Boise State Football Recruiting: Grading the Broncos' 2013 Class
Boise State Football Recruiting: Grading the Broncos' 2013 Class
The 2013 Boise State recruiting class is now complete. BroncoSports.com has reported that head coach Chris Petersen has announced the signing of 21 new recruits with seven others joining the list.
In total, the 2013 Broncos recruiting class has 19 freshmen, six junior college transfers and three players who delayed enrollment that will also be included in this year's class. That brings the total to 28 players, according to the report.
This year's class is the highest ranked class Boise State has ever had, at least on paper. Scout.com has the 2013 group of Broncos ranked No. 43 in the nation.
True results of any recruiting class can't be measured for years, but it is safe to say that all of Bronco Nation should be excited about the group of players that Chris Petersen and his staff have assembled in 2013.
With that in mind, let's take a closer look at each position and try to determine where this class is the strongest and where it might lack.
Quarterback
Quarterback Grade: A
Boise State landed a very good quarterback in the 2013 recruiting class. Coach Petersen makes it a practice to offer only one player at this position each season. This year the player is Ryan Finley out of Paradise Valley High School in Phoenix, Arizona.
Ryan Finley
Position: QB
Height: 6',4"
Weight: 180
Strengths: Accuracy, reading defenses, good arm
Look for Finley to redshirt. After all, even Kellen Moore did that. However, don't be surprised if he impresses coaches and fans in fall camp.
Finley finished out his high school career on a high note. He was named the Arizona Player of the Year by the Arizona Cardinals. He also was named first-team all-state by the Arizona Republic and high school coaches association. He completed 270 of 424 passes for 3,442 yards.
Bronco fans should be excited about Finley.
Running Backs
Running Backs Grade: A
Boise State will have two new running backs in camp this fall. The 2013 recruiting class includes one junior college transfer and one high school recruit.
Derrick Thomas (JC)
Position: Running Back
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 210
Strengths: Powerful, fast, strong, tough
Junior college transfer Derrick Thomas should contribute right away. He will be a junior in 2013, and he has spent the last two season playing for Butler Community College.
In 2012, Thomas carried 157 times for 829 yards according to BroncoSports.com. He also had nine touchdowns and was part of the NJCAA National Championship game. In 2011 he carried 145 times for 793 yards.
In 2013 expect Thomas to back up Jay Ajayi, and the two of them should be quite the force. Thomas is 6'1", 210 lbs. and his power and speed make him a very big headache for opposing defenses.
Derrick Thomas profile from BroncoSports.com
Aaron Baltazar
Position: Running Back
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 190
The freshman running back in the Broncos 2013 class is Aaron Baltazar. He is a player that Boise State fans should be very excited about.
Baltazar is out of Eastlake High School in Chula Vista, California, and ESPN.com ranks him as a 4-star player and No. 25 at his position.
Baltazar is very elusive, has good speed, great vision and knows how to hold on to the ball. It sounds like the perfect recipe to be a Chris Petersen running back.
Aaron Baltazar's profile from BroncoSports.com
Aaron Baltazar's ESPN.com Video
The Broncos are a bit thin at running back with Jay Ajayi as the projected starter and Jack Fields as his backup. However, behind there are some question marks.
These two running backs should have a great opportunity to make an early impact.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Wide Receivers Grade: B-
Boise State had two wide receivers officially sign their letters to be Broncos on National Signing Day.
However, they also got a solid verbal commit from A.J. Richardson. He has some academic issues to figure out, and he is dealing with an injury, so he will most likely be a grayshirt in 2013.
The guys who will be in camp this fall are Tanner Shipley, Kendal Keys and D.J. Dean. The latter is a local Idaho player who was part of a previous class but delayed enrollment until spring of 2013.
D.J. Dean
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 190
Strengths: Strong, good hands
D.J. Dean will finally be part of the Boise State football team. After delayed enrollment, Dean will be in spring camp. Don't expect him to contribute right away however. The Broncos are stocked up at wide out, and unless Dean does amazing things in camp, he will probably not see the field in 2013.
Dean was the 5A Southern Idaho Conference Player of the Year in 2011 according to BroncoSports.com.
D.J. Dean's BroncoSports.com profile
Tanner Shipley
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 180
Strengths: Very good hands, versatile
Tanner Shipley was once verbally committed to BYU. However, the only team that had a chance to steal him away was Boise State. They offered him late, but he jumped at the chance.
Shipley is crafty. He just has a way of getting open. He used that ability to be named the Northwest Oregon Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
Shipley played several positions in high school, and he had 21 touchdowns and 1,912 yards as a senior according to BroncoSports.com. He is a passionate player and he has wanted to be a Bronco for a very long time.
