Boise State Football: 5 breakout candidates for the Broncos in 2017
By Zach Bigalke
Last year, Boise State depended heavily on defensive end Sam McCaskill to power its pass rush. The senior notched 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss off the edge in 2016, helping the Broncos rank third in the Mountain West in both categories. But with the Eugene native now graduated and trying to land in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings, Boise State will have to turn elsewhere for pressure up front.
One player to which Bryan Harsin and defensive coordinator Andy Avalos will turn is Jabril Frazier. The redshirt junior has played in 23 games and started seven so far in his Broncos career. With his opportunities on the field, Frazier has responded with 55 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, and nine tackles for loss.
Though he plays from the strong side as opposed to McCaskill’s position on the weak side of the line, Frazier will be called upon to produce similar results in 2017. Working opposite McCaskill’s replacement, Durrant Miles, Frazier will be a handful for opposing offensive tackles to handle.
If Boise State is going to end its Mountain West championship drought this season, they need players like Frazier to break out as defensive studs. The senior will respond to the challenge and help the Broncos contend for the league and a New Year’s Six berth.