“If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.”

This quote, from the mind of one of my favorite authors, Paulo Coelho, summarizes our feelings as Boise State fans when it comes to the Broncos’ group of wide receivers, specifically those departing seniors.

Or, if you’re still miffed about the First Responders Bowl that never was, this next saying from Warren Beatty might be more appropriate; “You know, you left without saying goodbye. That’s not like you, not that I have the slightest idea what you’re like.”

Obviously the 2018 football season left us dangling like a bad soap opera cliffhanger. It also meant we will no longer see A.J. Richardson or Sean Modster in Boise State uniforms again. Those two left quite the mark on the program, even if their success stories were a long time in the making.

Richardson spent six years at BSU, or the equivalent time of 30.4 Kim Kardashian-Kris Humphries marriages. He was the last remaining recruit from the Chris Petersen era, grayshirting his first year as a Bronco before taking a redshirt year. His departure means Boise State has to replace his 54 receptions, 825 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 1 ridiculous one-handed catch heading into 2019.

Modster was as reliable and consistent a pass-catcher his final season and a half as anyone who ever played at BSU. He wasn’t the most athletically gifted individual, but he ran precise routes and had great hands. He led the Broncos in three receiving categories; yards (978), touchdowns (tied with 8), and receptions (68).

It’s too bad the bowl game got lightninged out, because we all know both guys would have broken 1,000 receiving yards for the season.

Let’s all wish a fond farewell to both Richardson and Modster before we look to the future. Happy trails, gentlemen.

Now, of the receivers who saw playing time last year, here is who the Broncos have returning; Akilian Butler (redshirt senior), John Hightower (senior), Octavius Evans (junior), CT Thomas (junior), and Khalil Shakir (sophomore).

Hightower’s speed is mind-numbing, and if he can stay healthy and academically-eligible, he will take the top off any defense Boise State faces. Butler and CT Thomas are great possession/slot guys, with Thomas being very versatile in the routes he can run. Shakir has big play potential and should develop into a superstar sooner rather than later.

The biggest question mark is Octavius Evans. His true freshman campaign had fans excited, but an injury made his sophomore year a bigger waste of time than rush hour driving in Southern California. I can’t wait to see a healthy Evans bully opposing DBs. It needs to happen this year for the Broncos to have success.

With the Broncos breaking in a new quarterback, Evans and the rest of the experienced receivers need to bring their A+ game every week. They will need to make up for some of the deficiencies of a signal-caller learning the ropes.

These are the guys who have been in the program, but have yet to record any stats; Damon Cole (redshirt sophomore), Billy Bowens (redshirt freshman), Maclaine Griffin (redshirt freshman), Stefan Cobbs (redshirt freshman), and Connor Riddle (redshirt freshman).

Griffin and Riddle are walk-ons, but the other three were high-profile recruits and are expected to play big roles in the coming years.

Boise State brought in three recruits as part of the 2019 class in Khyheem Waleed, Shea Whiting, and DK Blaylock. All three are tall targets (the shortest is Whiting at 6 foot 2) and could potentially see the field as true freshmen. I would guess Blaylock redshirts, however, but the other two travel to away games and are ready to go should their names be called.

Boise State has three receivers on the field in most formations, labelled the X, Z, and H positions. The X and Z are the outside guys, while the H is generally a possession, slot type of pass-catcher. Here is my guess for the three-deep depth chart on Aug. 31 against Florida State:

X – John Hightower, Octavius Evans, Billy Bowens

Z – Khalil Shakir, Stefan Cobbs, Shea Whiting

H – CT Thomas, Akilian Butler, Damon Cole

Keep in mind the Broncos rotate these guys in and out regularly. In some instances the “back up” plays more than the starter, depending on game plan and the situation.

It’s hard to tell what may happen to the depth chart by the end of season as so much can happen during the middle, meaty parts of it. If someone gets injured, declared academically ineligible, gets into trouble and is disciplined, or decides to transfer out due to lack of playing time, the whole thing could end up on its head. A lot of guys are interchangeable when it comes to position, so some shifting of contents during flight may happen.

However, I can see Evans displacing Hightower if the big junior rounds back into form and becomes the force everyone expects him to be. Outside of that, and barring injury to multiple receivers, the rest should remain steady as the season progresses.

I started this thing with a quote, so let’s come full circle and end it with one. What do you think of Boise State football, Owen Jones?

“May you always look as beautiful as (the) last time I saw you.”