Boise State Roster Breakdown: Special Teams

Often forgotten, this unit returns a surprising amount of talent.

Departing Players:

The only player departing from last year’s squad is long-snapper Kevin Keane.

Newcomers:

The Broncos went out and got a kicker for the 2016 class, Joel Velazquez. The fact that they offered him a scholarship out of high school has been a rarity in recent years for the Broncos, who have gone the JUCO route for many of their past kickers. Perhaps it is a sign that the team is seeking kickers with enough talent and upside that they warrant a scholarship right away as opposed to earning one after a season or two on the team.

Projected Starters:

The Broncos actually return two of their three positions here in place-kicker Tyler Rausa and punter Sean Wale. While Rausa may be best remembered last season for not being high-fived after a made field-goal, he turned in a very productive season recording 59 extra points and made 25 of 30 field goals. Having a reliable kicker is a major asset in the college game. Likewise Wale was very much improved last year, averaging 42.1 yards on each punt. The new starter is Matt Cota, who was put on scholarship during fall camp. Like most long-snappers, the less his name is heard, the more consistent and productive he will be. When things are going well, his effectiveness goes unnoticed.

True Freshmen Who Could Play:

Barring an injury, Velazquez is slated to redshirt this year.

Biggest Question(s):

1) The question that haunts Boise State is “Can the talented kickers come through in the clutch when the game is on the line?” but it shouldn’t since Rausa combines his talent with a dedicated and studious mind to study film and get better. His approach has been commended by Coach Harsin and Coach Riddle and he has a FG range of 60 yards during practice. 2) With both Rausa and Wale graduating this season, can they pass off their knowledge to the freshmen Velazquez to continue the standard that has been built over the past few years? 3) Perhaps most importantly, who run the BSU Specialists account next season?