Spring has sprung in Bronco Nation

The weather might not quite know it yet, but as far as Bronco Nation is concerned—spring has sprung. Today marks the beginning of Boise State football’s spring football camp and while there are some notable names missing due to graduation, dismissal, or injury—there are plenty of first-time participants, and therein lies the INTRIGUE. Today, we’ll look at one of spring’s most-important position battles—and throughout spring camp, we’ll also touch on the other battles and storylines that will shape Boise State’s 2019 season. Our starting point is self-evident...

Quarterbacks

With Brett Rypien in Indianapolis trying to impress NFL scouts and Chase Cord on the sidelines in some sort of ACL stabilization device, Boise State fans will be watching newcomer QBs (and early-entrants) Hank Bachmeier and Kaiden Bennett very closely. Then, we’ll also get to see the enigmatic Riley Smith—who redshirted last season—for the first time in an expanded role. The only QB competing in spring ball that saw any action last season will be senior Jaylon Henderson, who transferred from UTSA by way of Trinity Valley CC. Oh, and for good measure there’s a walk-on by the name of Zach Matlock who may be an afterthought when you look at some of the bigger names in the room, but we’ve learned long ago not to discount walk-ons in Boise, ID.

So, what will we learn this spring? Sadly, not too much. Cord’s ACL has got to mend and he will be given a full opportunity to earn the job...just not right now. Yes, spring will be invaluable for the youngsters (and one old guy) to get some serious reps, but the battle is going deep into fall camp—it’s only fair.

Who has the edge?

Well, if recruiting rankings matter at all, Hank Bachmeier should at least have the edge in spring camp. Bachmeier is the second highest-rated recruit to ever sign with Boise State and it’s not because of ridiculous measurables or because he played for a national powerhouse. This kid’s ranking is all about his IQ, production, and skill set. Speaking of skill set, Kaiden Bennett’s is nothing to sneeze at (especially during flu season). Both these frosh have the chops to be the guy into the fall, so it’ll likely be a race between Chase Cord’s ACL and who can pick up the playbook the quickest. It’ll be fun to watch these guys do work, but the finish line is mid- to late-August however you slice it.