Transfer season is upon us and Boise State just keeps winning the lottery.
Spring ball and training is just around the corner and with the incredible new additions and returns in a multitude of different facets, Bronco fans can’t help but think that this year will be a much needed breakthrough year.
Much like any new year comes a season of “ins and outs”, the things that you will be getting rid of and the things you will be implementing. Boise State has wasted absolutely no time in doing just that.
MALACHI NELSON
Boise State’s latest recruit, ESPN’s No. 1 overall recruit in the Class of 2023 Malachi Nelson, arrives with high expectations and a remarkable background. After a redshirt season at USC, committed to Boise State and became the highest-ranked recruit in Boise State history.
The quarterback’s decision to join the Broncos has sparked excitement, especially because of his openness to coaching and eagerness for growth.
“What he was looking for was the same thing that we’re looking for and that’s the right fit at Boise State,” head coach Spencer Danielson said. “It was not about how big of a recruit he was, because at the end of the day, it’s all about the right fit and we believe he is. We’re excited to get him here, he comes from a phenomenal family, and we’re excited to get to work.”
As Nelson embarks on spring practices, Boise State fans eagerly anticipate the impact he will make on the team over the next four years.
“Getting to know him over the past couple of weeks, getting to know his family, getting to know how he was raised, that’s what I’m so excited about in Malachi,” Danielson said. “He’s excited to be a part of a team that embraces him. Now, it’s a two-way street, he’s got to come in and earn their trust, earn their respect. But he’s excited to come in here and compete.”
TEVIN GRIFFEY
Adding to the buzz around Boise State football is Tevin Griffey.
The former Florida A&M defensive back and son of MLB legend Ken Griffey Jr. is joining the squad as a preferred walk-on and brings along with him experience and talent to the Broncos’ secondary.
With two years of eligibility remaining, including a possible COVID year, the 5-foot-11, 175-pound defensive back is set to make an immediate impact.
UKOKA EVEANI
Ukoka Ezeani, boasts an impressive resume with a standout high school career at Foster High in Texas. Leading his team to an 8-2 season in 2020, Ezeani earned first-team all-district honors while showcasing his defensive prowess. After redshirting at Missouri State in 2021, he excelled at Butler Community College in 2023, earning All-KJCCC Second Team honors with remarkable stats.
Ezeani’s journey to Boise State was marked by strong interest from various programs, including University of Montana, University of Oregon and Oregon State.
His decision to join Boise State adds depth and strength to the team’s dwindling defense.
CAM CAMPER
Former Big Ten standout wide receiver Cam Camper has officially committed to Boise State, bringing his exceptional talent to the Broncos for his remaining year of eligibility.
Camper, who previously showcased his skills at Indiana University, made a significant impact during his first season in 2022 with an impressive debut of 11 receptions for 156 yards. Unfortunately, his promising season was cut short due to an ACL injury, limiting him to just seven games.
Despite facing setbacks with injuries to his knee this season, Camper remained a force on the field, playing in eight games and recording 17 receptions for 285 yards and one touchdown.
His decision to join Boise State comes at a pivotal time for the Broncos, who lost their top wideout, Eric Mcalister from the previous season, providing an opportunity for Camper to make an immediate impact in the team’s receiving corps.
“He’s a guy that’s a phenomenal leader and has a great skill set,” Danielson said on Camper. “He can catch the ball and has an extreme catch radius.”
With quarterback Nelson also entering the Broncos squad, the synergy between the two promises an exciting dynamic for Boise State’s offense in the upcoming season.
“He can play all the techniques we want him to play,” said Danielson. “He wants to come in and compete, wants to grow and has a skill set to not only play man, but different zone techniques.”
TAVION WOODARD
After a successful stint at Ball State, the West Lafayette native and former three star recruit, Tavion Woodard, has committed to Boise State.
As a defensive lineman, Woodard led the Ball State linemen with 28 tackles in 2021 and an impressive 35 tackles in 2022.
“When he went into the portal, (Tyler Stockton, co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach and former Ball State defensive coordinator) told us ‘Hey, this is a great young man, he’s going to be a great fit here, we should start recruiting this guy,’” Danielson said. “When he was in the portal, we did. He came on a trip and we’re so excited that he’s a part of this going forward.”
Boise State coaches aim to pair Woodard with returning sack leader Ahmed Hassanein, who recorded 12.5 sacks last season. The hope is to enhance the Broncos’ pass rush capabilities. Despite previous attempts to bolster the pass rush through portal additions not panning out, the addition of Woodard brings optimism and potential to the defensive lineup for the upcoming season.
JEREMIAH EARBY
Jeremiah Earby is joining the Bronco squad from University of California where he played in all 12 games, starting two, and demonstrated his defensive prowess with 26 tackles, one interception and six pass breakups.
Earby’s standout performance during his freshman year earned him second-team freshman All-America honors and honorable mention All-Pac-12. In 2022, he showcased his skills with 36 tackles, one interception, 10 pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. Earby even returned one of the fumble recoveries for a touchdown against Oregon State.
Earby’s addition to Boise State’s defensive lineup brings experience, talent and a track record of success, enhancing the Broncos’ prospects for the upcoming season.
JAYLEN CLARK
Boise State cornerback Jaylen Clark is departing the program under challenging circumstances.
The 21-year-old faces serious legal charges, including attempted strangulation, aggravated assault, battery and false imprisonment.
Clark’s arrest on Jan. 10 has left him with the inability to return to the Bronco program. With an arraignment hearing scheduled and a preliminary hearing on the horizon, the Broncos have parted ways with Clark indefinitely.
ERIC MCALISTER
Former Boise State Bronco and leading wide receiver announced his transfer in early November.
McAlister, better known as “EMac” by his teammates, was an integral part of Boise State’s offense. In just 22 games with the Blue and Orange, McAlister garnered 1,132 yards, nine touchdowns and averaged 52 yards per game.
The dynamics of the team are evolving, with the coaching staff and fans eager to see how these changes will shape the upcoming season. As spring practices unfold, the Broncos’ journey through the 2024 season promises to be filled with anticipation, challenges and the hope for success on the gridiron.
