Idaho wraps up first full week
The Vandals completed their second and final practice of the day late this evening, putting a wrap on their first full week of fall camp. We've got a quick report for you after the link, if you're interested.
As you might expect only one week into the fall, not much has been settled as far as position battles and the depth chart. The newly constructed offensive line continued to look a bit shaky during Thursday evening's practice -- often getting beat by linebackers or defensive lineman during pass protection. Through the first scrimmage and today, the starting five continues to be: Matt Cleveland, LT; Sam Tupua, LG; Clell Hasenbank, C; Tevita Halaholo, RG; and Tyrone Novikoff, RT. True freshman Mike Marboe has been locked in at the center spot with the second team.
Receiver Preston Davis was in pads Thursday night, but there were quite a few starters and notable players on the sidelines in shorts. Shiloh Keo (back) walked around with crutches the whole evening (the funniest moment of practice was Keo signalling made or missed field goals by raising or lowering his crutches). Receiver Maurice Shaw (hamstring) also sat out, as did corner Isaac Butts, lineman Guy Reynolds and linebacker Brad Marboe.
With Shaw and Davis hobbled, wideouts Robert Hatchett, Landon Weaver, Armauni Johnson and Marsel Posey got more looks. Weaver made a couple impressive grabs later in the evening practice.
At safety, Quin Ashley and Gary Walker ran with the first team. Brandon Artz and James Randall were with the second team. Aaron Grymes and Matthew Harvey got lots of time at corner with Butts on the sideline.
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I'll be back in a couple days with a piece on the development of Nate Enderle. But for now, here's how RB Deonte Jackson described the state of the program going into his senior year. "It definitely feels good entering my senior year. There are seven or eight of us that are fifth-years. This is what we’ve worked for. To kind of see (a turnaround) happen and (the program) flourish, it’s a beautiful thing. It lets you know that your sacrifice wasn’t in vain."