Boise State Football: Two-deep 2017 depth chart projection
By Zach Bigalke
Quarterbacks
Starting quarterback: Brett Rypien
Backup: Jake Constantine
As he enters his third season with the Broncos, the hype could hardly get any bigger for Brett Rypien. Rypien earned Mountain West freshman of the year honors in 2015. He followed that up by leading the league in passing yards in 2016. Rypien will be looking to impress scouts ahead of the 2018 NFL Draft. Harsin and Boise State will try to capitalize on one more season with Rypien on the roster.
He will have to build a rapport with a new group of receivers rather quickly. How well Rypien is able to get everyone else on the same page will determine how well Boise State’s offense can perform in 2017.
The other issue for Rypien will be protection. He has never been a very mobile quarterback, and with a rebuilt offensive line there is an increased risk of sustaining sacks. Rypien will have to improve his pocket presence in order for the Broncos to realize their offensive potential this season.
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Rypien’s job is secure at starter, leaving the big question mark as to who will serve as his backup. Redshirt freshman Jake Constantine is the frontrunner for the position after spring practices. Constantine completed over 72 percent of his passes as a high school senior before sitting out last season in his redshirt year.