UI Guard Warming To Switch Zeamer No Longer Gets Defensive About His Move To Offensive Line

Spring football’s first fight broke out and Dan Zeamer took his customary posture of rooting on the defensive player.

One problem: Zeamer, a defensive tackle the last three seasons at the University of Idaho, had been moved to offensive guard.

“I was so used to wearing that black jersey (of the defense),” Zeamer said.

Old habits die hard, but new ones are forming nicely. Zeamer has settled in as a starter at right guard as UI closes spring workouts with the annual Silver and Gold game at 7 tonight in the Kibbie Dome.

Zeamer’s not the first Vandal to cross lines from defense to offense. Past movers include Spencer Folau (who recently signed a free-agent NFL contract), Jim Mills (drafted by San Diego last week), Mat Groshong and Mark Schlereth (NFL veteran).

“Dan will be a guy that the scouts keep an eye on,” said line coach George Yarno, a former NFL player.

Head coach Chris Tormey approached Zeamer about switching positions last December. A glut of defensive linemen and an offensive front that lost four senior starters necessitated a move.

Still, it was Zeamer’s decision, so he talked with several former teammates. Chris Schneider, an offensive lineman, told Zeamer, “Behind every good offensive guard is a frustrated defensive tackle.”

Brian Strandley, a defensive lineman, chuckled and called Zeamer, “fat.”

“At first I wondered if (the move) was because I wasn’t getting the job done on defense,” Zeamer said. “But coach reassured me it wasn’t.”

Learning pains were immediate. “The first day (of spring drills) was a humbling experience,” Zeamer said. “I was trying to attack everything, lunging out, but I’m slowly picking it up.”

Yarno said Zeamer brings more than beef to the line.

“He’s become a leader since the first day,” Yarno said. “Rich (Zenk, the lone returning starter) is a good leader, but we needed another one.”

Zeamer’s capable foot speed, good balance and high intelligence should pave a smooth transition. And, Yarno said, “The more you know about football, and the other side of the ball, the more you’re set up for success.”

“There have been some guys here (Schlereth and Mike Hughes) who’ve played really well,” Zeamer said.

He hopes to add his name to the list.

Numbers game

The Vandals appear to have explosive offensive ability, something that was missing last year when Idaho was held to 21 points or less in seven of 11 games.

Wide receivers Antonio Wilson and Robert Scott, running back Joel Thomas and strong-armed quarterback Ryan Fien should produce numerous long gainers.

Last year in 10 games, Idaho completed 22 passes for 25 yards or more (five versus Montana and four vs. Boise State) and had eight runs of 20 yards-plus. UI’s stubborn defense, however, allowed only five runs longer than 20 yards and 12 pass plays of 25 yards (three by Montana).

“We just didn’t make a lot of big plays,” Tormey said. “That’s an ability thing and we’ve got more of those kinds of players in this year.”

Boot auditions

Justin Spiva, Idaho’s punter last season, is not enrolled in school.

The search for a replacement includes walk-on Greg DeBolt and Tom Gamelin, whose battling for a wide receiver spot. Gamelin averaged only 32.9 yards on seven boots last year, compared to Spiva’s 40.3.

Wide out Deon Price might get a look, as well as some walk-ons this fall. “The best guy will get the job,” Tormey said.

Notes

Two non-playing Vandals will model the new helmets, uniforms and color combinations UI will don this season. … The second Chris Tormey golf tournament will be Saturday at the UI course. Registration is at 10 a.m. Cost is $60 per entry.

, DataTimes