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Spring scrimmage preview: What do you want to know from Boise State's first scrimmage?

Boise State takes the field for its first public scrimmage of the spring today at 2:30 at Bronco Stadium. It will be Bronco Nation's first chance to see the much-hyped 2010 team. What are you most looking forward to finding out?

After the jump, read about what I am most anxious to see, and leave me a comment about what I can find out for you. How will your favorite player perform? What questions are you hoping to have answered? Let's discuss.

Star-divide

Going to the scrimmage?

Great. Here is a numerical and alphabetical roster to take with you.

Stuck at work? Stuck at home? Stuck in Ohio?

No worries. I got you covered.

Send me an email with any and all questions, positions, players, and changes you want to know about. Or leave a comment on this post with any requests you have for spring scrimmage information.

I'll take copious notes and answer everything you guys throw at me. The wrap-up post may be 5,000 words and have its own intermission, but don't you think the Broncos deserve coverage like that?

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My top five players to watch

  1. OL Charles Leno. The redshirt freshman tackle has been turning heads on scout teams, in offseason programs, and at spring practices. I would like my head turned.
  2. LB Byron Hout. The Hout has returned to his native linebacker position this spring, and I will be curious to find out where he sits on the LB depth chart and how he looks running downhill at ball carriers and dropping into coverage. And would it be too much to ask for him to get an interception and put a spin move on Michael Coughlin? 
  3. OL Nate Potter. Pretty much, I just really want to see him as a pulling guard. When all 6'6", 293 pounds of him comes pulling around on a trap play, I bet Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe is going to think there was an eclipse.
  4. K Jimmy Pavel. There is no Kyle Brotzman this spring, much to the delight of the right hashmark. In Brotzman's place is Pavel, the presumptive understudy to the senior placekicker and a backup whom coaches did not trust with anything important last fall. Has anything changed thus far in spring? By Jimmy Pavel do I mean Trevor Harman? Is it really fair of me to have a kicker on this list when there are so many other good Bronco players to choose from?
  5. RB Doug Martin. This list would not be complete without him. Same goes for my life.

My top five storylines to watch

Can Kellen Moore throw the deep ball?

No doubt he can throw the deep ball.

"I don't think we've ever, since I've been here with Kellen (Moore), ever said, 'Well if he had a stronger arm that would have been completed,' or 'We needed that.' His arm is plenty strong. I think that's one of the things that's very much overrated in quarterback play," said Chris Petersen.

It's a matter of where the deep ball ends up that is the problem. With a spring emphasis on mechanics and stepping into his throws, Moore is attempting to fix the only real flaw in his game (other than the option to the short side of the field). Here's hoping that Bryan Harsin dials up some deep throws for Moore in today's scrimmage.

Who are these guys and what have they done with last year's offensive line?

Thomas Byrd is out with an injury and Kevin Sapien is out with a case of opposite Benjamin Button disease. Nate Potter is a tackle-turned-guard. Brenel Myers is a guard-turned-tackle. Up is down and down is up and just hand the ball off to Doug Martin and make it all go away!

My prediction for starting offensive line in today's scrimmage goes like this: (from left to right) Garrett Pendergast Matt Slater, Nate Potter, Bronson Durrant, Will Lawrence, Brenel Myers. Faraji Wright could very well be ahead of Slater, and Joe Kellogg and Michael Ames could be somewhere in there, too. Basically, anyone over 280 pounds who is neither Canadian, Dutch, nor J.P. Nisby could be in the Broncos' starting offensive line today.

Coughlin vs. Southwick is the Megashark vs. Giant Octopus of Boise State's spring depth chart battle

Poster_medium

Giant Octopus jump pass. Megashark option left. (via www.icelebz.com)

 

For starters, today's scrimmage is likely to be the first time since last fall that I have seen Michael Coughlin run actual plays other than handoff-to-Jarvis-Hodge, option left, and 3rd-down-sack. Also, it will be my first chance to see the progression of Joe Southwick from scout team star to potential QB2. How will I know which one has the upper hand in today's scrimmage? The same way I get all my inside scrimmage information. I go with the opposite of whatever the fairweather fan next to me says.

Redshirt freshmen wide receivers: Do they still exist?

Thanks to the black hole of media coverage surrounding spring practice, there has been no way of knowing how Aaron Burks and Geraldo Hiwat are doing in the competition for backup WR. How much have Burks and Hiwat progressed since fall ball? And have they done enough to pass up Mitch Burroughs or Chris Potter on the WR depth chart? I will get to the bottom of this today.

Titus Young: punt returner

Punt return duties are as-yet-to-be-determined but perhaps only because Titus Young has yet to fully convince coaches he can hang onto a football. One of my favorite parts of spring scrimmages is the exorbitant amount of play that special teams gets, which means there should be plenty of opportunity to scrutinize Young. Also expected to field punts is Ebo Makinde and (if healthy) Jerrell Gavins.

