BOISE — It was a season the Boise Braves football team would like to forget.
“Last year, it was a really rough year," senior running back and safety Jack Molesworth said of the Braves' 2017 campaign. "We went 0-9 last year and that was a bad year. This is a recovery year."
Senior defensive lineman Alex Ojukwu, brother to current Boise State player John, says a phenomenal offseason will be the difference between last year's turmoil and this year's success.
"Everyone has bought in this year," Ojukwu said. “A lot more lifting, camps, and stuff. We’ve had a lot more people involved. I’d say most of our team was in the offseason as opposed to the year prior, no one was during the offseason.”
In addition to a tougher offseason, Molesworth says he and several other seniors went above and beyond to help build the program.
"We started with nine and we have 29 now coming in so we’ve added 20 extra people,” Molesworth said.
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That added depth could be a difference maker this fall.
“That’ll be the biggest game changer this year I think," Molesworth said. "I think that’s what is going to help us compete.”
Junior quarterback Carson Bonning will take over the Braves' offense this season with a new passing system.
“I’m excited, we’re going a more spread-based offense this year, excited to pass the ball around and I think we should do well with it.”
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"He is going to do so much for us this year," Molesworth added. "He is smart, he passes the ball around where it needs to go. I’m really confident in what he’s going to be able to do.”
On defense, Ojukwu says he has high expectations for not only for himself but for the entire defensive line.
"Shutting down offenses and (I expect) at least three turnovers every game for our defense."
The Braves open the season against Centennial on Thursday, August 23rd at Dona Larsen Park.