Boise State Roster Breakdown: Running Backs

The next installment of Boise State’s roster breakdown is on the running backs. A core that returns a starter and has some experience, but still has question marks going into the season.

Departed Players:

Boise State did lose some of its depth following the 2015-16 season. The Broncos lost two players to graduating with Jack Fields and Kelsey Young departing. Fields finished his career with 109 carries, 336 yards, and one touchdown. Kelsey Young was only with the Broncos for one season, but finished his Bronco career with 101 carries, 511 yards, and 8 touchdowns. In addition to the graduating class, Boise State lost Charles Bertoli who left the team to pursue other career options and walk-on Tyus Zimmerman who too left the team for other options.

New Players:

Boise State will have some new players at the running back position with a couple of additions. Jake Shaddox at 5’11” 211 lbs will be joining the broncos after redshirt last year for Azusa Pacific University. Shaddox in his senior season rushed for 1191 yards, and 11 tds. In addition to the transfer of Shaddox the Broncos also will be adding Jake Roper, 5’10” 183 lbs, from Rocky Mountain High School. Roper in his senior season was named 5A player of the year and rushed for 1454 yards and 20 tds while helping his team win the state championship.

Potential Starters:

With the return of Jeremy McNichols the starting spot is all but locked up for the All-MWC second team running back. McNichols carried the workload for the Broncos last year with 240 carries, 1337 yards, and 20 touchdowns in addition to 51 receptions, 460 yards, and 6 touchdowns. Look for McNichols to once again be the feature back for the Broncos and with the departure of Kelsey Young a new face to fill-in when McNichols needs a breather.

New Faces:

Concluding this signing year the Broncos brought in two rated RB’s from this year’s class. Robert Mahone, a two-star 5’10” 209 lb back from Prosper, TX racked up 1172 yards and 16 tds during his senior season. Mahone has the size needed to be a college running back, but with some depth already I could see him redshirting this year to master the playbook. In addition to Mahone the Broncos signed Alexander Mattison. Mattison is three-star back from San Bernardino, California who ran for 2017 yards and 26 touchdowns his senior season. At 5’11 206 lbs Mattison too gives the Broncos great depth at the running back position. Mattison could see playing time early this year if he can master the playbook, but with his 4.8 GPA in high school might not be a problem.

Biggest Question(s):

Really I think there are two question for the Broncos this year, but they relate to each other. First off will Jeremy McNichols stay healthy this year while continuing to shoulder the workload? I think the coaching staff as well as McNichols have probably spent time focusing on when to take the big hits and how to deliver the hits. I think Jeremy should see a similar amount of carries, but taking smarter hits over the course of the season to keep him upright and playing each week for the Broncos. Second off is who will be the first guy off the bench when McNichols needs a rest or can’t go for that game? The front runner would believe to be Devan Demas who is very quick and has the experience going into his senior season. I also believe that either Robert Mahone or Alexander Mattison may see some time this season since they both have a similar mold as McNichols. Time will tell when these questions will be answered, but rest assured I’m confident Coach Harsin has thought about this and already has a plan.