Boise State’s first full-pads practice of camp brought exactly what you’d expect when the hitting finally gets real: more edge, more violence in the trenches, and a defense that looked ready to lean on people.
The clearest takeaway from Wednesday was how well the defensive front held up. David Latu, Lopez Sanusi and Beth Imasuen all had strong moments during an open one-on-one stretch against the offensive line, and the group as a whole seemed to own the drill.
Max Stege flashed with an impressive swim move, and Mikaio Edwards did the same. The defensive tackle rotation already looks like one of the more interesting battles on the roster, with several newcomers trying to climb the depth chart.
Another name making noise on that side is College of the Canyons transfer Adonte Medley, who has quietly put together a good camp and could end up with a bigger role than many expected. He keeps getting underneath offensive linemen and using that leverage to his advantage.
Logan Brantley also continued the strong camp he’s been putting together. The Kansas transfer looks set up to make an immediate impact for the Broncos this season.
On the back end, Juelz Goff showed off his speed in the open portion of practice, blowing past a linebacker in a one-on-one matchup. He looks like the kind of quick, shifty back who can give Boise State a change of pace when Sire Gaines and Dylan Riley need a breather.
And speaking of Riley: Dylan Riley is really good at football. Do I need to say more? He’s carried over his breakout 1,000-yard season without missing a beat, and the pairing of Riley and Gaines alone gives Boise State a strong chance to compete for a Pac-12 championship.
Wide receiver remains crowded, but AJ Jones has been one of the quieter standouts over the first two weeks. At 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, he brings size and leaping ability, along with the kind of grit that can make a coach keep noticing him even when the room is packed.
Wednesday’s practice also drew some notable eyes. Former Boise State head coach Chris Petersen was there, along with current staff members Dirk Koetter, who has 43 years of coaching experience, and Chris Strausser, who has 37. Between those three, there are 122 years of coaching experience on hand, which says plenty about the mentors Spencer Danielson has around him.
Boise State basketball coach Leon Rice was also in attendance, along with athletic director Jeramiah Dickey and a group of boosters and supporters, including BNN subscriber Carey Simons.
The Broncos are scheduled to practice late Thursday afternoon, and the first scrimmage of fall camp is set for Saturday.
In Other News...
Boise State Freshman Is Turning Heads Faster Than Anyone Expected
Eight months ago, Rasean Jones was still learning the wide receiver position. Now the 18-year-old freshman has become one of the more intriguing young players in Boise States camp, a rapid rise that has happened so quickly it has caught the attention of coaches and teammates alike. Jones enrolled early so he could get into spring practices, and that head start has helped him make the move from high school quarterback and running back to a new spot that is already starting to look natural.
What has helped Jones stand out is a mix of size, speed and the kind of work ethic that tends to get noticed once pads come on. He has earned significant reps with the starters during fall camp, which is not a small thing for a player so new to the position, and it leaves Boise State with a young receiver whose development is moving faster than anyone around him probably expected. [Read more 🡒]
Boise States Loaded Roster Is Getting National Attention Before Pac-12 Debut
Boise State is heading into a season unlike any in its recent run, carrying the kind of preseason buzz that usually follows a team with a target on its back. The Broncos are the favorite to win a fourth straight Mountain West title in what will also be their first year in the Pac-12, and the early attention is already reflecting how much talent is back in the program. Quarterback Maddux Madsen and running back Dylan Riley are among the names getting national notice, while head coach Spencer Danielson has also landed on the preseason watch list for the Dodd Trophy.
What stands out most is the breadth of the recognition. Eight Boise State players have been named to national award watch lists, a sign that the Broncos are being viewed as more than just the league standard-bearer entering a new conference home. For a program that has built its identity on turning depth into results, the next question is how that collection of proven pieces will hold up once the schedule and stakes change in the Pac-12. [Read more 🡒]