A Deseret News article written by Brandon Gurney quotes Shipley saying this:
Boise State has always been the school I’ve dreamed of playing since I was young so when I got an offer from them I knew I’d probably end up committing
Boise State fan's should be happy that his ship came in, and it landed on The Blue.
Tanner Shipley's profile on BroncoSports.com
Kendal Keys
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 200
Strengths: Decent speed, runs excellent routes and has good hands.
Kendal Keys is a good wide receiver. Proof of that is that San Diego State, Oregon State, Colorado and Arizona State all wanted him. It was the Broncos however, who locked him in.
It was puzzling that Keys took a January visit to Arizona State, and you have to wonder if coaches got nervous. However, Keys stayed true to his word and became a Bronco.
Kendal Keys profile on BroncoSports.com
Tight Ends Grade: C+
There are two tight ends in this years class for Boise State. Fruitland, Idaho prospect Alec Dhaenens and out of Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, Arizona, Jake Roh will make his way to The Blue.
Both of these guys will be good players one day, but Dhaenens is rehabbing an injury and will most likely grayshirt.
Alec Dhaenens
Position: Tight End
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 240
Strengths: Big, strong, tough, doesn't drop the ball and can block in a big way
Dhaenens is a 3-star recruit according to ESPN.com and ranked as the No. 1 tight end in Idaho. It is too bad he was injured in 2012. He probably could have made an immediate impact.
However, as committed as he seems and if he is as tough as rumored, he will come back stronger than ever. Boise State fans should be really excited about this local prospect. Just not in 2013.
Alec Dhaenens profile on BroncoSports.com
Jake Roh
Position: Tight End
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 215
Strengths: Fast, runs good routes and knows how to get open, catches the ball in traffic
Jake Roh could be another one of those "under the radar" guys. ESPN.com has him as a 3-star recruit, but he may be underrated.
He has wide receiver speed and skills, but he will be asked to play tight end at Boise State. That position for the Broncos is one that requires a player to understand the game nearly as good as the quarterback.
Roh will be a good fit for a Chris Petersen offense, and you can expect him to try very hard to make the field in 2013.
Offensive Line
Offensive Line Grade: B
Boise State will have just three offensive lineman join them in 2013. You might have expected more, but coach Petersen seems to be content with what he got.
Archie Lewis will join the team after a delayed enrollment. He will be joined by local Idaho recruit Eli McCullough and highly rated recruit Andrew Tercek out of San Antonio, Texas.
Andrew Tercek
Position: Offensive Line
Height: 6'0
Weight: 275
Andrew Tercek is ranked by ESPN.com as a 4-star recruit. Most other services have him a 3-star prospect. Either way, he is very good.
He is strong, athletic and plays with passion. Look for him to be ready to go this fall. The Broncos are a bit thin at offensive line, so he could make the field in 2013.
Anrew Tercek's profile on BroncoSports.com
Eli McCullough
Position: Offensive Line
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 265
Eli McCullough is a local Idaho recruit that should make everyone from Idaho proud. He is already big, but a couple of years in Petersen's system and this guy could be a monster.
He should develop into an outstanding lineman for the Broncos, and don't be surprised if he is seen on The Blue sooner rather than later.
Eli McCullough's profile on BroncoSports.com
Archie Lewis
Position: Offensive Line
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 255
Archie Lewis is finally joining the team after a delayed enrollment. He is out of Rancho Cucamonga, California. He will be a player that should benefit from the system of development Boise State has.
Defensive Line
Defensive Line Grade: B+
Boise State did some really good things on the defensive line.
Among the mix are two junior college players and four high school recruits. Every one of them are solid players with the ability to become stand-outs.
Durrant Miles
Position: Defensive End
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 220
Miles will be delaying his enrollment. However, when he returns, he should be a player that competes right away for playing time.
Durrant Miles profile on BroncoSports.com
Kamalei Correa
Position: Defensive End
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 230
Kamalei Correa, easy for you to say, may become something special at Boise State. He is strong, agile and gritty. He is a headache for opponents, and his abilities should only grow with the Boise State system.
Look for Correa to compete for playing time right away.
Kamalei Correa's profile on BroncoSports.com
Gabe Perez
Position: Defensive End
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 220
Gabe Perez is an excellent basketball and football player, record breaking shot put guy, can also throw a discus and an honor roll student. But, other than that he is pretty average.
He is big, strong, athletic and very versatile. That is the type of player that usually thrives at Boise State. Perez may do just that.
