Vandals Create High Expectations
Spring football isn’t much different than baseball’s spring training.
Optimism abounds and most teams genuinely believe that the upcoming season will be “their year.”
In Idaho’s football camp, the optimism seems warranted and believable.
Expectations are on the rise because of quarterback Ryan Fien’s accurate arm, Antonio Wilson’s long-gain pass receptions and a defense that might be better than the quality ‘95 edition.
The Vandals put an end to spring drills as the Fien-led Gold (first team) downed the Silver (second and third) 27-14 in a scrimmage Friday night in the Kibbie Dome.
“We did some good things,” said coach Chris Tormey, “and we didn’t get anybody hurt.”
A crowd estimated at 1,750 watched Fien complete 21 of 26 passes for 318 yards - six aerials to Wilson covering 153 yards.
Silver was spotted a 14-0 lead before the opening kickoff, but Fien wasted no time in wiping out the deficit.
First drive: Fien 4 of 4 for 72 yards. Second drive: Fien 3 of 4 for 31 yards. Third drive: Fien 1 of 1 for 43 yards.
Accumulation: Three touchdowns.
Fien hauled in a 5-yard pass from Joel Thomas on a slick halfback option play to open the scoring. After a Thomas TD run, Fien hit Wilson in stride for a 43-yard score.
“This is the first day I’ve been on the same page (with Antonio),” said Fien, a senior who transferred from UCLA. “All I do is throw it up and let him go get it.”
Fien accomplished his spring goal.
“I’m really happy with the way I picked up the offense. That was my main concern,” said Fien, who also hooked up with tight end Andy Gilroy for seven completions. “The talent is there. It’s just a matter of everyone doing their job.”
Idaho’s No. 1 defense wasn’t truly allowed to do its job. Though limited to base coverages, it still shut out the Silver. And other than yielding a couple of long runs on third-down draw plays, it was steady.
“We need some young guys in the secondary to grow up fast,” Tormey said. “We have a chance to be better than a year ago.”
It’s possible Idaho will have two redshirt freshmen at safeties - Bryson Gardner and Jevez Robinson - depending on Antoine Chambers’ academic standing.
The defensive front is talented and experienced. Linebackers Jason Shelt and Ryan Phillips are all-league candidates.
“We’re feeling really confident,” said end Barry Mitchell, who had two sacks.
Notes
Idaho, which joins the Big West Conference this season, unveiled its new uniforms at halftime to a warm reception. What do they look like? Picture the University of Colorado’s outfits. Gone is the “bumble bee” look, in effect since 1980… . The Vandals, obviously, have concerns. The main ones: Will an untested offensive line develop? Depth? The secondary?
Tormey’s most-improved awards for the spring went to Nate Lundquist (offensive line), Pierre Erick (back), Tom Gamelin (receiver), Nick Alexakos (defensive line), Yaphet Warren (linebacker) and Tony Uranga (secondary)… . Working with the No. 2s and No. 3s against the first-string defense, Robert Scott was 1 of 7.
, DataTimes