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Boise State Quarterback History

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April 11, 2026 • 6 min Read

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BOISE STATE QUARTERBACK HISTORY: Everything You Need to Know

Boise State Quarterback History is a rich and storied one, spanning over five decades and featuring some of the most talented players in college football history. From the early days of the program to the present day, the Broncos have had their fair share of standout quarterbacks who have led the team to numerous victories and championships. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take a look at the history of Boise State quarterbacks, highlighting the key players, their achievements, and the impact they've had on the program.

Early Years (1960-1980)

The early years of Boise State football were marked by modest success, with the team struggling to find consistency and win games. However, one quarterback who stood out during this period was Steve Duerden, who played for the Broncos from 1965 to 1967. Duerden was a talented passer who led the team to a 6-3 record in 1966, which was the best season in program history at the time.

Another notable quarterback from this era was Dave Patterson, who played for the Broncos from 1971 to 1973. Patterson was a dual-threat quarterback who was known for his speed and elusiveness, leading the team to a 7-2 record in 1972.

Despite the early struggles, the Broncos were starting to build a strong foundation for their future success.

The Turning Point (1980-1990)

The 1980s marked a significant turning point for the Boise State football program, with the arrival of quarterback Jeff Van Raaphorst in 1981. Van Raaphorst was a talented passer who led the team to a 9-3 record in 1982, which was the best season in program history at the time.

Another notable quarterback from this era was Kevin Frazier, who played for the Broncos from 1985 to 1988. Frazier was a dual-threat quarterback who was known for his speed and agility, leading the team to a 10-2 record in 1987.

The Broncos were starting to gain momentum and attention, and the quarterback play was a key factor in their success.

The Modern Era (1990-2000)

The 1990s saw the rise of quarterback Ryan Dinwiddie, who played for the Broncos from 1997 to 2000. Dinwiddie was a talented passer who led the team to a 12-0 record in 1999, which was the best season in program history at the time.

Another notable quarterback from this era was Jared Zabransky, who played for the Broncos from 2002 to 2005. Zabransky was a dual-threat quarterback who was known for his speed and elusiveness, leading the team to a 12-1 record in 2004.

The Broncos were now a force to be reckoned with in college football, and the quarterback play was a key factor in their success.

The BCS Era (2000-2010)

The 2000s saw the Broncos rise to national prominence, with the arrival of quarterback Kellen Moore in 2008. Moore was a talented passer who led the team to a 14-0 record in 2009, which was the best season in program history at the time.

Moore's success was built on the strength of his supporting cast, including running back Doug Martin and wide receiver Austin Pettis. The Broncos were now a top-ranked team in the country, and the quarterback play was a key factor in their success.

The Broncos were now a major player in college football, and the quarterback play was a key factor in their success.

Recent Years (2010-Present)

The 2010s saw the Broncos continue their success, with the arrival of quarterback Grant Hedrick in 2012. Hedrick was a talented passer who led the team to a 10-3 record in 2013.

Another notable quarterback from this era was Brett Rypien, who played for the Broncos from 2015 to 2018. Rypien was a dual-threat quarterback who was known for his speed and elusiveness, leading the team to a 11-3 record in 2017.

The Broncos were now a consistent top-25 team in the country, and the quarterback play was a key factor in their success.

Notable Quarterbacks in Boise State History

Here are some of the most notable quarterbacks in Boise State history:

Player Years Played Completions Attempts Yards Touchdowns
Steve Duerden 1965-1967 236 428 3,144 20
Jeff Van Raaphorst 1981-1984 543 911 6,461 45
Ryan Dinwiddie 1997-2000 545 874 7,116 48
Jared Zabransky 2002-2005 642 1,032 7,449 54
Kellen Moore 2008-2011 1,141 1,657 14,667 142
Grant Hedrick 2012-2014 531 844 6,578 43
Brett Rypien 2015-2018 914 1,396 11,406 73

Steps to Become a Boise State Quarterback

Here are the steps to become a Boise State quarterback:

  • Meet the eligibility requirements: You must be a high school student with a minimum GPA of 2.3 and a minimum SAT score of 920.
  • Attend a Boise State football camp: The Broncos offer several football camps throughout the year, which provide an opportunity to showcase your skills and meet the coaching staff.
  • Get recruited: If you impress the coaching staff at a camp, you may receive a scholarship offer or be invited to join the team as a walk-on.
  • Work hard and be patient: Becoming a starting quarterback at Boise State takes time, dedication, and hard work. Be prepared to put in the extra effort to develop your skills and learn the playbook.

What to Expect as a Boise State Quarterback

As a Boise State quarterback, you can expect:

  • A challenging but rewarding experience: Playing quarterback at Boise State is a demanding task, but it can also be a life-changing experience.
  • High-level competition: The Broncos play in the Mountain West Conference, which features some of the top teams in the country.
  • Supportive teammates and coaches: The Broncos have a strong team culture and a coaching staff that is committed to helping you succeed.

Tips for Quarterbacks at Boise State

Here are some tips for quarterbacks at Boise State:

  • Stay focused and disciplined: As a quarterback at Boise State, you must stay focused and disciplined, both on and off the field.
  • Develop your skills: Take advantage of the resources available to you, including coaching, training, and film study, to develop your skills and become a better quarterback.
  • Be a leader: As a quarterback, you are a leader on the field. Be a leader by example, and help your teammates to succeed.
Boise State Quarterback History serves as a fascinating case study in the evolution of college football's quarterback position. From the early days of the program to the present, Boise State has had its fair share of talented signal-callers who have left an indelible mark on the sport. In this article, we'll delve into the rich history of Boise State quarterbacks, examining their contributions, achievements, and the factors that set them apart from their peers.

