When Brett Rypien heaps praise upon a Boise State defensive player, it is probably wise to pay attention.
Last summer, the quarterback called Leighton Vander Esch the best player on the team despite the linebacker never having been a full-time starter. Vander Esch went on to win Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors and was a first-round NFL Draft pick in April.
During spring practices, Rypien pointed out one guy in particular — senior STUD end Jabril Frazier — as someone who had impressed him.
“Jabril’s on a whole other level. He’s taken his game to new heights,” Rypien said.