The defensive line fell under the spotlight on Monday as new D-coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski spoke about his deep, talented group of big bodies. Which one stood out the most? I'll give you a hint: stroopwafles.
After the jump, get the latest news on the Broncos' defensive front, including what's eating Ryan Winterswyk, and feel free to share your thoughts on your favorite Bronco D-line redshirt freshman, your expectations for the Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe era, and your picks for the D-line depth chart in tomorrow's scrimmage.
Story of the day
The injury report just got 'Swyked!
You can add All-WAC defensive end Ryan Winterswyk to the list of Boise State players who are not participating this spring.
Winterswyk has been shelved for the spring because of a minor leg issue, Kwiatkowski said. The Broncos aren’t taking any chances with him.
As per usual, there is no further information on when the injury happened, how the injury happened, what the injury is, or how long the injury will keep him out. Is it a sprained ligament? I don't know. Is it water on the knee? Perhaps. Is it elephantitis? Maybe. Your guess is as good as mine.
Story of the day, international version
DT Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe is the new Michael Atkinson
If you were looking for a new Bronco freshman to fall in love with this spring, the Idaho Statesman matchmaker service has you covered.
Tjong-A-Tjoe's raw power and athleticism prompted former San Jose State coach Dick Tomey to call him the best defensive tackle he saw while recruiting the 2009 class.
Tjong-A-Tjoe, who chose Boise State over Oregon, also has a football mindset. He preferred the sport to soccer, the more common brand of football in his country (the Netherlands), because he could go through his opponents instead of having to maneuver around them.
Tjong-A-Tjoe's impressive backstory (he played one year of high school football at Boise High after coming over from the Netherlands) will undoubtedly make him a fan favorite once he hits the field. He and his fellow redshirt freshman D-linemen have had lots of opportunities to shine this spring with the injuries to Winterwsyk, Chuck Hayes, J.P. Nisby, and Chase Baker.
Is Tjong-A-Tjoe the real deal? YouTube says yes.
Tjong-A-Tjoe's rise through the Bronco d-line ranks is impressive, but how far is he likely to be once spring ball ends? Realistically, he will most likely remain behind Billy Winn, Chase Baker, Chuck Hayes, J.P. Nisby, Darren Koontz, and Michael Atkinson. It may be 2011 or beyond before he makes a significant impact. No worries. I have nothing going on those years.
You will be excited about the cornerback competition
Tom Scott and the IPT will make it so.
Coach Chris Petersen says Jerrell Gavins, the favorite after his surprise start as a fifth defensive back in the Fiesta Bowl, twisted his ankle in practice. That could give Jamar Taylor a chance to showcase himself. Taylor played as a true freshman in 2008 but redshirted last year after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery early in the fall. "Jamar has not missed a beat," said Petersen. "I think he’s on a mission."
Gavins and Taylor are the presumptive favorites to take Kyle Wilson's spot, but there redshirt freshman Ebo Makinde has made significant strides this spring. Chances are this battle will not be decided in the spring, but it will at least be fun to see Taylor and Makinde on the field in tomorrow's scrimmage.
Miscellaneous
- The Matt Paradis offensive line experiment may be over. Cripe mentions that Paradis "moved to the offensive line briefly," and he lists the defensive scout player of the year with all the other Bronco D-linemen.
- Perhaps the most important nugget from Chadd Cripe's coverage of Boise State's defensive line was that redshirt freshman Kharyee Marshall is currently the Broncos' fourth defensive end. Now that Byron Hout is a linebacker, the depth at DE goes from Winterswyk, Shea McClellin, and Jarrell Root, to 212-pound Marshall and fellow redshirt freshman Nick Alexander.
- It should be noted that incoming JC transfer Tyrone Crawford plays defensive end, and he plays it so well that he could be starting on opening weekend.
- Whose spot might Crawford take? It won't be Ryan Winterswyk's, and if this quote from Pete Kwiatkowski is any indication, it might not be Shea McClellin's either.
I expect Shea to make a huge jump and be a dominating defensive end," Kwiatkowski said.
- From the out of context department, Michael Coughlin threw four touchdown passes in Friday's practice. Make of that what you will.
- I am excited beyond words to see what Winston Venable looks like. Reports out of camp say that he has lost several pounds and is much quicker than last year. Apparently he had some big hits on receivers this past week, which tells me that a) he is still awesome and b) he is playing in pass coverage, which was sort of Jason Robinson's job last season.
Dustin Lapray quote of the day
This quote comes from Lapray's Friday practice report, which was published late Saturday, and read by most people on Sunday. Leave it to the Magic Valley Times-News to undo what the Internet has done for journalism.
At the top of the chart are two of the finest safeties in the nation, Jeron Johnson and George Iloka. Both made jarring hits in the hole today. Cedric Febis and Stanaway are fine backups, but the difference between those 1’s and 2’s is as wide as the Snake River Gorge.
Hells Canyon-esque.
Your turn
What do you make of the excitement surrounding Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe? Think he'll see the field in 2010? Concerned about Ryan Winterswyk's phantom leg injury? Want to carry Winston Venable around with you in your pocket? Share your thoughts below.