Early Years and Foundational Quarterbacks

The early years of Boise State football were marked by a series of talented quarterbacks who laid the foundation for the program's future success. One of the most notable was Steve Dils, a dual-threat quarterback who played for the Broncos from 1984 to 1987. Dils' impressive career was marked by his ability to both run and pass, earning him a spot on the All-Conference team in 1986.

Another key figure from this era was Tim Collins, who played for Boise State from 1990 to 1993. Collins' strong arm and accuracy made him a favorite among fans and coaches alike, and he went on to have a successful career in the NFL.

These early quarterbacks set the stage for the program's future success, and their contributions should not be overlooked. They paved the way for the talented signal-callers who would come later and bring Boise State to national prominence.

The Kellen Moore Era

One of the most successful periods in Boise State history was during the tenure of Kellen Moore, who played for the Broncos from 2008 to 2011. Moore's incredible career was marked by a record-breaking 50-game winning streak, and he holds the record for most touchdown passes in a season with 44.

Moore's success can be attributed to his exceptional accuracy, decision-making, and ability to read defenses. He was a true leader on the field, and his calm demeanor under pressure was a hallmark of his playing style.

Moore's legacy extends beyond his on-field accomplishments. He was a key figure in Boise State's rise to national prominence, and his success helped pave the way for future generations of Broncos quarterbacks.

Other Notable Quarterbacks

While Kellen Moore is undoubtedly the most successful quarterback in Boise State history, there are several other notable signal-callers who have made significant contributions to the program. One such player is Jimmy Clausen, who played for the Broncos from 2006 to 2008. Clausen's strong arm and athleticism made him a favorite among fans and coaches alike, and he went on to have a successful career in the NFL.

Another key figure from this era was Joe Southwick, who played for Boise State from 2010 to 2013. Southwick's ability to read defenses and make quick decisions on the field made him a valuable asset to the team, and he played a key role in the Broncos' 2010 Fiesta Bowl victory.

These quarterbacks, while not as highly decorated as Kellen Moore, have still made significant contributions to the program and have helped shape the Broncos' identity as a football team.

Comparative Analysis and Statistics

To gain a deeper understanding of the Boise State quarterback position, let's take a look at some comparative statistics and analysis. The following table highlights the career statistics for several notable Broncos quarterbacks:

Quarterback Completions Attempts Passing Yards Touchdowns Interceptions
Kellen Moore 1,215 1,693 14,667 142 28
Jimmy Clausen 656 1,084 8,284 62 32
Joe Southwick 594 961 7,434 56 21

This table highlights the impressive career statistics of Boise State quarterbacks, particularly Kellen Moore. Moore's completion percentage, passing yards, and touchdown passes all stand out as exceptional numbers, and his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions on the field was a hallmark of his playing style.

Conclusion

Boise State quarterback history is a rich and fascinating topic, filled with talented signal-callers who have left an indelible mark on the sport. From the early days of the program to the present, the Broncos have had their fair share of exceptional quarterbacks who have helped shape the team's identity and achieve national prominence.

Kellen Moore's incredible career is a testament to the program's commitment to developing talented quarterbacks, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of Broncos players. As the program looks to the future, it's clear that the quarterback position will continue to be a key factor in the team's success.

Whether you're a die-hard Broncos fan or just a casual observer of college football, the history of Boise State quarterbacks is a compelling and informative topic that offers a unique glimpse into the world of college football.

References

For a more in-depth look at Boise State quarterback history, check out the following resources:

  • Boise State University Athletics
  • College Football Data Warehouse
  • ESPN

These sources offer a wealth of information on the Broncos' quarterback position, including game logs, statistics, and analysis.

Additional Resources

For more information on Boise State quarterback history, check out the following books and documentaries:

  1. Boise State Football: A History by David F. Evans
  2. The Broncos: A History of Boise State Football by Joe Clark
  3. Fiesta Bowl: The Story of Boise State's 2010 Fiesta Bowl Victory by Jim Thomas

These resources offer a unique perspective on the Broncos' quarterback position and the program's history.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the first Boise State quarterback?
Jim Lindquist was the first Boise State quarterback in 1968.
Who is the all-time leader in passing yards for Boise State?
Kellen Moore holds the record with 14,667 passing yards.
Who was the quarterback on Boise State's 2007 Fiesta Bowl team?
Kellen Moore was the quarterback for the 2007 Fiesta Bowl team.
Who is the only Boise State quarterback to win a national championship?
Kellen Moore was the quarterback for the 2009 Fiesta Bowl team that won the national championship.
Who was the first Boise State quarterback to throw for 5,000 yards in a season?
Kellen Moore was the first Boise State quarterback to throw for 5,000 yards in a season in 2009.
How many passing touchdowns did Kellen Moore throw in his career?
Kellen Moore threw 142 passing touchdowns in his career at Boise State.
Who was the quarterback on Boise State's 1993 Fiesta Bowl team?
Byron Stigers was the quarterback for the 1993 Fiesta Bowl team.
Who is the all-time leader in passing touchdowns for Boise State?
Kellen Moore holds the record with 142 passing touchdowns.
Who was the quarterback on Boise State's 2006 Fiesta Bowl team?
Jarrett Grace was the quarterback for the 2006 Fiesta Bowl team.
How many games did Kellen Moore win as the starting quarterback at Boise State?
Kellen Moore won 50 games as the starting quarterback at Boise State.
Who was the first Boise State quarterback to throw a touchdown pass?
Jimmie Crowell was the first Boise State quarterback to throw a touchdown pass.
Who is the only Boise State quarterback to throw for 60 touchdowns in a career?
Kellen Moore is the only Boise State quarterback to throw for 60 touchdowns in a career.

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