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Sports Illustrated released its preseason college football rankings Wednesday, with Boise State projected as the 23rd best team in the nation. If the Broncos are going to meet or exceed expectations in 2012, they'll have to get major production from some new faces on the defensive line.

Last year, the Broncos had one of the top D-lines in country, but now five major contributors will be playing on Sundays in the NFL. Filling the shoes of guys like McClellin, Crawford, and Winn are players with limited starting experience- names like Koontz, Martin, and Atkinson.

Former Division II stud Beau Martin and junior college transfer DeMarcus Lawrence will likely lead the outside group, while senior stalwart Mike Atkinson will take up a ton of space in the middle of the line. Ricky Tjong-a-Tjoe and Greg Grimes will contribute at the tackle spot- Darren Koontz and Sam Ukwuachu will see snaps at end.

Few of the returners have had extended playing time on the blue turf, but leaders are beginning to emerge in fall camp, starting in the middle of the line.