2025 BOISE STATE SPRING BREAKDOWN PT3 DEFENSIVE BACK GROUP
Defensive Backs
By: Grant Michael
This week I want to discuss a position group that received a lot of heat last year. The defensive back position was a serious source of angst for the fanbase in 2024. The pass defense of the Boise State Broncos gave up an average of 241 passing yards per game, ranking 106 th of 133 teams nationally. The Broncos’ pass defense also only had 7 interceptions last year, one of which was by linebacker Andrew Simpson. The Broncos, at times, seemed to struggle to find the ball on deep routes which turned out to be an open invitation for game changing big plays. Let’s take a look at who may turn this defensive back group in to a force instead of a liability.
Who’s gone:
Alexander Teubner, Markel Reed, Rodney Robinson, Kaonohi Kaniho, Seyi Oladipo
Who’s returning:
Ty ‘Buck’ Benefield (Jr), Jeremiah Earby (Sr), A’Marion McCoy (5th year), Franklyn Johnson Jr. (R-So), Davon Banks (R-Sr), Zion Washington (R-Sr)
Who’s new:
Dominik Calhoun (Fr), Ja’Bree Bickham (Fr), Arthur de Boachie (Fr), Demetrius Freeney (R-Jr) transfer Arizona, Jaden Mickey (R-Jr) transfer Notre Dame, Tahj Crutchfield (Fr), Jaylen Webb (Jr)
A player I expect to make another jump in both leadership and coverage skills is Ty Benefield. Benefield made a noticeable leap from his Freshman to his Sophomore year. Benefield led the team in tackles, interceptions, and was tied for the team lead in fumble recoveries last year. Benefield is already a big contributor on the back half of this defense. With the loss of Ahmed Hassanein and Alexander Tuebner, who were the captains and leaders of the defense, I would expect Benefield to take over this role and continue to be the defensive statistical leader.
My under-the-radar pick for defensive backs who may make an impact this year is a player you may have never heard of. His name is Franklyn Johnson Jr. and last year he was a redshirt freshman who saw very little playing time but showed much potential and growth in practice last year and at this year’s Spring Camp. Johnson isn’t the biggest defensive back at 5’ 10” and 172 pounds, but he has long arms and a high-speed motor. The biggest problem Boise State defensive backs had last season was losing receivers in the secondary and being unable to close the gap when the pass was directed at them. Johnson has the speed to close those gaps with opposing wide receivers and create some pass breakups. I fully expect Johnson to see the field a lot more this year.
A strong defensive back core can certainly help boost the pass rush since the linebackers are more able to free up for blitzes and plug rushing holes. I’m sure the coaching staff is looking to maximize the potential of this new and talented group.