This week we are continuing our countdown of the top players on the 2019 Boise State football team. This week we are featuring a player who’s growth will play a vital role in the upcoming season. I have feeling he will end the season much higher on this list. Coming in at number 12...

Zeke Noa

Linebacker was arguably one of the most inconsistent positions for the Broncos last year. Replacing Leighton Vander Esch was no easy task and a midseason injury to Riley Whimpey left the Broncos vulnerable. After Whimpey went down, Zeke Noa emerged as an impact player and seems poised for a big 2019.

Some people might argue that he is a little too high on this list, but Noa proved to be reliable tackler who can shut down opposing running backs. Noa’s biggest improvement will need to come in dropping into coverage, where he struggled at times in 2018. Noa finished the 2018 campaign with 34 tackles and a forced fumble. It wouldn’t shock me if he flirted with 100 tackles this season. If Whimpey is healthy, they should make a dynamic duo for the Broncos. Noah is currently listed as a weakside linebacker on Boise State’s roster, but I anticipate him sliding over to the middle, where his size and speed will be a bigger asset.

Let’s recap the countdown to this point:

#15: John Ojukwu

#14: David Moa

#13: Avery Williams

#12: Zeke Noa

Be sure to stay tuned next week, as we get closer to the top ten.