The Broncos’ secondary was always going to look different heading into this season-and not by choice. The departures of Zion Washington, Jeremiah Earby, and A’Marion McCoy already left the defensive backfield thin. Then Ty Benefield hit the portal, and suddenly, retooling the defensive back room wasn’t just important-it became the top priority.
To their credit, the Broncos didn’t waste time. They went out and landed a strong mix of experienced, game-ready transfers and younger, high-ceiling prospects from power conference programs eager for a bigger role. It’s a blend that gives the coaching staff options both for immediate impact and long-term development.
Let’s start with the headliner: JeRico Washington. The redshirt junior cornerback arrives from Kennesaw State and brings real FBS production with him.
As a freshman, he started every game, led the team in interceptions, racked up 43 tackles, and forced three fumbles-good enough to earn Conference USA All-Freshman honors. He followed that up with a second-team All-Conference season, posting 52 tackles, 12 pass breakups, and two more forced fumbles.
That’s not just experience-that’s impact.
Washington walks into a cornerback room that saw flashes from Sherrod Smith and Demetrius Freeney last year, but neither logged significant snaps. With his track record, Washington is a strong candidate to start from Day 1. His ability to create turnovers and match up in man coverage gives the Broncos a reliable option on the outside.
At safety, South Dakota transfer Roman Tillmon brings a different kind of résumé-one built on volume. He piled up 94 tackles last season, along with 2.5 tackles for loss and six pass breakups. That kind of production speaks to his instincts and toughness, two traits that should help him compete for a starting role right away.
The safety group as a whole is light on experience. Derek Ganter Jr. showed promise in limited action last year-he was an FCS Freshman All-American at Eastern Washington-but beyond him, there’s not much in terms of proven starters.
Jaden Mickey has experience, but he’s expected to play more of a nickel role. That opens the door for Tillmon to step in and make an early impact, especially in a defense that puts a lot on its safeties-whether it’s blitzing off the edge or matching up with slot receivers in man coverage.
Spring practices will be crucial for Tillmon to get up to speed, but the opportunity is there.
Now, let’s talk upside. The Broncos added two young defensive backs from Power Four programs who haven’t seen much college action yet, but bring plenty of potential.
First is Taebron Bennie-Powell, a former borderline four-star recruit out of Lakota West High School in Ohio. He chose Notre Dame over offers from the ACC and SEC, which tells you the kind of talent evaluators saw in him.
He redshirted his freshman season and played in just one game the following year, but the tools are there. At 6-1, 177 pounds, Bennie-Powell brings length and a physical edge to the position.
His high school film shows a player who isn't afraid to come downhill and make plays in the run game-something Boise State will be eager to tap into.
Then there’s Cam Jamerson, a 6-0, 188-pound corner who transferred in from TCU. Like Bennie-Powell, Jamerson redshirted last year, but he came out of high school as an 87-rated three-star recruit from Shadow Creek High School in Texas.
He’s got the frame, the pedigree, and three full years of eligibility to grow into a key contributor. With his size and athleticism, he’s a name to watch as the Broncos build depth in the secondary.
Bottom line? Boise State’s staff didn’t just plug holes-they brought in players who can elevate the position group. Between the ready-made contributors like Washington and Tillmon, and the high-upside prospects in Bennie-Powell and Jamerson, this is a transfer haul that checks every box.
Position Grade: A
Why the high mark? Because the Broncos did exactly what they needed to do.
They added experience where it was lacking, brought in young talent with room to grow, and built a defensive backfield that looks deeper and more versatile than it did a month ago. All four newcomers have a legitimate shot to see the field this season.
That’s not just a solid transfer class-that’s a statement.