Gabe Perez profile on BroncoSports.com
Justin Taimatuia (JC)
Position: Defensive Tackle
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 295
Boise State fans should prepare to hear the name Justin Taimatuia in 2013. This junior college transfer originally from American Samoa is probably going to make serious waves on The Blue.
If you get a chance you should take the time to watch his video on BroncoSports.com. You will see what kind of dominant player he can be. Of course, that is at the junior college level, but he sure seems capable of the transition.
Justin Taimatuia's profile on BroncoSports.com
Nick Terry
Position: Defensive Tackle
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 275
Nick Terry is a solid recruit out of Elk Grove, California. He made need some time to develop, but his size could help him in the process.
Nick Terry's profile on BroncoSports.com
Deuce Mataele (JC)
Position: Defensive Tackle
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 285
Junior college players have such an advantage over incoming freshmen. Mataele is no exception. He should be able to contribute right away.
Mataele did some very good things while a part of Mt. San Antonio College. Last season he registered a team high 42 tackles.
Linebackers
Linebacker Grade: A
The Broncos did some really good things in this recruiting class when it comes to linebackers. There are four linebackers in the 2013 class, and every single one of them has amazing potential.
Mat Boesen
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 220
Mat Boesen is a pure athlete. He could probably play many different positions for the Broncos, but they have him slated at linebacker. We will see if that holds.
Boise State fans should be very excited about this guy.
Mat Boesen's profile on BroncoSports.com
Joe Martarano
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 235
Joe Martarano is a local Idaho guy and if he plays college football he will be incredible. The if is the result of the fact that he may go fairly high in the Major League Baseball Draft.
However, coach Petersen did mention in his press conference on National Signing Day that he may allow Martarano to do both. If he is allowed, or if he picks football, watch out Boise State opponents. Martarano is the type of player that could develop into a pro prospect in football.
Joe Martarano's profile on BroncoSports.com
Tanner Vallejo
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 230
Vallejo is a great player with a big upside. The Boise State coaches are high on this guy and for good reason. He seems to be a young man of character and an absolutely incredible athlete.
Tanner Vallejo's profile on BroncoSports.com
Darren Lee
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 220
Darren Lee has returned after a delayed enrollment. The challenge for him will be conditioning and getting into football shape.
Defensive Backs
Defensive Backs Grade: A-
The Broncos loaded up in the defensive secondary in this class.
A total of six players make this list, and there are some gems among them. They will have big shoes to fill, but there is tremendous talent among these players.
Dionza Blue
Position: Cornerback
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 180
Dionza Blue is a great cover guy, and he could be a good corner for the Broncos. His name is certainly appropriate, but it will no doubt be overdone. If it hasn't already.
Dionza Blue's profile on BroncoSports.com
Cameron Hartsfield
Position: Cornerback
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 185
Hartsfield is a former Nevada verbal commit, but Boise State fans can be happy he is now a Bronco.
Cameron Hartsfield's profile on BroncoSports.com
Mercy Maston (JC)
Position: Cornerback
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 190
Maston should make an impact in 2013. He is talented enough to get some playing time, but if nothing else he will push the current players and make them better.
Mercy Maston's profile on BroncoSports.com
Jonathan Moxey
Position: Cornerback
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 180
Moxey has moxey, and that isn't the first or the last time that will be used. With so many corners on the roster now, you have to believe Moxey will take advantage of a redshirt year.
Jonathan Moxey's profile on BroncoSports.com
Thomas Sperbeck
Position: Safety
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 185
Thomas Sperbeck is a football player from a football family. His dad is the head coach of Sacramento State. Petersen seems to love players that come from football families, and Sperbeck is certainly that.
Thomas was a quarterback in high school as well, and that should bode well as he plays the defensive side of the ball for the Broncos.
Thomas Sperbeck's profile on BroncoSports.com
Cleshawn Page (JC)
Position: Cornerback
Height: 5'10
Weight: 190
Cleshawn Page had 44 tackles last season for L.A. Harbor College. He is hoping to do the same kind of thing for the Broncos in 2013.
Page is a junior college transfer that could contribute right away.
Overall
Overall Grade for the Boise State 2013 Recruiting Class: A-
Yes, it is only on paper. However, this year's recruiting class could possibly be one of the best overall recruiting classes in Boise State history. Again, on paper. But, If these players pan out for the Broncos it will be something very special.
Boise State also added a solid kicker to this class. Junior college transfer Tyler Rausa will be looking to compete for the starting job. He is an accurate kicker who seems to be able to hit some longer kicks consistently.
The 2012 recruiting class was good, and some of those guys should also be stepping up in 2013. Add to that a good number of returning players, and it sure seems like Boise State could make another BCS run this fall.