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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Idaho Loses One Of Its Top Players Father’s Health Problems Force Scott To Return To California

Wide receiver Robert Scott has decided to leave the University of Idaho football team.

The talented Scott announced Wednesday he won’t return for his junior season due to his father’s poor health. Scott is expected to transfer to a school closer to the family home in Fontana, Calif.

“It’s basically personal,” Scott said in a statement released by UI’s sports information office. “It was a decision I made with my family. It has something to do with the health of my father.”

According to the release, Scott said his father’s health is expected to improve, but he declined to elaborate.

Scott didn’t return phone messages.

Scott’s departure is a key loss for Idaho, which is in its first week of fall practices. But head coach Chris Tormey said the team must move forward.

“He’s not here, we don’t have any control over that,” Tormey said. “We’re focusing on the guys who are here.”

Tormey said he normally wouldn’t release a player from his scholarship at such a late date, but he would do so to certain schools because of Scott’s family situation.

Scott apparently has expressed interest in San Diego State, Fresno State and UNLV.

Under NCAA transfer rules, Scott would have to sit out this season and he’d only have one year of eligibility remaining.

Tormey didn’t know the extent of Robert Scott Sr.’s health problems.

“His father wasn’t able to work and Robert’s had to help support the family,” Tormey said. “They’re doing some tests on his father.”

Scott had 29 catches as a freshman and 50 last year. In two seasons, he has 15 touchdown receptions and 1,214 receiving yards.

Tormey had hoped to move Scott from outside receiver to the slot this year to boost his number of receptions.

Scott, who had struggled in the classroom in the past, was in satisfactory academic shape, Tormey said.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Scott was considered one of the Vandals’ and Big West Conference’s top returning players. Idaho had high hopes for its receiving corps, led by Antonio Wilson (65 catches, 1,203 yards in 1996), Scott and the emerging Deon Price.

Tormey still expects the receivers to shine.

“All three kids playing the (slot) are faster than Robert, but obviously don’t have his size or experience,” he said.

None of the three have caught a regular-season pass. Sophomore Ryan Prestimonico appears to be Scott’s replacement. Also bidding for time are freshman Vern Bernard and Bobby Grey, from Borah High in Boise.

Brennan on course

Tormey said quarterback Brian Brennan, a fifth-year senior, has been sharp in drills.

“His experience is really showing. He knows the offense and where to go with the ball,” Tormey said. “His arm is stronger than it was during spring ball and he’s making good decisions.”

Ed Dean is the No. 2 quarterback. John Welsh, a freshman who attended Milford Academy in Connecticut last year, has been impressive in practice.

Aches and pains

A couple of Vandals have suffered knee injuries. Willie Alderson, who redshirted last season due to torn knee ligaments, suffered a minor injury. He’s expected to miss two weeks.

Offensive lineman Doug Lumsargis, a JC transfer expected to push for playing time, is scheduled for surgery Friday. The severity of his injury isn’t known.

Young guns

Tormey is delighted with Idaho’s newcomers. Four or five freshmen might play this season.

Jeffrey Townsley, from Miami, has moved from quarterback to receiver. “He’s going to be a big-time player,” Tormey said.

Eathan Jones switched from defensive back to wide out.

“He runs routes and catches the ball like a veteran,” said Tormey, who also praised his freshmen defensive backs. “I don’t think there’s any question this is the best group we’ve brought in.”

Notes

The Vandals’ first scrimmage is Saturday at 2 p.m. … Idaho opens the season on the road against Air Force on Aug. 30. Coaches have been working on Air Force’s wishbone offense “since spring ball,” Tormey said.

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