Boise State depth chart for Virginia Tech

Boise State released its depth chart for the season opener at Virginia Tech Monday, September 6 at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland.

There are no real surprises since the Broncos return so many starters from last season.

The only changes are on the offensive line, where All-WAC left tackle Nate Potter moves to left guard and sophomore Faraji Wright (6-3, 282) takes over at left tackle.

Brenel Myers, who started at right tackle in the 2010 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and handled Jerry Hughes, returns at the spot.

Thomas Byrd looks to have won out the starting center position, hotly contested with Joe Kellogg (6-2, 299) through fall camp. Byrd (5-11, 281) is a 2-year starter. Kellogg had been garnered the No. 1 spot in the scrimmage last week and took more reps with the first team in recent weeks.

The chart also has Doug Martin listed ahead of Jeremy Avery at the starting tailback spot. That seems trifling, since the Broncos will use both backs equally, and sprinkle in the slash and dash of D.J. Harper as well. Avery is a senior. Martin and Harper are both in the junior years (Harper received a medical hardship waiver after tearing his ACL last season).

Junior film-king Kellen Moore is the starting quarterback and it looks like senior Michael Coughlin won the battle to back him up over redshirt freshman Joe Southwick. Coughlin hasn't really been tested the past four seasons, so Southwick still may be in consideration down the line.

Jamar Taylor won the battle to start at cornerback, to replace Kyle Wilson, the lone starter to depart after the 14-0 2009-10 campaign. Jerrell Gavins fought for the spot and will share time at the position. Gavins actually started at corner in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl while Wilson was locked up man-to-man on Jeremy Kerley, the stellar slot receiver for Texas Christian. Taylor played his entire true freshman season in 2008-09, but redshirted last season when an injury kept him out of action early in the season.

The Broncos list four starting linebackers, in a 2-backer system. Derrell Acrey and Byron Hout will both play the middle; Hout is also listed as the long snapper. Aaron Tevis and J.C. Percy (64 tackles) will split time on the weak side. The Broncos' strongside linebacker position no longer exists. It is filled by the hybrid nickelback/safey/linebacker in the form of Winston Venable (63 tackles last season after transferring from Glendale Community College).

Kyle Brotzman will again do about everything with his right leg this season. Brotzman is the placekicker, punter and kickoff specialist. He can also throw, a bit, just ask Kyle Efaw, who is the No. 2 tight end, but will play in the slot and in-line on passing downs.

Titus Young will return kicks and punts this season. Mitch Burroughs and Chris Potter will also return punts. Doug Martin and Jeremy Avery will spell Young on kickoffs. All have exceptional return skills.