Vandals finally get to hit someone

From news services

MOSCOW - It sounded like football Saturday morning on the SprinTurf Field east of the Kibbie Dome as the Idaho Vandals donned pads for the first time this spring.

For coach Robb Akey, who jokes about non-padded days as the Vandals being in their underwear, it's a milestone in spring ball - albeit it was only the third day.

"It was awesome to be hitting someone again," Akey said after the spirited two-hour session. "All winter long they've been getting after each other but they couldn't hit anyone. They got a chance today."

Akey likes the progress of the team both in terms of learning and playing with emotion.

"I really do think the guys got after it," Akey said. "There were some things we did well today. There are a lot of things we need to do better. I saw us playing physical. Now we just need to get better at being physical all the time."

The Vandals practice Tuesday and Thursday at 3 p.m. before their first scrimmage next Saturday at 10 a.m.