|
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.
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|