Northwest Notes April 14, 2023

Vandals sign transfer guard from CCSF

MOSCOW — The Idaho men's basketball program officially signed junior guard EJ Neal earlier this week.

Neal, a transfer from City College of San Francisco, will join the Vandals for the 2023-24 season and sign as the first official recruit under new head coach Alex Pribble.

Neal scored 15 points in a 97-89 loss at home to North Idaho College on Dec. 3.

A native of San Francisco, Neal was a two-time first team all-defensive player and two-time first team Coast Conference representative at San Francisco City. He was also named Defensive Player of the Year in 2023, achieved All-Freshman honors and drew over 100 charges during his time.

"EJ is a winner," Pribble said. "He competes at an extremely high level every time he steps on the court. As we continue to build this program, we need guys like EJ who are talented, team-first, and willing to go the extra mile. EJ comes from an elite junior college program and has impacted winning at a high level everywhere he's been. We can't wait to get him to Moscow."

In 33 appearances last season (27 starts), Neal finished in double figures 21 times. He averaged 11 points, four rebounds and a team-high 3.7 assists per game for the Rams. Neal also had 31 steals and the third-most blocks on the team with 20. He helped guide San Francisco City to a 29-4 record and a runner-up finish at the CCCAA state championship, where he earned All-Tournament honors.

Neal, a product of Balboa City School in San Diego, played in 33 games during his freshman season at CCSF. He started in 18 games that season, averaging 7.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. Neal also recorded 36 steals and 13 blocks. His two-way presence in the backcourt played a vital role for the Rams and helped lead them to a 32-1 record and a 2022 CCCAA state title.

Vandals add Jay as safeties coach

MOSCOW — Idaho football coach Jason Eck announced the hire of University of San Diego defensive coordinator Bobby Jay.

Jay will coach the safeties and replaces Tyler Yelk, who left to take a position with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jay brings a wealth of experience and a connection to Idaho, originally hailing from Boise.

"We are very excited to add Bobby Jay to our staff as safeties coach," Eck said. "He was part of a championship FCS program at San Diego for over 10 years, including the last five as the Defensive Coordinator. He is knowledgeable of our scheme, a defensive back expert and a skilled recruiter. Being a native of Boise and a graduate of Boise high school, was also a big plus as we want to consistently get the best players in the state to play for the Vandals. We are excited to welcome Bobby, his wife Katy and their children to the Vandal family."

Jay spent the last 12 seasons at San Diego, starting as an Administrative Assistant in 2010 before moving into coaching in 2011. He took over coaching the linebackers in 12 before moving to the defensive backs in 2014. In 2018, he was named the Defensive Coordinator on top of his DB responsibilities.

"It's awesome to get closer to home and get back to Idaho," Jay said. "Obviously, seeing what this program did last season, I hope to come and be able to help continue to push this place to new heights. I heard great things about Coach Eck from different guys around the profession they're really excited about what we're going to build here. I remember when I was young and this place was rocking, so it can be special I know there's support for this program across the state I look forward for that."

During his time as Defensive Coordinator, the Toreros won two conference titles and made two FCS Playoff appearances. The 2022 season saw the San Diego ranked 17th in the FCS and first in the Pioneer Football League for scoring defense, allowing just 21 points per game. They also ranked fourth in the FCS for TFLs, racking up 81 in just ten games. Muhindo Kapapa was named the PFL Defensive Player of the Year and second-team AFCA All-American. Four total San Diego players were named to PFL first and second-teams.

The spring 2021 season was highlighted by PFL Defensive Player of the Year, Kevin Glajchen, who also earned All-America recognition. The Toreros ranked nationally in third down percentage defense (3rd), rushing defense (7th), total defense (9th) and scoring defense (11th).

The 2019 season saw Jay's Torero defense be among the best in the PFL. USD ranked first in scoring defense in the conference, allowing 17.6 points per game. The team also finished first or second in several other categories, including total defense (No. 2), rush defense (No. 2) and pass defense efficiency (No. 1).

Nationally, the Torero defense ranked highly in the FCS in two key categories in 2019: No. 3 in passes intercepted (19) and No. 10 in turnovers gained (27).

While at San Diego, he has been a part of eight conference title teams. From 2015 to 2017, Jay served as the Toreros' recruiting coordinator. Those classes included more than 20 All-PFL performers, All-American Michael Bandy, national player of the year finalist Reid Sinnett, and Academic All-American Jake Michaels.

Prior to his time at San Diego, he was a graduate assistant at his alma mater, the University of the Redlands. He coached at Capital High in Boise from 2006-07.

Jay played safety at Redlands where the Bulldogs won titles in 2002 and 2003.

He joins a Vandal program that finished in the top 25 in total defense and held opponents to 24.07 points per fame in the first year under the Eck and Defensive Coordinator Rob Aurich.

"We ran a similar quarter system at San Diego, so I think there's a fair amount of crossover on those things," Jay said. "I hope to be able to kind of build off of that and hit the ground running but I love how fast and physical they played last year."

The Vandal safety room includes returning starters Tommy McCormick and Murvin Kenion III who combined for nine turnovers a season ago.

"I'm excited to coach these guys," Jay said. "They are very athletic and very physical. They have the things you want to see. I think there's some talented guys in that room and I look forward to the work."

Yelk stepped down earlier this month to take a position as assistant to Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni.

"We would like to thank coach Yelk for everything that he did for our team and players over the last 15 months," Eck said. "We wish him and his family the best as he takes a position with the Philadelphia Eagles. When NFL teams are coming to get your players or coaches, it is a good sign for the health of your program."

The Vandals spring game is scheduled for Friday, April 28, at 7 p.m.