Who is Boise State football's top newcomer to watch in 2010?
There is plenty to get excited about when it comes to the Broncos' 2010 season. There is the national championship chatter, the grassroots Kellen Moore Heisman campaign, and the long overdue Marty Tadman bobblehead announcement. But are there any newcomers to get excited about?
You bet there are. Join me after the jump for a quick spin around the Broncos' roster, and share your thoughts on who the top newcomer will be for Boise State in 2010.
Graham Watson sparked this topic with her post yesterday on the top newcomers to watch among non-BCS players. Her list included zero Broncos. And, bravely, no Notre Dame quarterbacks.

The lack of Broncos got me thinking: Are there any newcomers at Boise State worth getting excited about in 2010?
Of course there are. Last year saw the arrival of Winston Venable, Jerrell Gavins, Kirby Moore, JC Percy, Daron Mackey, and more. The year before that was George Iloka, Kellen Moore, Thomas Byrd, and friends. Boise State's roster is deep and talented, which is a credit to the players in the current starting lineup as well as those newbies on their way up.
Don't get me wrong. When you return 21 of 22 Fiesta Bowl starters, you should not expect to place too many players on "Newcomers to Watch" lists. Graham Watson was not wrong in excluding the Broncos. However, as a Boise State fan, part of the fun from year to year is getting excited about the new players on the team and imagining how they might impact the season.
So with that, who is your top Boise State newcomer in 2010?
Here are some candidates:
Note: I feel that newcomers should include redshirt freshmen as well as true freshmen and JC transfers. Basically, anyone who did not play last season is in the running.
DE Tyrone Crawford
The junior college transfer will have every opportunity to crack the defensive line rotation and may even be an All-WAC performer by season's end.
WR Matt Miller
The Montana high school star was promised a shot at true freshman playing time by the coaching staff, and he could find a spot on a very fluid WR depth chart.
RB Malcolm Johnson
Sure, he's stuck behind Jeremy Avery, Doug Martin, DJ Harper, and Matt Kaiserman, but he is the future of the Bronco backfield and if injuries take out some names in front of him he could be called on in big spots this season. Plus, YouTube!
LB Allen Mooney
Boise State's linebacker corps is undoubtedly deep yet schematically brief, kind of like a Deep Thought by Jack Handey. Mooney will benefit from the open competition at the position, but having only two spots to fill may limit his exposure.
"I believe in making the world safe for our children, but not our children's children, because I don't think children should be having sex."
LB John Michael Davis
See above. Plus, I think it's about time Bronco fans had a three-named star to abbreviate.
DT Matt Paradis
The scout team's Defensive Player of the Year in 2009, Paradis got his Bronco career off to a good start, and he could find himself fighting for playing time behind Billy Winn and Chase Baker this fall.
WR Aaron Burks
Last fall, Burks had many believing that he would be playing as a true freshman rather than Kirby Moore. With a year of training and practice, Burks may be the best prepared redshirt to make an impact in 2010.
Other
Who else might make an impact in 2010? DT Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe? WR Geraldo Hiwat? QB Joe Southwick? Someone else?
My take
I see a lot of similarities between the 2009 newcomers and the 2010 group. There is a JC transfer (Crawford) who could make an impact on defense. There is a true freshman wide receiver (Miller) who could play right away. With only a few spots on the roster to make an immediate impact, the newcomers are obviously a bit limited.
Rather than take Crawford or Miller as my pick, I am going to go with LB Allen Mooney. Both Mooney and JMD were big-time LB recruits, and the linebacker spot is one place that Bronco coaches are not afraid to shake things up. Given a good spring and fall camp, I think Mooney could be making plays with regularity come WAC play.
Drew hijack: Here's some video evidence to bolster Kevan's Mooney pick. Intrigue!
Your turn
Who is Boise State's top newcomer in 2010? Which player do you think will have the biggest impact? What position might have the greatest opportunity? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget to vote in the poll.
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59 comments
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Comments
awesome writeup!
My pick is Southwick scoring 10 tds over the season in garbage time as he pulls number 2 over Coughlin. Also, wasn’t John Michael Davis a 4 star?
by pretendhuman on Feb 9, 2010 7:45 AM PST via mobile reply actions
Yep
Scout had him as a four star. Rivals had him as a three.
"Islanders fan, huh? Team of the future, I'd say." - Roger Johnson
I am going to agree with KL assessment
I think that linebacker is the most likely place for one of the newcomers to get significant playing time and have a chance to make impact. I am going to go with the other LB choice though and say John Michael Davis will be BSU’s top newcomer in 2010.
info on Davis? Plug above is for USC kicker
Dont’ recall about this kid. Why so high on him? Tevis and Acrey are back, and White played a bunch. Percy seemed to get soem snaps.
tvmunson
Liked the stats in his recruiting data
I don’t have any particular insight on him but his H.S. recruiting combine numbers were pretty impressive. He had a 325# bench press, 325# power clean, over 500# squat. His 40 yard dash time was in H.S. was listed as 4.59 if I remember right. Saw an article that listed him as 6’1" and 220 during his senior year in H.S. He had a ton of solo tackles his senior year also playing for a prominent California H.S. program.
