Now that NLI Day has come and gone, how does Boise's recruiting class of 2008 look?
Well, to begin with, by the numbers it was not as good as 2007, which was the best year Boise has had in terms of recruiting nationally rated players. But then again, Boise has never been big on recruiting on the tangibles (which is what goes into the rating calculations). Boise has been successful in the past in recruiting players that have heart, and great work ethic, and is a good fit for the Boise system. And that takes time to see if those types of players truly develop into the play-makers that Boise has enjoyed developing in the past.
Breaking down the recruits for 2008...
This year, Boise needed to focus on the OLine and Defense. And that they did - with only 2 players coming in for Skill Positions.
- WR Chris Potter looks to be another Peretta type. As an ex-QB, this kid will be very versatile.
- TE Chandler Koch looks to pick up where Shuman left off. Smart, good blocker, and soft hands.
- Note: RB Lambert will likely be used on Defense
- Note: WR Drumgoole will be a special teams specialist. May develop into a Gilligan type of player!
OLine
- OT Tom Swanson looks to be the next Ryan Clady. Big kid, still developing, with a lot of upside potential.
- OT Fariji Wright will be more like a Tad Miller. Great heart and works hard. May move to OG.
- OG Joe Kellogg. In run blocking, likes to put people on their back. Great guard, but may move to OT.
- OG Bernel Myers. Strong and fast. Likes to get downfield during run blocking.
- OG Bronson Durant. Feels he was overlooked during the recruiting process. Chip on his shoulder already? Cool!
DLine
- DT Greg Grimes. This guy could be the next Dennis Ellis (Oh how I miss that guy). Mean, big and fast. Just what Boise needs!
- DT Darren Koontz. Decent size with good upside potential. Just needs to continue to develop.
- DE Spencer Gerke. Local boy with a love of the game. Pretty fast on the end, which is always good.
DB's
- MLB Byron Hout could be the next Kory Hall - only better! Has the same passion and fire and love of the game that Kory did, only better numbers coming out of HS. If he continues to develop, could be a great one!
- WLB Daron Mackey. The next Colt Brooks? With only 2 years left of eligibility, can't afford to miss a beat!
- CB Jamar Taylor. Right size for the position, good speed, good reaction time. May step into line-up early.
- CB Raphiel Lambert. Same as Jamar. Played both ways in HS so we'll see how he transitions to defense only.
- S Tyler Jackson. Decent size, very fast. Has knack for making big plays - like Tadman.
- S George Iloka. Big! And Fast!!! Next Gerald Alexander? We can hope.
- S Tommy Smith. Last second grab. Also Big! We'll see how he works in.
Coaches speak highly of many of these players - which we would expect. Only time will tell us how they develop. I see 1 or 2 getting to see significant playing time right away, and only on defense. Possibly Grimes.
The significant developments this year to note were the losses in recruiting that Boise had. In the past, Boise typically did not go after players they couldn't land. If they did go after them and didn't get them, it's because they lost them to bigger and better schools. This year, Boise lost several players - after they made verbal commitments to Boise (signficant) - to mediocre or lowly BCS and non-BCS schools. This was an unprecendent year for losing commits. Hope it doesn't continue into the future!
Personal evaluation of this class? I like what we are seeing in certain positions. DLine, LB's, Safeties all look very promising! Overall, I'm happy with this class. Not ecstatic, but happy.