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Beating them by air: BSU receiving strengthened with depth
Kirk Bell
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JOSH RASMUSSEN/THE ARBITER. Boise State receiver Tyler Shoemaker breaks tackles as he runs toward the end zone during the first half of last weeks win over San Jose State.
Just when the Broncos appeared to have hit the bottom of a deep barrel of talent, they turn around and surprise once again.
Boise State has experienced positive production from multiple receivers this year. Sophomore quarterback Kellen Moore experienced six games with seven or more Broncos reigning in receptions. There are 16 Broncos who have receptions through this season. With the emergence of Moore’s younger brother, Kirby Moore, Kellen has one more established weapon in an arsenal of receivers. Still, some athletes who could emerge as dangerous targets.
“I think most guys have their guys and if things are tight, that’s where the ball’s going. But that’s not really Kellen,” head coach Chris Petersen said. “Kellen is going where the look is the best coverage-wise. He’s just able to see things and see them in a hurry and dissect coverages. And I think because so many guys catch balls, that really tells you what’s going on out there.”
Blocking
Much of the success this season for yards after catch goes to a corps of receivers who have become more physical without the football. The Broncos’ coaches have stressed blocking this season. The wide outs have not disappointed.
“You block for your buddy,” sophomore receiver Tyler Shoemaker said. “Those are the guys that we spend the most time with and we all care about each other and want everybody to be successful. When we get a chance to block for each other, and even the running backs, you take pride in that and you try to do the best you can.”
What they’ve got and what to expect
Austin Pettis
Pettis leads BSU with 553 yards on 41 receptions this season. He’s had visits to the end zone nine times over eight games. His sure hands are like meat hooks, rarely letting the ball get away after it is touched. Petersen said he has the best hands of any receiver he has ever coached. Pettis has two 100-plus yard games and just three games with less than 50 total yards. He is the most clutch receivers in Kellen Moore’s pocket.
Titus Young
Young is the stick of dynamite in the talented group of receivers. His explosive nature is apparent with his shifty moves and ability to get deep beyond defenders as the Broncos’ long-ball threat. He has 41 receptions and seven touchdowns during 2009. He’s averaged 61.9 yards per game and should see a couple more long shots from Moore for touchdowns.
Tyler Shoemaker
The ‘Shoe’ has some pretty strong stats that lead the wide outs for the Broncos. His 17.9 yards per catch and 31.4 yards per game on just 14 receptions through eight games makes him a very dangerous target. Shoemaker is most threatening against linebackers and safeties who don’t match up well with his fine speed and strength. He is the most physical receiver from the line and should continue to tear off big chunks of yardage during the Broncos’ remaining five games.
Jeremy Avery
One of BSU’s most dangerous weapons when in open space. He is Kellen Moore’s safety valve underneath on the passing attack and for good reason. He has a 67-yard reception this season for the Broncos’ longest pass during 2009. He’s averaged just under two receptions per game – 15 total – and will continue to see more touches through the air when defenses are caught failing to account for the short passing game.
Kyle Efaw
A perfect candidate for a mismatch when on the field. Efaw’s size and strength combined with speed that rivals many linebackers makes him a dangerous target when in man coverage. He has 15 receptions this season with 192 yards receiving.
And…
The rest of the receiving corps account for 37 receptions and five touchdowns. Fullback Richie Brockel has seven receptions this season. Wide receivers Mitch Burroughs and Kirby Moore had a touchdown each against San Jose State last Saturday and both have six receptions during 2009. Petersen believes that Kirby Moore’s work ethic and Burrough’s speed are the reasons they should be considered dangerous.
“With Kirby and Mitch coming along strong and playing well, it’s just depth that we have at receiver and defenses have to respect that,” Shoemaker said. “That just give everybody more opportunities.”
Tommy Gallarda makes for a large target in the end zone with two touchdowns and six receptions for the Broncos.
Freshmen Chris Potter and Matt Kaiserman are both good possibilities to get into the mix and the ever dangerous sophomore Doug Martin is always scary when he gets the ball and is no stranger to the end zone with five rushing touchdowns this season.