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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Idaho Rebuilds From Strength Tormey Expects Young Team To Match Up With Tougher Schedules

Big West Conference football standings show only Utah State has a winning overall record. At 6-5, the bowl-bound Aggies barely beat .500.

That’s the same Utah State team that clobbered Idaho 63-17 in Moscow.

So, simple mathematics suggest that Vandals coach Chris Tormey faces a major rebuilding job.

The reality is that Idaho is playing tougher schedules (LSU and Auburn in upcoming years) and is still battling its I-AA designation, a hindrance in recruiting. Idaho hopes to end the classification flap by playing home games in Washington State University’s Martin Stadium beginning in 1999.

“It’s a lot more challenging and difficult than the Big Sky used to be,” Tormey said. “10-1, 11-0, probably aren’t achievable. It’s going to be tough to beat Washington State and Louisiana State.”

So Tormey’s focus rightly is on beating the Big West. That won’t be easy either.

Idaho is coming off a 5-6 season, its first losing record since 1981 and Tormey’s first as a head or assistant coach.

But Tormey’s rebuilding with an undeniable ally: The calendar, particularly on the offensive front where three freshmen started.

“As these guys develop, we’re going to be a very good football team down the line,” said UI’s third-year coach.

That notion is supported by Eastern Washington coach Mike Kramer, a close friend of Tormey’s. Kramer sees similarities between UI of today and EWU of a few years ago.

“That pained look on Chris’ face was all too familiar,” said Kramer, whose Eagles are 11-1, including a win over Idaho, after enduring trying ‘94 and ‘95 seasons with neophytes lining up. “You can tell he’s proud of the way the kids played, and he should be. But he’s pained by the fact that they had to play.”

Running back Anthony Tenner, quarterback Ed Dean, wide receiver Jeffrey Townsley, linebacker Chris Nofoaiga, and offensive linemen Rick DeMulling, Brett Morton, Patrick Venzke and Bob Horbaczewski were among freshmen pressed into service. A load of sophomores started or were key backups.

Kramer knows the names.

“They’ve got a good solid nucleus, but the ink on their driver’s licenses isn’t dry,” Kramer said.

So what does Idaho need to do?

“The next four or five months are pivotal for them to make the kind of improvements they need,” Kramer said. “When you’re battle-tested that young, it makes you lift weights with much more vigor because you know what you’re up against.”

The Vandals were stung by injury and defection. Before the season, wide receiver Robert Scott departed for Utah State. Scott’s replacement, Ryan Prestimonico, had 38 catches for 478 yards. Scott had 50 grabs for 737 yards in ‘96.

The costliest injury was to running back Joel Thomas, who dislocated his knee and missed 10-1/2 games. He stands a good chance of receiving another season of eligibility.

Other damaging injuries were suffered by offensive lineman Justin Meek, defensive end John Harper and linebackers Matt Jasik, Whitney Mayer and Nofoaiga.

But injuries weren’t the sole reason freshmen were so heavily relied upon. Idaho has had recruiting holes, beginning with ex-coach John L. Smith’s last group and Tormey’s inaugural class.

Tormey’s first class produced numerous impact players, including James Durrough and Bryson Gardner, but few linemen.

“There was a two-year hole,” Tormey said. “In our first recruiting class of 22 guys, not one of those linemen are really helping us now.”

The current focus is on defensive linemen, since the core of the offensive front figures to be set. Idaho loses tackles Tim Wilson and Garner Moody.

Idaho’s flex defense thrives with pillars inside. Mike Roberg, from Spokane’s University High, figures to be one tackle. The other? One of the candidates might be Mao Tosi, a 6-6, 270-pound Vandals’ basketball player who is expected to turn out for spring football.

The rest of the defense is virtually set, led by stout linebackers and returning safeties Gardner and Kevin Hill.

Offensively, Tenner might be used as a speedy alternative to the bulldozing Joel Thomas. Or Tenner could redshirt.

Dean probably will be the quarterback, but gone are standout receivers Antonio Wilson and Deon Price.

Townsley and Prestimonico are probable starters.

Idaho might take a quality JC receiver or defensive lineman if one is available, Tormey said.

The oft-moved Darick Pope, from Post Falls, will compete with Travis Stombaugh and redshirt Randy Johnson at tight end.

Overall, Idaho’s offense must improve. Only once did a running back surpass 100 yards - Tenner’s 149 yards vs. New Mexico State - partly due to the inexperienced line and the fact that Tenner split time.

The Vandals failed to produce enough long-gain pass plays.

“When you’re scoring a lot of points against (I-AA) Portland State and Idaho State and not scoring against (I-A) Air Force and Utah State, it’s not as much an effort thing as a talent thing,” Tormey said.

Senior place-kicker Troy Scott was just 12 of 26 on field goals.

“It was real disappointing to finish 5-6, more in the way that we lost the last one (to Boise State),” Tormey said. “Three of our losses were by seven points or less; all games we could have won.

“If we win those three, we’re 8-3 and feeling pretty good about the season.”

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