Boise State's OFFENSE always seems to get all of the attention. At least it seems that way to me. But it is really Boise State's DEFENSE that is deserving of the attention. This year's defense for Boise State, IMO, is going to be out-freaking standing (please pardon the "valley" speak). I write that here because this year's defense for Boise State will feature TWENTY-ONE players on defense who PLAYED in at LEAST seven games last season. That is a WEALTH of experience that is hard to beat as far as I'm concerned. Here is how the 2009 Boise State defense breaks down for this season:

DEFENSIVE LINE
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DE - Ryan Winterswyk - JUNIOR - Named 1st Team ALL-WAC last season he started in 11 of the 12 games he played in last season. He was also named as Boise State's C0-Defensive M.V.P. last season. He led Boise State last season in Tackles for Loss with 11.5 including 4.5 Sacks.
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DT - Billy Winn - SOPHOMORE - He played in all 13 games last season and started in two of those 13 games. He had 26 tackles last season (15 solo) and he had 5.5 tackles for loss including 2.5 sacks.
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DT - Chase Baker - SOPHOMORE - He played in 11 games last season and started one of those eleven games.
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DE - Byron Hout - TRUE SOPHOMORE - He was being redshirted last season but they burned his redshirt year in the 4th game last year (against La Tech) due to injuries on the D-line. Hout played in 10 games last season and was the starter for the 2009 Bowl game against T.C.U. (again due to injuries at DE). He had 27 tackles last season (14 Solo) including 6 tackles for loss and 4 Sacks.
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D-LINE BACKUPS
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DE - Shea McClellin - SOPHOMORE - Played in 10 games last season and started one of those 10 games. He missed the last three games of the season due to injury. Had 14 tackles last season (4 Solo) and forced three fumbles.
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DT - J.P. Nisby - SOPHOMORE - Played in seven games last season.
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DT - Michael Atkinson - RS FRESHMAN - Outstanding freshman who was named as the 2008 Scout Team Defensive Player of the Year for Boise State (6' 0" 325 lbs DT who played as a running back in HS). He may well be a starter this fall (ahead of Chase Baker most likely).
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DE - Jarrell Root - SOPHOMORE - Played in nine games last season and started two of those nine games. He missed the last four games due to injury. He had nine tackles including 2.5 tackles for loss.
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LINEBACKERS
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LB - Derrell Acrey - JUNIOR - He played in all 13 games last season and started seven of those thirteen games. Finished last season 5th on the team in total tackes with 59 (27 Solo). He also had one Sack and one forced fumble.
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LB - Aaron Tevis OR Hunter White - SOPHOMORES (both of them) - Tevis played in twelve games last season and started one of those twelve games (1st game of the season against Idaho State). Hunter White played in twelve games last season as well (but did not start any of those 12 games. Tevis recorded 27 tackles (14 Solo) and White had 25 tackles (16 Solo) last season.
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BACKUP LINEBACKERS
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LB - Aaron Tevis or Hunter White whichever of the two who is not the starter at one of the two linebacker spots.
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LB - Daron Mackey - JUNIOR - Junior College transfer who was redshirted last season. Two-time All-Conference player at Bakersfield Junior College (2006 & 2007).
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LB - J.C. Percy - RS Freshman - Outstanding (WALK-ON) Freshman who really "shined" during spring ball this year.
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CORNERBACKS
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CB - Kyle Wilson - SENIOR - 1st Team All-WAC last season. He played in and started all 13 games last season. Led Boise State with five interceptions, 10 pass breakups and 15 passes defended last fall. He had 35 tackles (26 Solo) last season. He has started 31 consecutive games for Boise State (the longest streak on the team).
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CB - Brandyn Thompson - JUNIOR - Played in and started all 13 games last season. He had 54 tackles (38 Solo) last fall including five tackles for loss as well as four Interceptions (3 in one game - against Hawaii).
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BACKUP CORNERBACKS
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CB - Jamar Taylor - SOPHOMORE - Played in all 13 games last season and started one of those 13 games. He had 24 tackles (17 Solo) last fall.
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CB - Garcia Day - SENIOR - Played in 7 games last season.
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CB - Travis Stanaway - SOPHOMORE - Played in 12 of 13 games last season. He had 13 tackles (7 solo) last season.
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CB - Cedric Febis - SOPHOMORE - Played in 7 games last season.
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SAFETIES
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S - Jeron Johnson - JUNIOR - Played in and started all 13 games last season. 2nd Team ALL-WAC last fall. He led Boise State last season with 98 total tackles (72 Solo). He also had 4.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions.
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S - George Iloka - TRUE SOPHOMORE - Played in all 13 games last seaosn and started 5 of those 13 games - including five of the last seven games. Fourth on the team last season in total tackles with 63 (45 Solo). He also had 6.5 tackles for loss and four interceptions.
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S - Winston Venable - JUNIOR - Transfer from Glendale Community College - He was outstanding during spring ball and it "appears" he will be the starter next fall at the SAM LB/3rd SAFETY spot. Named 1st Team ALL-AMERICAN last season at Glendale C.C. in AZ. He recorded 94 tackles last fall and 97 tackles as a Freshman in 2007.
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BACKUP SAFETIES
S - Jason Robinson - JUNIOR - Played in all 13 games last fall. He started one of those 13 games. He had 22 tackles (15 Solo).
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S - Doug Martin - SOPHOMORE - He has played primarily as a Running back prior to this but was switched to Safety this spring. He played in 11 of 13 games last fall.
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S - Garcia Day - SENIOR - Played in 7 games last fall.
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S - Cedric Febis - SOPHOMORE - Played in 7 games last fall.
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Yep. Boise's "D" doesn't get the credit they deserve. They'll be real good.

Hawaii's defense....starting over.

Fresno - think Pat Hill is making a mistake not bringing in a good DC.

SJSU - Wondering if Tomey can replace the three guys whom were drafted into the NFL.