Boise State football 2017: Projected Broncos depth chart

Offense

Notable Losses: There are plenty of losses on the offensive side of the ball, including their top receiver, and running back from a year ago. Wide receiver Thomas Sperbeck was a 1st Team All-Mountain West selection, while back Jeremy McNichols was 2nd Team. Both Mario Yakoo and Travis Averill are gone from the offensive line, with both being 1st Team All-Conference in 2016.

QB: Brett Rypien, junior

The nephew of two-time Super Bowl Champion, Mark Rypien, the younger Rypien heads into 2017 fresh off an All-Conference season a year ago. Although he was snubbed in the preseason poll in favor of Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen, Rypien should not be overlooked, and should improve on his wonderful sophomore season. He has lost a few of his weapons, but he is incredibly talented, and will likely toss for 4,000 yards in 2017.

HB: Alexander Mattison, sophomore

Sophomore Alexander Mattison will have to replace a legend at Boise State, as Jeremy McNichols left school with one year left on his eligibility. McNichols got most of the carries last season, but Mattison was able to rush for over 300 yards in limited time. People around the school feel he can be the next big running back at Boise State, and a big year from Mattison could be what this offense needs to get to the conference title game.

WR (X): Cedrick Wilson, senior (transfer)

WR (Z): Sean Modster, junior (RS)

WR (H): A.J. Richardson, junior (RS)

Thomas Sperbeck is gone, along with his 1st Team All-Mountain West talent, but the team does have a viable replacement. Cedrick Wilson was an honorable mention selection last season, finishing the season second on the team in receptions (56), and yards (1,129). He did lead the team in touchdowns (11), and slides right into the X role on the receiving corps. Sean Modster and A.J. Richardson join him in the starting lineup, and are question marks after appearing in limited action last season.

TE: Jake Roh, senior (RS)

Jake Roh is a super-talented tight end, but he just has to stay healthy. When he is 100 percent, he has the ability to be the best tight end in the conference, but he was able to only appear in a handful of games last season. Expect him to play a large role in the offense this season, as long as he can stay on the field, giving Rypien a nice target over the middle to spread the field.

LT: Archie Lewis, senior (RS)

LG: Garrett Larson, sophomore (RS)

C: Mason Hampton, senior (RS)

RG: John Molchon, sophomore (RS)

RT: Ezra Cleveland, freshman (RS)

The offensive line has some question marks on it this season, after losing three key members to graduation last season. Both Mario Yakoo and Travis Averill were All-Conference selections last season, and Steven Basset was honorable mention. However, they do return Mason Hampton, who is one of the better centers in the conference, and while young, this unit is pretty talented.

All-Purpose: Drake Beasley, freshman

Drake Beasley is going to get carries this season, but as the backup to Alexander Mattison, he will likely be used in different ways other than just running the ball. He is an incredibly talented player, and while he has the talent to play at a bigger school, not being able to play his senior year due to academics hurt him. He is an explosive player, and should find the end zone on more than a few occasions this season.