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Moore, Broncos make new face for football program
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A familiar face will step from the shadows this season void of Ian Johnson who represented the program for a few years. Now the sophomore at quarterback, Kellen Moore, will move forward with the torch of leadership that Johnson was able to carry proudly at Boise State. At least for now.
“I think that with me playing quarterback here it probably brings more recognition,” Moore said. “Ian was a great example. He obviously did amazing things for the program. Now that he is gone it is up to us to step up and keep this program going.”
Spring football is a time to assess where the program stands with the void seniors besides Johnson who left room for others to grasp at the opportunity for leading roles.
It is also a time to focus on areas where improvement can be made. Moore specifically wants to get better under center. The Broncos worked from the shotgun for much of the 2008 season. The success of the running game could play a key factor in how well the ground game develops in the upcoming season.
“[We will] Try some different things that we didn’t have as much success last fall,” Moore said. “I think it is easier in the shotgun. It is harder to drop back from under center so why not work at that. During the season, when the time comes, if we need to drop back in the gun then we’ll drop back in the gun.”
Focusing more on the taking the snap from under center requires a familiarity with the man handing Moore the ball. Fellow sophomore Thomas Byrd was that guy much of last season and will be pitching the ball back to Moore this fall.
“With Byrd and I, it’s just repetition stuff,” Moore said. “The snap has just got to become more routine and sort of an everyday thing.”
The Broncos acquired Moore’s younger brother, Kirby, at the wide receiver position.
“It’ll be a fun time once [Kirby] gets down here,” Moore said. “Just be back like home with him being out here.”
Boise State usually has room for freshman talent to shine. Titus Young, the junior speedster, made a splash during the 2007 season for the Broncos. With six of 10 receivers on the Broncos’ current roster, at least one will likely see some playing time.
“We’ll probably have at least one of those freshman Aaron [Burks], Geraldo [Hiwat] and Kirby, all three down here as freshman,” Moore said. “We’ll probably get one or two in the mix and if it’s Kirby, it’s Kirby.”
Much of the preparation for the 2009 season focuses on the Broncos’ first match-up against the Oregon Ducks who BSU defeated last season in a thriller, 37-32.
“You always have that first game focused,” Moore said. “We’ll be watching film on them earlier this year and probably have the chance to watch every snap [Oregon] probably took. I think it’s pretty exciting. Both programs are pretty high up there with the success they have had over the years.”
Fans will be able to see this year’s edition of the Broncos’ April 17 at Bronco Stadium. The spring game begins at 6 p.m.
KIRK BELL
Sports Coordinator
