Boise State Football: Two-deep 2017 depth chart projection
By Zach Bigalke
Linebackers
Starting outside linebackers: Leighton Vander Esch, Desmond Williams
Backups: Blake Whitlock, Gabe Perez
Ben Weaver and Tanner Vallejo have both graduated, and thus there is complete turnover at both outside linebacker positions. Leighton Vander Esch backed up Weaver at the weakside position last season, and should do enough to land the starting role this season. Vander Esch was limited by injuries last year. If he falters Boise State can turn to senior Blake Whitlock. Whitlock, who transferred from Saddleback College in 2016, earned five starts last year.
Whitlock could also land the starting role on the strong side, where he also has playing experience. Injury-prone senior Gabe Perez also has a shot at landing the starting position if he can remain healthy in his final year. But the smart bet is on redshirt freshman Desmond Williams getting the first crack at starting after a strong performance in spring practices and into fall ball.
Starting middle linebacker: Tyson Maeva
Backups: Benton Wickersham
Joe Martarano departed Boise State to pursue a baseball career. Darren Lee has graduated. That left a major hole at middle linebacker, where Tyson Maeva is the likeliest candidate to step up as the starter in 2017. Maeva played a reserve role in 12 games last season, and should win the lead role ahead of freshman Benton Wickersham and redshirt junior Joe Provenzano.