Replacing NFL Talent on the Defensive Front

Four members of the defensive line have been singled out as having outstanding springs:  Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe, Michael Atkinson, Kharyee Marshall and Samuel Ukwauchu.


That's all you need for a starting unit, but Boise State has become known for incredible depth, with three of its starting unit last year expected to be drafted by the NFL.  So obviously, more members have to step forward for the Broncos to have the kind of season they want to have.  Here's a review of the competition for the four spots.


Defensive End:

Marshall's quickness (#41) allows him to elude his man and make a beeline for the quarterback.  Marshall (6-1, 228, Jr.) would likely be a matchup problem for most bigger linemen.  Ukwauchu (6-5, 215) is a guy that the Broncos were thrilled to sign last year and are eager to see what he can do.


In addition to the two mentioned above, Tyler Horn (6-4, 253, So.), Nick Alexander (6-4, 243, Jr.), Beau Martin (6-2, 253, So.), Demarcus Lawrence (6-4, 248, So.) and Robert Ash (6-3, 259, Fr.) are expected to push for playing time.  The two starters are anyone's guess at this point--there's too much inexperience and too long to go before the fall to know for sure which two will emerge, although the fact that Horn played as a freshman while Ukwauchu redshirted is a significant bit of information.  Darien Barrett (6-3, 215) and Sam McCaskill (6-3, 230) will also look to make contributions.


Justin Jungblut (6-4, 273, Jr.) and Rory Connop (6-4, 265, Jr.)  will also be factors at either tackle or end.  David Cushing (6-0, 263, Sr.) and Elliot Hoyte (6-4, 275, Fr.) add depth.


Defensive Tackle:

Atkinson (6-0, 312, Sr.), nicknamed "Bacon" by Bronco fans, has had his share of off-the-field problems, and Coach Chris Petersen and his staff want to find out if he has matured.  If so, he could be the man in the middle, the big immovable body at tackle, the fly in the ointment of offensive coordinators this year.  Plus, Bronco fans are still waiting for his first carry near the goal line!  

Tjong-A-Tjoe (6-3, 303, Jr.) was highly recruited out of Boise High School, with Boise State getting him over the University of Washington, among others.  It's never good to speculate, but if these two were to win jobs at tackle, there would be 600 pounds of muscle that would have to be moved for a running back to gain any positive yardage.  


Greg Grimes (6-0, 268) has plenty of ability as well, and he and Darren Koontz (6-3, 280) both enter their senior season aiming to go out on a high note.  Jeffrey Worthy (6-4, 289), a beast that signed with Boise State over UCLA, is going to make an impact and I believe it will be soon.  He could be one of the best defensive linemen Boise State has ever had.


When a team loses five seniors at any position, there is concern.  Talent and potential mean nothing without attitude and effort.  Yes, the ability and potential are there for another good group.  But only the coaches know how hungry this group of defensive linemen is.  Those coaches are going to be look at dedication above and beyond, good study habits in school, and good off-the-field behavior.  


The coaches will turn loose of them after Spring Ball, but they sure will want to find them in great shape for fall practice, eager to prove their mettle and halt questions about how much Boise State is going to miss Tyrone Crawford, Billy Winn, Shea McClellin and Chase Baker.


It's up to this group to prove themselves.