Who will be the starting QB? It’s just one of 3 big questions for Boise State on offense

The Boise State football team opens fall camp on Wednesday.

It will be Spencer Danielson’s first as head coach after he was promoted from defensive coordinator to replace Andy Avalos last December, but it’s far from his first camp as a Bronco. He’s heading into his eighth year at Boise State, and he said Monday that he plans to protect the program’s traditions while also putting his stamp on this year’s camp.

“It’s constant calls to mentors of mine, to coaches and a lot of different people,” Danielson told the media on Monday. “I told the team it is my job to make sure the fall camp schedule and how we do it is the best in the country.”

One major change Danielson made this year is not holding practice on Sundays except for this first week, when the team is scheduled to practice on Aug. 4. Other changes include shorter practices early in camp, waiting to install specific plays until later in camp, more of an emphasis on lifting weights after practice, and two “Inferno practices” instead of one.

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Inferno practices are held at the indoor facility with the heat and humidity cranked up several notches to simulate the environment the Broncos likely will experience in their season opener at Georgia Southern on Aug. 31.

“We talk about being built different all the time, and I’m OK with being built different by finding different ways to evolve,” Danielson said. “It’s going to be hot out here for fall camp, but we don’t get the humidity, so having two of those inferno days is going to help us.”

Here’s a look at three questions the Broncos have to answer on offense over the next four weeks.

1. Who wins the starting QB job?

The question on everyone’s mind is who will open the season at quarterback after former starter Taylen Green transferred to Arkansas.

Maddux Madsen is back after appearing in nine games last season and making the first start of his career against New Mexico. He missed spring practice while recovering from a season-ending knee injury suffered against the Lobos, but Danielson said Monday that Madsen is “full go” for camp.

The Broncos also added former five-star recruit Malachi Nelson, who spent last season at USC. He took almost all of the starting reps in spring practice, and impressed coaches with an impeccable work ethic and a strong, accurate arm. He want 9-for-16 for 137 yards and a touchdown in the spring game.

Danielson said the plan is to name a starter at least a week before the season opener. He said Madsen will open camp getting the blue reps, which traditionally go to starters, and Nelson will get the orange reps. He also said the order of reps will change weekly, if not daily.

“Malachi and Maddux will compete in everything they do,” Danielson said. “Whoever gives us the best opportunity to win games will be the starter in game one.”

Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter further simplified what it will take for either quarterback to win the job.

“It’s whoever gets you in the end zone,” Koetter said Monday. “The best quarterbacks make those around him better.”

2. Will running back Sire Gaines have a role?

Running back may be Boise State’s deepest position.

Potential Heisman Trophy candidate Ashton Jeanty is going to get the majority of the reps. He’ll also get plenty of work in fall camp and in both of the scrimmages the team has scheduled, Danielson said.

Jambres Dubar showed last year that he’s ready for an increased workload. And even with two talented runners ahead of him, freshman Sire Gaines has a chance to make an impact.

Gaines enrolled at Boise State early and joined the team in January. He impressed the coaching staff with his work ethic and natural athleticism in spring practice and made waves in the spring game, finishing with 45 yards on nine carries, including one that covered 27 yards. He also caught three passes for 18 yards.

Danielson called him one of the most physically impressive freshmen he’s seen since Jeanty arrived on campus in 2022.

“He’s strong and explosive, and he works at it every single day,” Danielson said. “There aren’t many people that outwork him, I promise you that.”

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Gaines’ chances to see the field this season are high because Danielson said the team is going to run a lot of sets with two running backs. He also said the freshman could land a role as a kick or punt returner.

Co-offensive coordinator Nate Potter, who also holds the title of run game coordinator, said there’s no limit to what Gaines’ role could be.

“He showed in spring that he can do it all for us,” Potter said. “I think he’s going to have an impact in pass protection, running the ball and catching the ball.”

3. Who will start at right tackle?

Boise State returns four starting offensive linemen: left tackle Kage Casey, guards Ben Dooley and Roger Carreon, and center Mason Randolph. Right tackle is the only position up for grabs as fall camp begins.

Redshirt sophomore Hall Schmidt saw the majority of the starting reps there in spring practice and heads into fall camp as the favorite at the position, offensive line coach Tim Keane said Monday.

Redshirt freshman Kye Cox played mostly left tackle in spring practice, but Keane said he can play on either side. Former San Jose State tackle Jake Steele and junior college transfer Daylon Metoyer are also in the mix, Keane said.

Steele, the older brother of Boise State center Jake Steele, joined the Broncos in April. The redshirt sophomore played in 12 games for the Spartans last season, contributing mostly on special teams.

Injury updates from Danielson

▪ Freshman tight end Kaden Anderson will miss the season while recovering from a knee injury he suffered in high school.

▪ Nickel Seyi Oladipo suffered a broken wrist this offseason and will open camp with a cast on his hand, but he’s not going to miss any time.

▪ Edge Jayden Virgin-Morgan, offensive lineman Ben Dooley, and wide receivers Cam Camper and Zamondre Merriweather will open camp limited because of injuries, but they’re all expected to be cleared before camp ends.

▪ Sophomore defensive end Max Stege has been fully cleared after suffering a season-ending injury last season.