Lend me your questions

There is much more that I am looking forward to seeing today, but I want to turn it over to you. What information do you want me to bring back from the Broncos' first spring practice? What questions are you hoping to have answered? What players are you most looking forward to watching?

Share your thoughts in the comments, and I'll be sure to cover it all.

Comment 31 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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just one question

I guess…all I really wanna know is…will we have a good team this year? :P

by hummerofdoom on Mar 24, 2010 8:06 AM PDT reply actions  

I'll get to the bottom of this one

"Lunch has been canceled today due to lack of hustle." - Tony Perkis

by Kevan Lee on Mar 24, 2010 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions  

I Won't Be Able To Go To The Scrimmage

So I’d you to watch Kellen’s reaction to a dropped ball, an incomplete pass (especially a deep one – that we’re all interested in), or an INT. Does #11 pitch a fit (not likely) or show any signs of disappointment that could lead to additional mistakes or even pressing. So I’m interested in how he throws the NEXT ball after a busted play. I suspect there’s no problems there because you don’t go 26-1 without a lot of confidence. Thanks Kevan. Enjoy the scrimmage.

GO BRONCOS!!!

by FirstDown on Mar 24, 2010 8:28 AM PDT reply actions  

Great post-thumbs up for publishing roster for those of us contemplating a short work day.

Loking to offer something different, something you haven’t covered? Can’t. Returning 20 of 22 starters with a bevy of talented experienced backups nigh on to the 3rd and 4th level may have something to do with it. My assumption is that, in general, it’s easier to get a read on the offensive skill positions in scrimmage, and either line is difficult due to the scrum-like nature of the play(which is why ccoaches use film). With those caveats, I’ll offer the following:I was very impressed with Burks last year and was looking to him to play. I’ve heard a lot about Hiwat- let’s see. We appear to have a battle at corner but is Gavins 100% ? If so we’ll need special attention there. Deep ball schmeep balll dont expect much real work on that aspect in this one, or the other scrimmage for that matter. Ahh, one potential overlook(minor)-do we have a backup non-FB blocking tight end to come in if Gallarda(God forbid! Allah forfend) gets hurt? That would not be an obvious thing to see in a scrimmage and I expect Koch will fit the bill but they used him at FB. I’d like to see at least one other TE who plays the line and has hands.

tvmunson

by tmunson on Mar 24, 2010 8:36 AM PDT reply actions  

The LB Corps in general.

I am interetsted in how the LB rotation looks, who is playing where, and how each looks against the run and the pass. I truly believe that area will be the key to our defense this year and has the potential to be a great strength.

by Mountngrown on Mar 24, 2010 9:29 AM PDT reply actions  

Offensive Line

Garett Pendergast will not be starting in today’s scrimage. He is still out with the broken leg that happened just before the Fiesta Bowl.

by drthvtr on Mar 24, 2010 9:45 AM PDT reply actions  

Good eye

I got my backup linemen confused. Thanks for catching that.

"Lunch has been canceled today due to lack of hustle." - Tony Perkis

by Kevan Lee on Mar 24, 2010 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions  

My pleasure.

This is a very enjoyable site. Thanks for the hard work.

by drthvtr on Mar 24, 2010 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions  

Malcolm Johnson

if he plays, how he looks, how fast he actually is, etc…

Thank you, Nick Adenhart. You will always be remembered. #34

by howiestheman on Mar 24, 2010 9:54 AM PDT reply actions  

Okay ...

I’ve got Kellen Moore’s response to adversity, Burks and Hiwat, backup blocking/receiving tight ends, who’s playing where and when on the LBs, and Malcolm Johnson.

Others?

"Lunch has been canceled today due to lack of hustle." - Tony Perkis

by Kevan Lee on Mar 24, 2010 10:22 AM PDT reply actions  

First of all

I’m crazy excited for today’s scrimmage. I’ve been waiting for this since a week or so after the Fiesta Bowl was over.

I’m really interested to see what Burks and Hiwat will do today.
I want to see how Southwick has progressed since last fall.
How will Jamar Taylor look? Coach Pete says he hasn’t lost a step. We’ll see in the scrimmage today.
Of course I want to see how Hout does at LB, and also see what Malcolm Johnson and Lambert will do at RB.
I want to see the O-Line in general.
Is Kellen Moore stepping into his throws?

Also, I think a lot of you will disagree with me on this but I think Coach Pete is downplaying the importance of a strong arm. Yes, you can be a fine player in college without a strong arm. In the NFL it’s different. Those college quarterbacks that have NFL aspirations need to have good arm strength. I’m sure Moore is one of those QBs. And I think Moore has a stronger arm then he gets credit for. If he’s stepping into his throws now, he’ll be even more deadly. And that’s a frightening thought for the WAC and anyone else in Boise State’s way.