The combination of size, strength, and speed coming out of H.S. impressed me and now that he has had a year in BSU’s strength and conditioning program I am sure that those numbers are even more impressive.
I may end up being dead wrong but it just a gut feeling I have had since last years recruiting class was announced. He stood out to me but that may be because I am partial to LB’s to begin with.
my gut
Says your gut is probably right.
by pretendhuman on Feb 9, 2010 12:47 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
John Michael Davis
He is a big strong fast player. Has a high motor and is a beast in the weight room. He missed time because of injuries, but knocked around California offenses when healthy. He has the tools to be a great LB and possibly a nickel….
by pretendhuman on Feb 9, 2010 12:44 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
JMD is not that big.
I have seen him several times in person and he does not look strong or imposing, especially compared to our other LBs. If I were a betting man, I would put him at 205-210 lbs. MAX. I say he needs at least 18 more months in the weight room to be effective. The same could be said for Mooney.
Obviously you're not a golfer...
Jeremy Ioane
That makes Ioane look that much more impressive. He’s listed at 195 pounds and that video said he could bench 325, although it looked like he was doing more than that. And he’s going to be a safety!!
"Hell, I can get you a toe by 3 o'clock this afternoon... with nail polish."
Mooney? You think so?
Mooney came in at like 220 or so and he isn’t very tall. When I saw him on the sidelines of the Fiesta Bowl I didn’t think he looked like he needed any weight put on. Already thicker than Tim Brady, Aaron Tevis and probably Kyle Gingg.
Very interesting and provocative post KL
esp pick of Mooney. I remember reading about him well, it seems like years ago. Classic Bronco profile-a little undersized, not exactly overlooked in school but not given IMO props commensurate with skill. But if the stats I saw on Crawford are accurate(4.58 40-?really?) he will be amazing, a Venable-like impact player on D-line. I note no O-line guys; it seems every year there is a surprise there. I am intersted in how OBNUG sees O-line bc that will affect hwo young Johnson plays. I see Potter, Yiarte, Byrd. Lawrence and Pendergast(assuming all injuires are recovered from). I just noticed I overlooked Myers-hmm?
tvmunson
And Sapien
I hesitated to pick an O-lineman because there are already about 10 with experience who will be back this season. Certainly not impossible for a newcomer to make an impact, but I see the O-line as one of the team’s strongest and deepest positions.
"Islanders fan, huh? Team of the future, I'd say." - Roger Johnson
Seriously?
Where did you hear that? I know he had neck injuries last year, but I had no idea it was career-threatening. Hmmm…
"Islanders fan, huh? Team of the future, I'd say." - Roger Johnson
by Kevan Lee on Feb 9, 2010 10:44 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Through the grapevine..
I have also heard that he is done. I believe it is a shoulder injury/issue. If I hear more or get an actual confirmation, I’ll let you guys know.
by Drofdarb23 on Feb 9, 2010 11:35 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
What about Yiarte? KL's remark got me thinking
that maybe my info was off bc Yiarte’s injury sounded more severe. Will Yiarte be back? He’s been goen a long time and with thses big guys you wonder if they can come back bc it’s harder IMO. Lucarrello was slotted to be center but never played a down bc of injury.
tvmunson
Not sure
about Yiarte’s injury. As far as I know, he is supposed to be back. I havent heard anything that would leave me to believe he wont be..
Haha I was surprised to see you mention Paul Lucarrello – Paul was recruited to play O-Line (specifically center I believe) but injured a shoulder (or two), had surgery & subsequently lost a bunch of weight, came back for spring or fall practice (was still pretty lean for an O-lineman) and hurt his shoulder again on the very first snap. After that he just decided that all the rehab & weight gain necessary for him to get back to playing weight/shape wasnt going to be worth it so he focused on school and graduated last spring.
Yeah I was real high on Paul
and my informal analysis tells me on serious injuries(esp ACL) the odds are 50/50 no return, and 50/50 that IF they return they are never 100%. You’re rigth Paul was going to be center and if I’m not mistaken was looking to be a 4 eyar starter. Then we found Byrd who despite snap issues is a very good athlete; you see him downfield blocking alot.
tvmunson
and your point about Paul is exactly what I was getting at; big guys have a harder time getting back
Not easy for the smaller dudes, but there it’s generally more getting back the speed/quickness as opposed to bulk. Seems like the rehab/conditioning advances have worked better for the smaller guys IMO.
tvmunson
I think you're right..
not only do the linemen have to rehab like the smaller players but they also have to maintain and or regain all the bulk/weight.
I know they don't count but....
Gavins and Kaiserman will make a big impact and are basically newcomers. I know, I know, they aren’t new. But they are a highly anticipated addition to an already fierce team.
Malcolm Johnson
Watching the video, many of his runs made it look like Johnson was on fast-forward and all the other players were moving at real-time speed. This guy is fast!! I did have to hit the mute button, though, so I wouldn’t be bombarded with the “f-word” and the constant drivel related to the problem-solving benefits of handgun use. Just another reminder of why I detest rap, hip-hop, or whatever they’re callilng it these days.
by typhoonblue on Feb 9, 2010 9:56 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd on all points-Johnson has super-motor
And 10 taliking aint singing and 2) whatever you call that drum machine inspired sound it aint music
tvmunson
no run at 3:42
try again?
