Chalich, Watson begin season on 'red alert' status

Idaho football coach Robb Akey would ideally like to redshirt true freshmen Chad Chalich and Deon Watson from Coeur d'Alene High.

But injuries, etc., could change his plans, so he said they were on 'red alert' status for the Vandals, who open their season Thursday at 6 p.m. at home vs. Eastern Washington in the Kibbie Dome.

"You'd like to hope you can keep those guys redshirted, especially at the quarterback position, but every position is one hit away from that depth chart changing," Akey said.

Akey said Chalich would prepare as if he's going to play, but "hopefully that jersey remains red," he said.

Akey also said Johnny Haskew, a true freshman walkon from Post Falls High, would redshirt, and help out on the scout team this fall. Haskew, a wide receiver in high school, is listed as a running back.

"He's a tough kid, a fly-around kid," Akey said. "I'm glad he's here."

The other local player on the roster, Jacob Benson, is a 6-foot-2, 331-pound offensive lineman from Lake City High. He is a redshirt freshman.

One true freshman who figures to play is Jayshawn Jordan, listed as a backup cornerback.

Of the District 2 players on the roster, Akey said Spencer Beale, a redshirt sophomore from Lewiston High, would make his first college start at right guard, ahead of senior A.J. Jones. That means three of the five offensive linemen will be making their first collegiate starts, with redshirt freshmen Dallas Sandberg and Cody Elenz starting at left guard and left tackle, respectively.

Justin Podrabsky of Lewiston, a quarterback who was converted to tight end last season is a redshirt sophomore listed as second team at that position. Jayson Washington of Moscow, a redshirt sophomore who was moved from running back to receiver with the Vandals, is not listed in the two-deep at any of the receiver positions. Another former Moscow player, redshirt freshman Justin Parkins, could see action at running back, Akey said.

Senior Ryan Bass, the Arizona State transfer who battled injuries last year, is the starter, though junior college transfer James Baker, whose power running complements Bass' speed, is also in the rotation at running back.