The Boise State football team’s tight ends have shown through the first three days of fall camp that they will be factors in the passing game for years to come.

The Broncos lost Derek Schouman, a four-year starter, to the NFL but senior Ryan Putnam and freshman Kyle Efaw have stood out early in camp.

Putnam, the projected starter who has 10 career catches, could be the Broncos’ most complete tight end. Junior Chris O’Neill also has made some plays in the pass game and senior Sherm Blaser is a veteran receiver.

“Ryan Putnam isn’t as fast as Derek Schouman, but if you’ve been watching the last few days he’s made some big plays,” Strausser said. “He can catch the ball, too.”

Efaw, a grayshirt from Capital High, likely will redshirt this year. He has torched the newcomers defense time after time down the middle of the field. He was a wide receiver in high school.

“Kyle Efaw’s making a big catch about every 10 plays,” Strausser said.

Efaw, however, likely will redshirt because he’s behind too many veteran players on the depth chart.