UI Intends To Move Forward Looking Back, Enjoying Spoils Would Harm Veteran-Laden Team

Idaho football coach Chris Tormey is asked about the linebacking positions and he rattles off 12 names in a matter of seconds.

Receivers? “I mean, look at Jeffrey Townsley and Chris Lacy as backups,” Tormey said. “Those guys can play.”

There is depth where there used to be untested freshmen. There is muscle where there used to be undersized players. There is speed where there used to be, well, not much speed.

Idaho, which hit rock bottom in 1997 and the pinnacle of success in 1998, begins spring football today with perhaps its deepest roster ever. Name tags shouldn’t be necessary.

The Vandals return 18 of 22 starters from last year’s Humanitarian Bowl championships. Beyond the first unit, they have 50 returning lettermen, many of whom played key roles in last year’s fairy-tale season.

“I guess the best way to put it is, we’re two years better,” Tormey said. “We’ve had very little attrition and we’ve had a high buy-in to the work ethic. These guys have made a lot of progress since last season.”

The players are the same. Question is, will the drive, the motivation, be the same? Idaho, picked to finish last in ‘98, fed off that slight and won the Big West Conference. This year, they’ll undoubtedly be listed among the Big West favorites.

The Vandals already have their Humanitarian Bowl sweats, shoes, hats, wool jackets, rings and watches. How badly do they want more spoils?

“The fact that we had all these accolades - it’s all in the past,” Tormey said. “It’s not where you’ve been. It’s where you’re going. That’s the way we’re talking.”

Spring is a chance for youngsters to move up the depth chart. With defensive end Ryan Knowles (shoulder), offensive guards Cleve Aiono (knee) and Anthony Fuertes (knee), linebacker James Durrough (knee) and offensive tackle Brett Morton (back) either out or limited this spring, opportunities should be abundant for new faces.

Among those who could make a mark this spring and fall are offensive lineman Matt Leituala, receivers Chris Belser and Josh Jelmberg, and defensive backs Ed Rankin and Husan Smith.

“They (the younger players) are going to have a chance to show what they can do,” Tormey said.

Idaho lost only five senior starters - but they were major losses. Running back Joel Thomas was the leader of the offense; linebacker Ryan Skinner led the defense. Also gone are defensive end Nick Alexakos, safety Kevin Hill and punter Mike O’Neal.

An interesting battle is shaping up at running back. Anthony Tenner, who had a strong season two years ago when Thomas was injured, is competing against Michael Moody and redshirt freshman Rahimu Pettit. Moody is listed No. 1, based on his contributions last season.

“That position is definitely in competition,” Tormey said.

Durrough, who played end last season before getting hurt, will take over at middle linebacker. Dennis Taeatafa is penciled in at end, opposite of Knowles. Lewiston High grad Brad Rice and Jordan Kramer, son of Vandals great Jerry Kramer, are scrapping at free safety. Three-year starter Bryson Gardner has been moved to strong safety, which was occupied by Hill.

Three players are vying at punter. If none pan out, Tormey will bring in another punter in the fall.

“Fundamentals are the No. 1 thing; then we want to identify our top 44 and we still can get better,” Tormey said. “The thing you worry about is complacency. You don’t want to get that after just one championship. We know it’s harder to do the second time. But it goes back to how you are motivated: Are you motivated by what’s behind you or what’s in front of you?”

It’s time to start finding out.