An early look at the WAC-Part One

An early look at the WAC-Part One

Jeffrey Gearhart takes an early look at the WAC as he breaks down Boise State, Fresno State and Hawaii.

BOISE STATE- The Broncos missed the conference title for the first time in six years, and despite returning 12 of 24 starters, Boise State will use a mix of youth and experience on both sides of the ball. For the second year in a row, there will be a new quarterback. It will prove to be a four-way battle with senior Bush Hamdan leading the charge. Nick Lomax and Michael Coughlin will look to prove their worth with redshirt freshman Kellen Moore a long shot. At tailback, All-American candidate Ian Johnson returns as the leader looking to improve on already impressive numbers from last season. Jeremy Avery and DJ Harper will assist Johnson in the backfield with their versatility, and helping with the depth is Doug Martin along with Jarvis Hodge, both of whom bring their own style. Fullback Richie Brockel returns and will double, thanks to his size (6'2", 243), as tight end.
    
The depth at wide receiver is virtually unchanged and brings a large crop of talent. Big-play threat Titus Young should not disappoint and will be joined by Austin Pettis and Vinny Perretta as the team's top-three receivers. Seniors Julian Hawkins, Tanyon Bissell, and Toshi Franklin will all push for playing time. The Broncos will rely heavily on the blocking ability of Brockel at tight end, and joining him will be Kyle Efaw, Tommy Gallarda, and Chris O'Neill competing for time. The offensive line took the hardest hit losing all but one starter. Andrew Woodruff will be the veteran along the line, with the likes of Nate Potter, Thomas Byrd, Jon Gott, and Kevin Sapien trying to offset the losses. Adding to the depth is Will Lawrence, Matt Slater, Zach Waller, and Paul Lucariello wanting their share of playing time.
    
On the defensive side of the ball, the Broncos return solid pass rushers Mike Williams and Ryan Winterswyk on the ends. At the tackle spot, the Broncos return three players with extensive playing time, Joe Bozikovich, Phillip Edwards, and Sean Bingham, giving the line a solid front. Vying for playing time will be Steve Reveles, Kapono Rawlins-Crivello, Billy Winn, J.P. Nisby, and Chuck Hayes. At linebacker, Kyle Gingg, Derrell Acrey, and Tim Brady will lead the charge with David Shields seeing his share of the field. Dallas Dobbs, Dave Wilson, Aaron Tevis, and Matt Wilson look to give some heated competition. Anchoring the corner spots will be Kyle Wilson and Brandyn Thompson, with Keith McGowen giving chase. In the safety spot, Jeron Johnson, Jason Robinson, and Ellis Powers will make it a battle for the starting lineup. Adding to the mix will be George Iloka, Cedric Febis, and Travis Stanaway wanting their share of action. Lou Groza Award semifinalist Kyle Brotzman will return as the kicker and could double as the punter. Brad Elkin could push for the punter spot if it gets to be too much for Brotzman. Dallas Dobbs and Jeff Lowe will most likely split snapping duties.

FRESNO STATE- The Bulldogs are looking to pick-up where they left off after a 40-28 victory over Georgia Tech in the 2007 Roady's Humanitarian Bowl. Fresno State returns 17 starters to this year's team, with team leader Tom Brandstater at quarterback for the Bulldogs and Ryan Colburn the back up. Tailback Ryan Matthews, who had an impressive freshman campaign, returns as the starter with Lonyae Miller and Kyle Duffy adding depth. Marlon Moore leads the receiving corps, and will have help from Seyi Ajirotutu, Jamel Hamler, and Darren Newborn. Juniors Jason Crawley and Chastin West could battle for the other starting spot at receiver, with Devon Wylie looking on. At tight end, Bear Pascoe should emerge as one of the top tight ends in the nation with Isaac Kinter looking for playing time. The offensive line remains in tact with all but one. Center Ryan Wendell is gone and will most likely be replaced by Joe Bernardi. Tackles Bobby Lepori and Kevin Avon, along with guards Cole Popovich and Andrew Jackson, set the mark up front. Contributing up front, will be Adam McDowell, Pierce Masse, Richard Pacheco, Kenny Wiggins, and Devan Cunningham.
    
Defensive tackle Joe Monga returns, with sophomore Cornell Banks the front-runner to fill the other tackle spot. At the end position, Wilson Ramos leads the charge with Ikenna Ike and Michael Stuart giving chase for the starting nod. Kenny Borg, Chris Carter, and Jason Roberts could be in a three-way battle to fill the other end spot. At linebacker, Ben Jacobs returns in the middle slot with Ryan McKinley on his heels for playing time. Proving they deserve the starting spot on the outside will be, Ryan Machado, Quaadir Brown, and Nick Bates. The secondary will have the familiar faces of Moses Harris and Marvin Haynes returning at the safety spots. Cornerback Damion Owens returns with Sharrod Davis the likely candidate to fill the other corner. In the wings will be A.J. Jefferson and Will Harding contending for playing time. On special teams, Robert Malone will pull double duty as the new punter and returns as the holder. A.J. Jefferson and Marlon Moore will handle return duties, while Kevin Goessling adjusts as the new place kicker. Redshirt freshman Bobby Shepard step up as the new long snapper. 

HAWAII- Despite a highly successful season in 20007, the Warriors might have a difficult year. Not only are they facing a brutal schedule, they are rebuilding on offense and going through a coaching change. The race for the quarterback job will be highly contested as Tyler Graunke and Inoke Fuunaki try to set the mark, while Jake Santos looks to make it a three-way battle. Running back Jake Heun could emerge as the starter, but will be challenged by Korey Reynolds, David Farmer, Mario Cox, and Camron Carmona. The receiving corps has a complete overhaul this season losing all of their starters. Seniors Michael Washington, Nathaniel Nasca, and Kealoha Pilares will most likely be the front-runners to fill the gaps. A crop of inexperienced receivers is hoping to have a shot, led by Malcolm Lane, Aaron Bain, and Dylan Linkner. The offensive line has the core returning anchored by Keith AhSoon. John Estes and Keoni Steinhoff return as well, with Aaron Kia, Lafu Tuioti-Mariner, or Raphael Ieru giving chase.
    
Returning linebackers Soloman Elimimian and Adam Leonard will have to hold together the inexperience brought in this year. C.J. Allen-Jones could emerge as a suitable replacement to start, but do not count out Tyson Kafentzis or Joshua Rice. Adding depth will be Brashton Satele and Blaze Soares hoping to make an impact. Up front, Fale Laeli returns looking for help from Keala Watson, David Veikune, and Rocky Savaiigaea. For the backfield, Keao Monteilh and Desmond Thomas return as the starters at free safety. For the strong safety spot and corners, JoPierre Davis, Ryan Mouton, Dane Porlas, Spencer Smith, and Erik Robinson are potential candidates to step in. On special teams, placekicker Dan Kelly, punter Tim Grasso, and snapper Jake Ingram return and should go unchallenged.

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