Patient Reader growing into starter role for Vandals

MOSCOW - For the first time in four years, Idaho's quarterback to open the season will be someone other than Nathan Enderle.

Enderle's likely replacement, however, has not been much of a secret during last April's spring drills or through the opening days of fall camp. Senior Brian Reader led Idaho's first-team offense as the Vandals held their first scrimmage Wednesday on the practice field outside the Kibbie Dome.

Reader did not waste any time showing the handful of fans on hand that he was ready for his new role. On the first play of the scrimmage, he connected with wide receiver Justin Veltung for a 70-yard touchdown play. It was the first of four TD passes for Reader.

"It has kind of come to the point where (the offense) is second nature for me," said Reader, who finished 9-of-15 passing for 222 yards and one interception. "I think that is where I have wanted to be the last couple of years. It never really happened. I stopped guessing as much as I used to, and it is funny how the more you play, the more experience you get, how much easier it gets at quarterback."

After two years serving as the backup, fifth-year coach Robb Akey is impressed by the development of Reader since the spring.

"I'm seeing him do a pretty good job of getting us into the proper protections," Akey said. "He is seeing things coming from the defense well. I think his decision making is great, and his playmaking is showing up more."

Reader's path to the Palouse included a stop at Arkansas where he redshirted before transferring to Monterey Peninsula College. In his one season there, Reader threw for 2,500 yards and 20 touchdowns in leading his team to a 10-0 record, earning him a spot in the junior college All-American game.

Reader received opportunities as Enderle's backup to play at the end of games and even notched two starts as a sophomore. He enters this season having completed more than 58 percent of his passes for 1,369 yards and 11 touchdowns.

With Idaho's rich history at quarterback, Reader is aware the same position has landed John Friez, Doug Nussemier and Enderle jobs in the NFL. He has taken the past two years in stride, however, pointing out that a similar situation benefited a well known Hall of Fame quarterback.

"Being behind a great quarterback is a definitely a great thing - look at Steve Young (playing) behind Joe Montana for the first part of his career," Reader said. "When you see it done successfully it makes it that much easier."

The physical tools appear there for the 6-foot-4, 224-pound Californian to have a successful season, but there remain plenty of questions beyond Reader on the offensive side of the ball that need to be answered before the season opener against Bowling Green. The Vandals have to replace three of their top four receivers from last season and need to upgrade a running attack that averaged 88 yards per game.

"The first team is definitely getting a rhythm going," Reader said. "With the line, the receivers and the running backs, we are all starting to get a feel for how each other plays. It just makes things easier to do."