Former Viking Nosworthy stands out at Vandals scrimmage
Photo courtesy Idaho Athletics Connor Whitney (12) snags a pass during the Idaho Vandals' football scrimmage Saturday at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow.
MOSCOW — With several starters sitting out for myriad reasons, Idaho freshman defensive back Colbey Nosworthy seized the opportunity Saturday morning.
The former Coeur d'Alene High standout had an interception and was in on several other defensive plays in the Vandals' scrimmage at the Kibbie Dome.
"Just doing the best I can," Nosworthy said. "I've got to earn my spot, and doing better also helps out the offense, and helps out the whole team."
"Nosworthy made some good plays," Idaho coach Paul Petrino said. "He ran around and did some good things, he had some good tackles, played hard. It was good to see him getting better every day, but he made some nice tackles."
Nosworthy, who saw limited action during the COVID-shortened spring 2021 season, is behind senior Tyrese Dedmon on the depth chart at cornerback. Nosworthy said he tries to learn from the more-experienced Dedmon.
"I’ve always got to go out and prove what I can do, make the best plays that I can," Nosworthy said. "I had a great time … super fun day."
Tight end Connor Whitney, a junior from West Valley High in Spokane, linked up with CJ Jordan on a number of occasions, including breaking away for a 65-yard score early in the session.
Petrino said freshman Elisha Cummings made some nice runs, and redshirt sophomore Terez Traynor made some nice catches. On the negative side, he noted a couple turnovers by quarterbacks in the red zone.
"Generally we ran the ball well, we’ve just got to keep improving in the passing game," Petrino said. "We have to clean up our pass protection, and our routes."
Among those not scrimmaging Saturday were linebacker Tre Walker, wide receiver Cutrell Haywood, defensive lineman Kayode Rufai and quarterback Nikhil Nayar.
After watching junior fullback Logan Kendall shine on defense as well, Petrino said "there's a chance" he could go both ways in games, much like linebacker/tight end Kaden Elliss did a few years ago.
"He’s a strong young man," Petrino said of the 6-foot-3, 273-pound Kendall. "He really caves things down when he’s bocking, and when he’s on defense you can’t block him. He’s a good football player, that’s for sure."
The Vandals kick off the regular season Sept. 4 at home vs. Simon Fraser.