Boise State Top 10 Players: #6

For the third consecutive year, we are going to preview the top players on Boise State’s roster. To clarify, this is not who we think the top ten players on the roster will be at the end of the season or who we think the most important players are, but the most skilled players entering the season. We will be previewing one player each week heading into the season. This week is number six.

Zach: The success of this football team will likely fall on the shoulders of the offensive line. This unit has come out slow the last four or five years, and this is where you hope a new coaching staff and philosophy will pay dividends. John Ojukwu comes in at number six for me. He needs to be the leader of the unit this year at the left tackle spot. It is his job to protect the blind spot of his quarterback, and he is the most decorated offensive lineman on this roster. Ojukwu has started nearly 30 games, and it is time for that experience to pay off.

Danny: For the first time on the top 10 most talented player list this season Zach and I have pegged the same player. Coming in at number six on the list is John Ojukwo. As mentioned by Zach, Ojukwo is a multi-year starter for the Broncos and is clearly the best offensive lineman on the roster. If Boise State is going to succeed on offense in 2021, it’s safe to say they need a monster year out of the experienced left tackle.

History is certainly on Ojukwo’s side. The last six Bronco left tackles have taken their talents to the NFL. Ojukwo seems to be on a similar track as the aforementioned Bronco legends.

Ojukwo was a bright spot for an otherwise disappointing offensive line group last season. The Broncos finished dead last in the MWC in rushing yards in 2020. This can be partially attributed to the loss of standout running back George Holani, and the carousel that injuries and the pandemic caused, but the line did not live up to the high standards of Boise State.

For the 2021 season, with a new offensive line coach, and an even more experienced John Ojukwo, the Broncos are likely to send a seventh straight left tackle to the NFL.