Broncos

Broncos open camp

Preview: offensive and defensive lines

CREATED Aug. 4, 2012

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  • The Boise State football team opened camp Saturday. Video by IdahoOnYourSide.com

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The Bronco veterans opened camp Saturday morning, with the newcomers taking to the gridiron in the afternoon. The two groups will practice together for the first time next Wednesday.

The fall camp roster has over 100 players on it- man of whom will have to step up and play key roles this year. Boise State lost more than their fair share of contributors since December, including 11 key players that combined for a total of 34 seasons of starting experience.

The Broncos' offensive line looks to be a position of strength, as Boise State returns nine players with starting experience. Charles Leno Jr., Faraji Wright, Joe Kellogg, and Jake Broyles headline the group of returners. Depth and versatility make this unit particularly solid- Spencer Gerke, Brenel Myers, and Michael Ames will all vie for big minutes in varying positions. Boise State will have to find a new starting center, since Cory Yrairte will miss his last season with the team after suffering another knee injury during summer conditioning drills.

On the defensive line, Boise State will have to grow accustomed to life without the big names that dominated the line of scrimmage over the last few years. Shea McClellin, Tyrone Crawford, Billy Winn, Chase Baker, and Jarrell Root have all gone on to the NFL, meaning big minutes are up for grabs. A few returners with experience include defensive tackles Mike Atkinson and Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe, as well as end Darren Koontz. Just like on the O-line, versatility will be key to this group, since the Broncos have a history of keeping at least a two-man rotation at each position.