"Hell, I can get you a toe by 3 o'clock this afternoon... with nail polish."

by JRig on Mar 24, 2010 10:30 AM PDT reply actions  

I want to see David Augusto's autograph on your notes.

"Everyone counted us out. I don't know why they keep doing that." -- Kyle Wilson

by Loque on Mar 24, 2010 10:47 AM PDT reply actions   1 recs

That makes two of us

"Lunch has been canceled today due to lack of hustle." - Tony Perkis

by Kevan Lee on Mar 24, 2010 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions  

Notes to be taken.

Unfortunately I have work until 5:00 so I request you take notes on the following:

O-line – combinations and how Nate plays at Guard.
RBs – just interested to hear about some of the younger guys.
WRs – what did the WRs show? Was it just TY and AP making plays or is somebody else going to step up?

LBs – always interesting and lots of competition there with only 2 LB spots. How did they play – who looked best?
Nickle – obviously its Venable’s position to lose, but how did Hunter White & Jonathan Brown look?

If I can think of anything else, I’ll be sure to get it posted!

Thanks!

by Drofdarb23 on Mar 24, 2010 10:50 AM PDT reply actions   1 recs

Just thought of a couple more

Any changes to the Offense or Defense – formations, strange personnel sets, anything that looks or seems different about either unit. Any noticeable differences with the hiring of Bob Gregory. How does the D look under Coach K?

Thanks for your had work guys!

by Drofdarb23 on Mar 24, 2010 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions  

You raise interesting point Dr

If we move Hout to LB, will he be in only when we go 4-3? Hout has good speed, but he’s no Acrey or Tevis.

tvmunson

by tmunson on Mar 24, 2010 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions  

I think

He’ll be used in a lot of run situations. Especially if Mackey is limited because of his knee problems.

"Hell, I can get you a toe by 3 o'clock this afternoon... with nail polish."

by JRig on Mar 24, 2010 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions  

Just added Megashark vs. Giant Octopus to my Netflix

My expectations are low.

"Hell, I can get you a toe by 3 o'clock this afternoon... with nail polish."

by JRig on Mar 24, 2010 11:44 AM PDT reply actions  

As they should be.

Plenty of opportunity for the movie to exceed them that way. I did the same with Fast & Furious.

"Lunch has been canceled today due to lack of hustle." - Tony Perkis

by Kevan Lee on Mar 24, 2010 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions  

Exactly

I watched Fast & Furious at the dollar theater. It was worth every penny….well maybe not.

"Hell, I can get you a toe by 3 o'clock this afternoon... with nail polish."

by JRig on Mar 24, 2010 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions  

That's why I love the dollar theater!

"Hell, I can get you a toe by 3 o'clock this afternoon... with nail polish."

by JRig on Mar 24, 2010 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions  

I once paid for a dollar theater with pennies

The lady at the ticket counter was not pleased.

We want to build a university our football team can be proud of. -- Dr. George Lynn Cross

by marktgarten on Mar 24, 2010 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions  

She probably spit in the popcorn.

When my sister was in High School, she used to put one in her mouth, get it soaked up, then put it back in.

Since she told me that only a few years back, I never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever buy movie theatre popcorn.

"Everyone counted us out. I don't know why they keep doing that." -- Kyle Wilson

by Loque on Mar 24, 2010 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yuck

I worked at a Burger King about 12 years ago and I witnessed first hand some of the things that go on in those places. Be careful when complaining about your order.

"Hell, I can get you a toe by 3 o'clock this afternoon... with nail polish."

by JRig on Mar 24, 2010 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions  

i've seen the beginning of it

if you like horrible B movies, this one’s awesome!

Thank you, Nick Adenhart. You will always be remembered. #34

by howiestheman on Mar 24, 2010 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions  

I watched the trailer to it...

Then I watched the trailer again….and again, all while rolling my eyes several times. Then I decided I need to watch the movie.

"Hell, I can get you a toe by 3 o'clock this afternoon... with nail polish."

by JRig on Mar 24, 2010 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions  

a few things i would love to see

burks and hiwatt interest me a lot
the secondary looks pretty open and has a few new faces, would love to know how they are coming a long
O-Line…with the rotation and movement would love to know how the line is working together.

thanks

by kyoung87 on Mar 24, 2010 4:00 PM PDT reply actions  

I'm sure Kevan will cover this soon

But Burks was studly during the scrimmage today.

"Hell, I can get you a toe by 3 o'clock this afternoon... with nail polish."

by JRig on Mar 24, 2010 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions  

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