Boise State football has made a name for themselves in the last decade as a constant contender from the group of five conferences, forming some quality teams over the last few years.
But it’s beginning to seem like the BSU formula for developing players isn’t widely accepted at the pro level.
This last week, defensive back Orlando Scandrick and defensive back George Iloka were cut from their respective teams, the Washington Redskins and Cincinnati Bengals — and they are just the latest former Broncos unable to find lasting success in the professional world.
Zack Kellogg
Could this be a sign that Boise State is making college ready players who can’t find success at the next level?
The program has sent off a number of successful athletes in the past. The “50-3” Broncos team from the 2008-2011 season boasted highly touted talent with the likes of Kellen Moore, Austin Pettis, Titus Young, Doug Martin, Kyle Wilson and Shea McClellin.
One thing all these players share except for one? They are no longer playing with an NFL team, except for Martin, currently the third running back on the Oakland Raiders depth chart.
Moore, who was consistently at the top of the Heisman race during his collegiate time, is now the quarterback coach for the Dallas Cowboys after going undrafted. He was later picked up by the Detroit Lions before being cut, then signed with the Cowboys.
McClellin was drafted in the first round by the Chicago Bears and signed with the New England Patriots, but was unable to stay healthy and was released with a year still left on his contract. Pettis and Young were both standout wide receivers who helped create one highly talented and explosive offense, but were unable to find lasting success with their former teams, the former St. Louis Rams and Detroit Lions, respectively. Pettis was unable to maintain a high level of play to warrant keeping him on a 53-man roster and Young had more than enough instances of immature and criminal behavior, leading to his NFL demise.
A number of former Broncos have yet to see what path their NFL career takes them on. Recently drafted players, such as Tanner Vallejo and Jeremy McNichols, are too young to see what their NFL careers will entail.
There is also the case for Philadelphia Eagles running back Jay Ajayi. Although he was able to grab the Super Bowl win with his team this past season and is an above average player, his former team, the Miami Dolphins, traded him to a stacked team due to his lack of production this during the season. Going to a stacked, Super Bowl bound team will make almost any player look good.
There have been two bright spots for the program’s next level players, and those are defensive ends Demarcus Lawrence and Tyrone Crawford, who are both with the Dallas Cowboys, and have been rare bright spots on a somewhat lackluster Dallas defense.
Boise State received national recognition for their college success, but with the new contracts that players have been receiving from NFL franchises for their stellar play and level of pro readiness, could this lead to more recruits avoiding the Broncos to go to a university that makes more pro ready players that could lead to high playing contracts in their pro careers?
Only time will tell what will come of this program.
A previous version of this column misstated Orlando Scandrick’s position.
Zack Kellogg can be reached at [email protected]
Josh
You sir are a schmuck. Orlando Scandrick Has had a 9 year NFL career with 406 games played. George Iloka 5 years in the NFL. 5 of 6 years as the starting safety.
Jordan Huffington
Zach Kellog, you should be embarrassed to have your name associated with this article. I don't even know you and I'm embarrassed for you.
Товарищ
I hope that the author grows out of writing this badly, Taking swipes while the supposed flagship sinks would not be the mark of a good sports writer. Keep trying.
Arturo
As an update, Orlando Scandrick was an 8 year veteran after being drafted out of Boise State. Out side of a few injuries in Dallas he was a consistent starter and one of the best DEFENSIVE BACKS (not lineman) on the team. Dallas proceeded to cut him due to his age and lack of production. Lawrence and Crawford are still in the Cowboys due to their consistent talent and upside. Ajayi and Martin are still on rosters because Ajayi is still young and Martin had the talent but lacked the quality offensive line to get him to rite status. On top of that Leighten Vander Esch, a Riggins Idaho product, and 1st round draft pick out of Boise State indicates that BSU still has a good formula for getting players in the NFL. I think there needs to be some reconsideration for this article.