Linebacker race winding down; Herbstreit says Broncos will go 13-0
Submitted by Chadd Cripe on Tue, 08/18/2009 - 3:32pm.By Chadd Cripe
ccripe@idahostatesman.com
Boise State linebackers coach Jeff Choate said Tuesday that he plans to identify his two starters after watching Friday's scrimmage.
Six linebackers are competing for the two jobs — Derrell Acrey, Hunter White and Daron Mackey in the middle and Tommy Smith, Aaron Tevis and J.C. Percy on the weak side. Choate wants to name two clear starters and let them play without worrying about being pulled if they make a mistake — kind of like the approach teams often take to quarterbacks.
Broncos lose defensive tackle to injury
Submitted by Chadd Cripe on Mon, 08/17/2009 - 7:42pm.By Chadd Cripe
ccripe@idahostatesman.com
The Boise State football team has taken a hit at one of its thinnest positions.
Redshirt freshman defensive tackle Greg Grimes will miss four to six weeks with a leg injury, coach Chris Petersen said Monday. Grimes is expected to contribute in the tackle rotation this season.
The injury leaves the Broncos perilously thin at tackle, where they already will miss redshirt freshman Michael Atkinson for three games because of suspension. The Broncos open the season Sept. 3 against Oregon.
Burks starting to emerge at wide receiver
Submitted by Chadd Cripe on Mon, 08/17/2009 - 1:00pm.By Chadd Cripe
ccripe@idahostatesman.com
Freshman wide receiver Aaron Burks, who joined the Boise State football team in January, has made a strong push in the past few days to join the rotation. The Broncos likely will need a true freshman at wide receiver.
“I’m really hoping (to play),” said Burks, who is from Grand Prairie, Texas. “That’s what keeps you driving every day. Every time I go to sleep, that’s what I’m thinking about.”
Burks (6-foot-3, 190 pounds) was extremely raw when he arrived. He struggled for much of the spring and early in fall camp.
Broncos lose offensive lineman; watch Ian's Vikings debut; Kirby Moore's tough start
Submitted by Chadd Cripe on Sat, 08/15/2009 - 3:56pm.By Chadd Cripe
ccripe@idahostatesman.com
Boise State sophomore offensive lineman Cory Yriarte likely will miss the entire season with a knee injury, coach Chris Petersen said Saturday.
Yriarte was injured in Thursday’s scrimmage.
Yriarte was competing for a starting job at guard and the backup spot at center.
“He was in the mix,” Petersen said. “He’s definitely one of the top players. That’s a bummer.”
Yriarte started three games last season — one at center and two at guard. He provided flexibility because he could play all three inside positions.
Moore, receivers shine in scrimmage; Hawaii changes game time
Submitted by Chadd Cripe on Thu, 08/13/2009 - 5:57pm.By Chadd Cripe
ccripe@idahostatesman.com
Here are some quick thoughts on the Broncos' scrimmage Thursday at Bronco Stadium:
— Quarterback Kellen Moore looked sharp. He rarely missed a throw, didn't have a turnover and led a long march for a touchdown.
— Wide receivers Titus Young and Tyler Shoemaker had big nights. Shoemaker and wide receiver Austin Pettis both completed passes on trick plays.
— The defense left a little frustrated. They got beat on two trick plays they've seen in practice and didn't produce a single turnover. Their daily goal is three turnovers.
Broncos, Ducks have discussed future series
Submitted by Chadd Cripe on Thu, 08/13/2009 - 11:31am.By Chadd Cripe
ccripe@idahostatesman.com
Boise State athletic director Gene Bleymaier has talked to Oregon officials about another series that would build on the success of this two-year contract — games in 2008 and 2009 that have produced much hype and, this year, a national TV appearance.
Bleymaier said he needs to follow up with new Oregon athletic director Mike Bellotti.
The Broncos and Ducks meet Sept. 3 at Bronco Stadium. The game will air on ESPN and has been named one of the top contests of the year by college football writers.
Kyle Wilson on Ducks: 'Just know, we'll be ready'; Ian update
Submitted by Chadd Cripe on Wed, 08/12/2009 - 12:57pm.By Chadd Cripe
ccripe@idahostatesman.com
Boise State senior captain Kyle Wilson said Wednesday the Broncos have heard the talk coming out of Oregon Ducks camp but still aren’t focusing on the season opener.
“We know what’s going on,” Wilson said. “But you know, that’s just not us. The game will be here before you know it. Just know, we’ll be ready.”
Coach wants linebackers to become 'enforcers, playmakers'
Submitted by Chadd Cripe on Tue, 08/11/2009 - 5:05pm.By Chadd Cripe
ccripe@idahostatesman.com
Boise State linebackers coach Jeff Choate, who is in his first season coaching that position, has made it clear what he expects from his group.
Physicality.
He pushes the linebackers throughout practice — whether it’s drills with each other or team scrimmage sessions — to bring a nasty attitude to the field.
'Phenomenal' Baker steps up at D-tackle
Submitted by Chadd Cripe on Mon, 08/10/2009 - 2:02pm.By Chadd Cripe
ccripe@idahostatesman.com
The Boise State football players and coaches are starting to talk about sophomore defensive tackle Chase Baker like they did last year about All-WAC end Ryan Winterswyk.
“He’s phenomenal,” sophomore linebacker Hunter White said. “He’s definitely improved so much. When he’s in front of me, I know he’ll do his assignment, be physical and get off blocks.”
Freshmen battle for third-string-QB, long-snapping jobs
Submitted by Chadd Cripe on Sun, 08/09/2009 - 4:18pm.By Chadd Cripe
ccripe@idahostatesman.com
Four freshmen are engaged in battles for two jobs that coaches hope will have a low profile this season.
New recruits Joe Southwick and Mike Tamburo are competing to become the third-string quarterback because the Broncos only have two returners at the position. Offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin plans to develop them both and redshirt them unless there's an emergency situation.
The plan is for the two players to rotate between the offense, where the third-stringer doesn't get many snaps during the season, and the scout offense.
