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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Fien Revels In Idaho’s Drop-Back Style

The scuttle around Idaho is that UCLA transfer Ryan Fien, if need be, can throw a football through the Kibbie Dome walls.

Fien’s arm strength isn’t in question, however. His durability might be tested. On Tuesday, when Idaho begins spring football drills, Fien will be quarterbacking behind an offensive line seeking to identify four new starters and facing a ferocious defensive front.

Of course, UI coaches aren’t going to let Fien get pounded in spring ball. He’ll be wearing the pink jersey top, which makes him off-limits to defenders.

Fien’s arm will receive repeated use because he’s one of only two spring quarterbacks. The other is Post Falls redshirt Darick Pope.

Part-time 1995 starter Brian Brennan (shoulder surgery) will miss spring. And Robert Scott, a wide receiver last year who was expected to get some snaps at quarterback, will miss part or all of spring ball to concentrate on academics.

Scott’s not alone on the sideline. Others joining Scott for classwork emphasis are punter Justin Spiva, starting defensive back Antoine Chambers and a couple of younger players, including Matt Kramer, son of former UI great Jerry Kramer.

“We don’t want to make a big deal out of it, but it’s a situation where we have to have priorities,” head coach Chris Tormey said. “Every one of the them can be eligible next fall. There’s seven weeks left in this semester, but they have to use that time wisely to make it.”

Brennan, who had surgery in December, soon will have a second surgery to enhance the range of motion in his shoulder. He’s expected to be throwing - lightly - in May.

Fien, who has one year of eligibility, departed UCLA after a dispute with coach Terry Donahue, who has since left coaching.

“I’m just looking to come into spring ball and win that job,” Fien said. “I have one year left to show what I can do, and hopefully go on to the next level.”

Fien has been throwing to receivers and participating in UI’s winter conditioning program.

“I feel I’m finally getting into an offense that suits me,” Fien said. “One of my problems at UCLA was, the first two years we were dropback, then we changed to play-action and rollout. I’m more comfortable in drop-back.”

UI’s lone returning offensive lineman to start last year is tackle Richard Zenk.

Defensive tackle Dan Zeamer has been moved to offensive guard. The leading candidate at center is Bill Verdonk, and Sandpoint’s Crosby Tajan is penciled in at left tackle. Right tackle appears to be Steve Zenk’s job to lose.

“With our pass rush, and four new starters on the offensive line, the big emphasis will be on getting rid of the ball quick,” Tormey said.

Other key positions are wide receiver and defensive back.

Scott and David Griffin are returning receivers. The rest, including Pacific transfer Deon Price, Antonio Wilson, Jerome Allen and Ryan Prestimonico, will begin sorting out their spots on the depth chart.

Tormey said Scott will “probably still play some quarterback, but I see him primarily at wide receiver right now, depending on Ryan (Fien).”

Sophomore-to-be Yaphet Warren has been switched from receiver to cornerback. There, he’ll battle Arnold Gunn and Pacific transfer Ryan McGinnis. “We really need quality depth at defensive back,” Tormey said.

Notes

The move to the Big West allows UI to bump up its full-time assistant coaching staff. Former UI standout receiver Eric Yarber and ex-Vandals tight end Todd Hoiness have been promoted. And Scott Auker, another former UI tight end who was an assistant with Keith Gilbertson at Cal, also is joining the staff. … Scrimmages are set for April 6, 13, 20 (in Coeur d’Alene) and 26 for the annual spring game. … Running back Joel Thomas is healthy after missing part of last season with a broken foot.

, DataTimes MEMO: Cut in the Spokane edition.

Cut in the Spokane edition.