Vandals laying it on the line
The Idaho Vandals have experience returning at quarterback, a bevy of talented running backs and a wide receiving corps which produced some playmakers last season.
But, if the offensive line can't do its job, much of that experience, depth and talent is negated.
That's why one big focus for Idaho's spring football practice, which begins today, is on the O-line - which returns just one starter.
"We've got to find some new guys," said Vandal fourth-year coach Robb Akey, who last year guided Idaho to its first bowl appearance since 1998. "Our ability to throw or run the football is dependent on the success of those guys doing their job."
Junior Matt Cleveland is the lone returning starter at left tackle on an offensive line which paved the way for an average of 451 yards per game. Junior Tyrone Novikoff and senior Tevita Halaholo have some experience from last season, and there's several newcomers. Halaholo has a hand injury and could miss some of the first spring practices.
Elsewhere, there are few holes to fill - just depth to add.
Fifth-year senior Nathan Enderle returns at quarterback, backed up by junior Brian Reader, who saw some action last year when Enderle was injured.
Bullish running back DeMaundray Woolridge is gone, but the other two backs who had most of the carries - senior Deonte Jackson and junior Princeton McCarty - return. Akey said perhaps junior Corey White or sophomore Troy Vital could develop into a power runner to fill the void left by Woolridge's departure. Junior Kama Bailey also figures to be in the mix.
Seniors Eric Greenwood and Maurice Shaw, and junior Preston Davis, lead the group of returning receivers. Davis caught the winning 2-point conversion pass in the Humanitarian Bowl last year. Junior college transfer Armauni Johnson could develop into another playmaker.
Daniel Hardy is back at tight end, another area where depth will be sought.
"We've got playmakers coming back," Akey said. "A year ago I was talking about finding some playmakers. Now I'm looking for more playmakers to show up."
The Vandals return senior Aaron Lavarias and junior Andre Ferguson at defensive ends, and senior Jonah Sataraka and junior Michael Cosgrove at tackles. Lavarias and Sataraka are coming off knee injuries.
Seniors JoJo Dickson and Paul Senescall, and juniors Robert Saivii and Tre'Shawn Robinson have seen lots of action at linebacker.
Akey said sophomore Jared Heston, the former Lake City High standout who played mostly on special teams last year, could work in at middle linebacker or outside 'backer.
Fifth-year senior Shiloh Keo returns at safety. The other safety job is up for grabs. Senior Brandon Artz played there some last year, and senior Quin Ashley, who has played quarterback and wide receiver during his time in Moscow, will get a shot there as well.
Senior Isaac Butts and junior Kenneth Patten return at cornerback, and sophomore Aaron Grymes, who played quite a bit of corner last year, also returns.
Akey says he wants to improve the plus/minus of his football team this season - take better care of the football on offense, and take it away more often on defense. The Vandals had 23 turnovers and 15 takeaways last season.
The Vandals gave up 433.2 yards per game last year, and points of emphasis going forward are getting off the field on third down and getting to the quarterback more. Idaho had just 15 sacks last year.
Idaho is looking to build off the momentum of its first winning season (8-5) since 1999.
"The fact we have guys that have that experience (of winning a bowl game) is a huge plus, because teaching somebody to win is a hard thing to do," Akey said. "I don't want to see us take a step back."
Idaho is scheduled to practice today, Friday, Saturday and next Tuesday, as well as April 1, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20 and 22. The Silver and Gold Game is April 23 at 6 p.m. Weekday practices are at 3 p.m., Saturday practices at 10 a.m.