Petersen picks Saturday for QB deadline

The long wait could be over soon Bronco fans. Boise State coach Chris Petersen announced Monday at his weekly press conference that he and his staff could decide on a starting quarterback as soon as next weekend. "We’re still in the process of discussing it as a staff and looking closely at the tapes," Petersen said. "But, I could see us announcing who our starting quarterback could be probably by Sunday." The BSU athletic department announced Tuesday, Aug. 21, that the starting QB for the Broncos home opener will speak at coach Petersen’s, Saturday, Aug. 25 press conference. When asked if whether or not the rest of the team is anxious to know who will lead them under-center as the season opener draws closer, Petersen did not seem worried. "I don’t think so," Petersen said. "We expect our starting quarterback to be a leader, but we also expect his back-ups to be leaders too, so I don’t think at this point they’re worried about who their quarterback will be." Petersen also announced Monday that freshman Brad Elkin will be named the Broncos punter. "That we do know for sure," Petersen said. "He has been doing a great job in the scrimmages and has shown he has what it takes." Elkin handled full-time punting duties for Boise State during both fall scrimmages this past month. Meanwhile, who will be named Boise State’s field goal and kick-off specialist? Freshman Kyle Brotzman and junior Brock Jaramillo have been sharing reps throughout fall practice. "That position we’re still not sure on," Petersen said. "We have a decision to make there between two guys who have been working very hard." Brotzman is likely the favorite in this race since launching two field goals longer than 50 yards during the last two scrimmages. "He’s got a good leg," Petersen said. "Kyle’s a talented kid who we think may be able to handle the kicking duties. It’s a whole different story when you put them in front of 30,000 fans, so we’ll see what happens." As for who Coach Pete thinks will be the Broncos breakout player in 2007? With the departure of tight end Derek Schouman, who caught 21 passes for 204 yards and three touchdowns in 2006, a new tight end will rise up. Remember the name of Chris O’Neill. The 6-3 237 pound junior could be one of the quarterback’s (whoever that will be) most valuable targets. "I think Chris O’Neill will do some great things here for us," Petersen said. "I think he will be one of our surprises because he has had such a great camp. I’ve talked to a lot of people and they think Chris could be the next break-out player here." O’Neill red-shirted for the Broncos in 2005 and was a backup to Schouman in 2006 playing in just four games. O’Neill was a versatile all-purpose player in high school catching 78 passes for 978 yards and 12 touchdowns as well as rushing for more than 200 yards and three touchdowns. "Chris has really been working hard," said quarterback Taylor Tharp. "He’s a big target and he’s making himself available and I’m trying to take advantage of such a big target." BSU is also excited about freshman defensive end Jarrell Root who has had an impressive fall camp. "He’s a solid, hard working guy," Petersen said. "Right now we’re deciding which one of these young guys to play and Jarrell has done a lot to get some serious consideration." Root helped lead the Bronco defense in last Friday’s scrimmage. "The defense definitely looked much better," Petersen said. "They made plays, created turnovers and were all over the field and that’s something we like to see." Any Bronco whose hoping for more playing time they’ll get one more shot this weekend when BSU will hold its final scrimmage which will be closed to the public and the media. The Broncos will open their season at home on Aug. 30 against Weber State.

Tate Castleton

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