Thank you, Nick Adenhart. You will always be remembered. #34
by howiestheman on Feb 9, 2010 10:50 AM PST up reply actions
Typhoon, I completely agree
He looks like he has that initial burst just like Titus does. They could split MJ out wide occasionally to stretch the field.
I love the speed. If he can lower his shoulder too, he’ll be unstoppable!
"Hell, I can get you a toe by 3 o'clock this afternoon... with nail polish."
Perhaps Malcolm Johnson should play the nickel?
And then come back to RB next year.
That seems to be a popular development path for bronco running backs. :)
by ElPepeGrande on Feb 9, 2010 11:38 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Anybody else creeped out by the picture of Jimmy Clausen?
Here’s hoping that one of the mentioned LBs has a big year. I rather enjoy this reputation of a great all-around team we are building.
by Rand McNalley on Feb 9, 2010 1:41 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Not sure if you're referring to the subject or the poase, but his picture is not exactly a model of overarching masculinity
tvmunson
his picture is not exactly a model of overarching masculinity
Then I guess you haven’t seen this one.
According to every college football blog that mocked the picture unmercifully...
Yes, it’s him.
by Drew Roberts on Feb 9, 2010 2:09 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
hey-ooohhhhhhh
Dr. William Block: You gotta lose the arm, Joe.
Joe: Lose the arm? What do you mean, lose the arm? My arm?
Drew
Believe it or not one of the guys in this picture is Jimmy’s cousin, and he attends BSU.
Old enough to know better, too young to care.
YOU HEARD IT FROM ME HERE-WE WILL LIKE BURKS
Plus Efaw has a signature year. Frame this-I want to talk in late Decmber 2010
tvmunson
I agree with you 100% about Burks.
He is our next big star. With Titus and Pettis leaving next year, we need a WR to step up to show he can be a # 1 target, much like Childs did in 07. Work him in as a RFr.(like Childs ‘06) and give him the confidence and timing to explode as a Soph. with 4 year starter Kellen. Kirby, Shoe, and the 5’9" crew are great 2nd and 3rd options, but we need an established bullet on the outside before going into 2011. That needs to be Burks.
Obviously you're not a golfer...
by ty_ol on Feb 9, 2010 4:56 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Exactamundo el ty mon!
They lsit him at 180-looked a lot bigger to me. Made me think of Michael Irvin and I’m not being hyperbolic. Odd note;several depth charts posted by Coach Pete listed him but he never saw field.
tvmunson
I don't know if I can choose one player
Or one position for that matter. I think rotation wise JMD and Mooney make sense. I’m very excited to see both players and who knows, Kwaitkowski (bad spelling) could tweak the linebackers.
Crawford looks like a beast and he could definitely jump into the rotation, especially if we suffer a lot of injuries again.
I could go on just about every newcomer. I think any of them could make a significant impact if they can get some meaningful playing time. This depth “problem” may be around for a long time.
Man, I love the Broncos!
"Hell, I can get you a toe by 3 o'clock this afternoon... with nail polish."
What about Charles Leno??
Didn’t hear anything about him. Many people see him molding into a Ryan Cladyesque player. Him and Potter at on the ends of the line. Plus I don’t see anyone taking over the right tackle position. The experience I think would do him wonders. He redshirted and was expected to gain weight. He could nab the starting role I think.
by summitkopp on Feb 9, 2010 5:48 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Clausen
I threw up a little bit in my mouth when I viewed that picture of the 3 Amigos! That is scary as hell!
Guys Guys Guys
We neeeed to be careful of what we are saying about the “three amigos” !!!
Two of them attend BSU and one of them is currently on the BSU football roster. (Obviously ol’ Jimmy is the nly one not here.)
Notice the Oaks Christian “swim trunks”…. Check out who we have from Oaks Christian and find a picture to compare.
With that said, I’m pretty sure those guys are not taking many girls boating very often =)
Old enough to know better, too young to care.
Crawford...
I believe it will be Tyrone Crawford that will be the biggest newcomer. He has the size, speed, agility, and strength to just push around O-lineman (especially Vandal OL’s).
Also, what about using him inside to compliment Winn or on the opposite side to get speed on the other end and compliment Winterswyk.
Either way, he is gonna make it hard for the OL to protect the quarterback, or make it easier for Winn, Swyk, Baker, Root, Hout, and the others to get to the QB or ball carrier cause they have to worry so much about Crawford.
I can’t wait for spring practice to come and find out who surprises the coaches.
by USMC_Broncofan on Feb 10, 2010 2:24 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
At 275 options are limitless. Plus I thought I saw 4.58 40;that is almost literally unbelievable.
Can anyone confirm/deny that time?
tvmunson
Crawford...
BSU first went up to Canada to get this guy and lone and behold wow they got another great player in Atkinson, but it still was the fact they went after Crawford. If it wasn’t for his grades he would have been terrorizing WAC quarterbacks for the last two years…

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#3 Chris Potter




















