2025 BOISE STATE SPRING BREAKDOWN PT1 DEFENSIVE ENDS & EDGE GROUP
Defensive End/Edge
By: Grant Michael
Well ladies and gentlemen, it’s already that time of the year. It feels like just a couple of weeks ago we were watching BSU in the Fiesta Bowl. Now we are just days away from Spring practice for the Broncos. With the new season just around the bend, I want to break down one position group each week until the Boise State Spring game.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at who has departed us and who might be making an impact at the Defensive End/Edge group.
Defensive End: No longer with us… Ahmed Hassanein, Tavon Woodard, Gabe Hunter
Returning: Jayden Virgin-Morgan, Max Stege, Jake Ripp, Joseph Marsh, Roman Caywood, Troy Grizzle
New: Jaden Williams, Bol Bol, Malakai Williams (Transfer from Idaho), DeShawn Toilolo, Markell Bowens, Ryder Swanson
With the loss of Hassanein, who not only was a productive player on the field but a leader of this defense, I expect Virgin-Morgan to assume a leadership role and take another big leap this year in production. The question this leaves me with is who will step up across the line from Virgin-Morgan?
Another player to keep an eye on is Jake Ripp. Ripp was a linebacker last year that we heard a lot of good things about in spring camp but he didn’t get much playing time behind Marco Notarainni and Andrew Simpson. According to the new 2025 roster for the Broncos, Ripp has been moved to the Edge. It will be interesting to see Ripp’s transition from Linebacker to this fresh spot.
A dark horse player to watch this year is Max Stege. Stege, like Ahmed, is an international player. Stege is a German player who is still a project for Boise State but has shown some potential. Stege had limited playing time last year, but when he was on the field, he was a force rushing the passer. I will be very curious to see if Spencer Danielson and company can turn this product into the next Ahmed Hassanien.
The Edge is all about speed and power. I fully expect Coach Frazier and Danielson to have this group running on all cylinders. If they do, I would expect another top 10 production in sacks this year.