 

2006 SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicker/Punter
Anthony Montgomery enters his senior campaign having missed four of his past six FGAs in 2005. The Hanford(CA)-native hit his first four, so the promise is there enough to give him the starting nod over classmate Kyle Stringer, who handles KOs and was a preseason all-American (Honorable Mention) last year as State’s punter. Stringer set school records for his punting efforts (43.9 average) and in the weight room (at his position), but, amusingly, he failed to rank nationally because BSU just doesn’t/didn’t have to punt it often, so he didn’t have enough tries for placement amongst the country’s elite. His physical prowess means he is an extra tackler (seven total in 2005), and net results (23rd) will again reflect this fact in both coverage areas. Don’t be surprised to see Stringer in on a few long FG tries this year, as the Broncos are likely to try more (than 2005’s total of three) from outside the 40.

Return Game
It begins and ends with Quinton Jones, the all-time fastest Bronco (4.3 seconds in the 40). He found the endzone three times on PRs, and was one of two guys to average over 20 per return (20.86). He modestly paced the team on KOs, too, with close to 25 per try there, too. This all equals field position battles being won again for Boise.