How recent Boise State commits fit into the Bronco backfield for the next five years
The last several weeks have been a very newsy time for Boise State recruiting, especially when it comes to the running back position. The Broncos have secured commits from three backs, including the Texas duo of Devan Demas and Jack Fields. Does BSU have room for one more big-time back? And how and when do these future stars fit into Boise State's backfield future?
Inspired by an inquisitive FanPost and an informative comment, here is what the RB breakdown may look like for the next five years:
| 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doug Martin - Sr. | D.J. Harper - Sr. | Jay Ajayi - Jr. | Jay Ajayi - Sr. | Jack Fields - Sr. |
| D.J. Harper - Jr. | Raphiel Lambert - Sr. | Jack Fields - So. | Jack Fields - Jr. | Devan Demas - Jr. |
| Raphiel Lambert - Jr. | Jay Ajayi - So. | Devan Demas - rFr. | Devan Demas - So. | |
| Jay Ajayi - Fr. | Jack Fields - Fr. | |||
| Redshirt | Redshirt | Redshirt | Redshirt | Redshirt |
| -- | Devan Demas | -- | -- | -- |
This depth chart assumes a couple of things: 1) Jay Ajayi will play as a true freshman, which is something that has been all but guaranteed since Matt Kaiserman's early retirement, 2) Jack Fields will graduate early, join the Broncos early, and play as a true freshman, much like George Iloka did back in 2008, and 3) 2012 verbal commit Shane Rhodes will play slot receiver rather than RB. Bonus assumption: D.J. Harper will be ambulatory.
Some observations ...
Are the Broncos still interested in Cali RB Davien Payne?
Payne may be Southern California's best RB prospect, and he has had the Broncos near the top of his list for some time. But does Boise State have room for him? Judging by the above depth chart, yes. It will be a tight squeeze, like Robb Akey into a tankini or like the Bronco backfields of years past with Doug Martin, Jeremy Avery, and D.J. Harper. Plus, imagine a backfield of Jay Ajayi, Jack Fields, and Payne. I just did, and now I have to lie down for a moment.
Boise State's running back position is kind of thin right now
The Broncos typically like to only take a maximum of two backs per class, but you have to wonder if the current depth chart might force their hand. Boise State has five backs listed on their roster now that former backup Carlo Audagnotti is gone. Four of them are upperclassmen, and the fifth is true freshman Ajayi.
Some highlights ...
Because what kind of blogger would I be if I didn't?
Devan Demas highlights -
Jack Fields highlights -
Davien Payne highlights -
Your turn
What do you think of Boise State's running back position in the future? Anything you would change on the potential depth chart? Will Davien Payne choose the Broncos? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Yeah, he is still on the team
Kevin left him off the 2011 table but refers to “Boise State has five backs listed on their roster now” later on in the article.
"Gandhi didn't take a knee, Martin Luther King didn't take a knee, Thomas Edison didn't take a knee, and I sure as hell am not going to take a knee." -- Dan Hawkins
Thanks for the chart, Kevan.
I like charts. They sorta sort things out and take on a three dimensional depth.
Please….no injuries. Staying ambulatory is a very good strategy.
If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it. Maya Angelou
BSU changes the BCS! 2011
You are also assuming
That Harper will apply and be approved for another medical redshirt, otherwise he will graduate this year with Moore and Martin. Has anyone heard whether or not he has even applied for the extra year?
quick search
I seemed to recall reading that he doesn’t really need “another” medical redshirt, because the first one wasn’t considered a “medical redshirt”. See article below. However, I couldn’t find confirmation that NCAA approved a medical redshirt year for him. Maybe that will be determined during this summer’s meetings.
The silver lining for Harper is that the injuries have happened early in the season — essentially giving him a third shot at his junior year. He was able to use his redshirt year in 2009 and because he now has lost the majority of two seasons to injury Boise State expects the NCAA to grant him a sixth year of eligibility for 2012.
Based on the Statesman article, his situation would be similar to Case Keenum's as far as
the medical red shirt, so the short answer is “strong probability” on that basis. I’d have to do more research but know folks were denied and have to look into why they may have been denied. The NCAA doesn’t always reveal that kind of detail.
I'd rather be surfing.
by Pac 10 Alum on Jun 20, 2011 8:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Found an article that said
a college player does not apply for a medical redshirt until AFTER their senior year. So you are correct. He technically graduates in 2011 unless he chooses to apply for medical redshirt and is approved.
Drew's Still on the Team
Drew is still on the team and has been ahead of Lambert in the rotation and still is ahead in the rotation. In fact Drew took most of the first time snaps during the spring with Doug getting rested and DJ still recovering.
by Whitney Wright-Warbis on Jun 20, 2011 11:34 AM PDT reply actions
Thought Drew looked pretty good in limited action last year.
Runs hard.
by Drew Roberts on Jun 20, 2011 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Our we talkin Drew Roberts?
Because I seen him run the 40, timed him with a sundial.
I'm the 12 th man its my job its my duty.
That's it, Dothework...
I challenge thee to a race—not the sack or three-legged variety, either.
You sir, or madam, are going down.
Hang on, I just pulled my hamstring. Reschedule?
by Drew Roberts on Jun 20, 2011 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions
I like Drew Wright! He runs hard.
And I am not just saying that because you are quite possibly his sister.
Obviously you're not a golfer...
after the Davien Payne highlight
it is a citris hill fight lol
by boisestateforever on Jun 20, 2011 3:44 PM PDT reply actions
Great article KL-have had to actually work today, thus unable to process for cogent comprehensive comment (alliterative).
If DJ Harper is 100% and can stay healthy, I think we have a great backfield for ’11. DJ has been hurt each of past 2 seasons, and seriously. I am worried for him.
tvmunson
Some of your comments are intended to be congent?

“Quelle surprise!”
I'd rather be surfing.
by Pac 10 Alum on Jun 20, 2011 8:49 PM PDT up reply actions
I LOVE them all.
I am so greatful for the recruits we are getting but, I have a huge man crush on Payne. I hope and pray he commits and signs. He is a synopsis of his name. (help anyone is synopsis correct)
I'm the 12 th man its my job its my duty.
The eponymously named...Payne.
You cannot reason a man out of something he didn't reason himself into in the first place.
To me, Payne is the best looking prospect out of a field of very good ones.
"Boise State football is now a Fargo winter. You know what's coming, and that information does you no good whatsoever". Matt James / The Fresno Bee
by blue4areason on Jun 21, 2011 6:05 AM PDT up reply actions
Also, don't forget...any recruit coming out of TX is already set for enduring max heat & humidity
an ace up the sleeve at no extra cost…
"High profile players demand high profile compliance", P. Dees, NCAA Chair. Refc. pending inquiries to tOSU, Auburn, USC...
Man, I'm sure feinding to find out what happens with Payne
I’d love to have 5 Texas RB’s on the roster next year….
Fields
Payne
Demas
Ajayi
Harper
Now that’s nuts…
"Your compliment was sufficient Lewis."

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