Photo: Allen J. Schaben/LA Times
There's no doubt that Boise State's remarkable run over the last decade has been aided, in large part, by a solid offensive line. Center and guard play has been consistent in protecting the QB and opening running lanes for some of the most productive backs the Broncos have ever fielded...but the succession of tackles has been easily the brightest spot. Daryn Colledge gave way to Ryan Clady to gave way to Nate Potter. Colledge and Clady both went on day 1 of the NFL Draft and Potter will likely follow, so who now will pick up the OT torch that's quickly becoming a tradition of excellence at Boise State. Well, 2012 recruit Travis Averill could certainly be "that guy"...or he could move inside to guard. Coach Pete certainly likes to have options.
More details on Travis Averill after the jump ...
Signing Day arrives February 1. Until then, we're running down the full list of verbal commitments so you can impress your friends with your Bronco know-how. More know-how here.
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Other offers: Arizona, Colorado, Iowa State, UCLA, Washington, Washington State
Other Boise State players from the area: Michael Frisina, Jeff Worthy, Lee Hightower, Darren Koontz
Boise State player most likely to be mistaken for: He's a height/weight clone of Michael Ames but hopefully we'll get some Potter play from him.
Future nickname: Averill Lavigne, Avatar, The Averillanche
Where he fits on the depth chart: OT or OG
Maybe we're putting undue pressure on the kid, but I think the bar has been raised significantly enough by Colledge, Clady, and Potter that the coaches—and fans, to some extent—are right to expect big things from these big boys. Therefore, I don't think I'm out of line by suggesting that Averill could be a 4-year starter (ostensibly, starting in 2013) along the offensive line.
2012 won't see as big of a turnover on talent as the rest of the team—so the idea of a true frosh playing on the O-line is even more far-fetched than usual. 2013, however, will be wide-open once the experience factor is negated. Averill played tackle at nationally-ranked Servite...but appears to be projected, and rated by the scouting services at guard. I honestly think he could play both and wouldn't be surprised at all if he landed on the outside. He definitely looks like a slender 280 lbs. and I think could easily bulk up to 290 or 300 lbs. before he sees any live snaps. The bottom line is that Averill is possibly the most highly-coveted OL recruit we've brought in for a few years and I think with the right tutelage could live up to that billing.
Dustin Lapray scouting report:
Defensive ends trying to circumnavigate Averill's outstretched arms will find themselves exhausted like Phippides upon arriving in Athens...Averill stands as a sentinel on the outskirts of the line, alone—but hardly forgotten...His pancake blocks are drizzled in the sweetest syrup—Ambrosia, I say!