Vandals Making Strong Impression On Their Coach Cable Likes What He Sees, Even Before Idaho’S First Full Practice

New University of Idaho football coach Tom Cable likes what he sees of his incoming freshmen, who have been going through their paces since Tuesday.

Cable essentially knows what he has in returning veterans, who reported Friday.

It’s enough for Cable to form an early opinion, even before the Vandals stage their first full-squad workout Monday morning at 9.

“I don’t want to say too much yet,” says Cable, unable to completely muffle his tongue, “but I think we’re going to be all right.”

All right, as in pretty darn good, if things come together.

At the top of Cable’s to-do list in fall camp is uncovering a couple of dependable defensive linemen. He has two potential stars - tackle Wil Beck and end Ryan Knowles. He needs a few more.

Other candidates include Jake Wimer and Mike Jones, who didn’t participate in spring drills, and J.J. Johnston and Drew Owen. Of the newcomers, Michael Togafau and Dan White have made strong first impressions.

“We’ve got to find a guy inside (at tackle) first and foremost,” Cable said. “We’ve got some guys that can rush the passer.”

Having established ground rules and practice tempo during spring drills, Cable plans on “throwing a lot at them the first three days.

“We really need to get them up to speed from spring ball. We have to get as many situations taught and talked through as we can. By Wednesday I hope we can get into pads and make this football team go.

“They all said spring was way different (than under previous coaches), but they got through it. What I enjoyed is they worked at it. We didn’t have to say, `You’ve got to work harder.’ My feeling is they know what it’s going to be like in fall camp.”

Notes

Defensive back Brian Knowles and wide receiver Robert Nembhard, both freshmen, didn’t achieve the qualifying score on SAT exams, Cable said. Cable expects both will attend junior college in California. Nembhard has timed 10.45 seconds in the 100 meters… . Incoming skill-position players have caught Cable’s eye. Freshman quarterback Adam Mallette is “more athletic and has more arm than we thought,” Cable said. Cable added Pasadena City College running back Blair Lewis “is very impressive,” and East L.A. Junior College receiver Eric Hunter “is just what we thought he would be.” Freshman tight end Michael McCoy’s size (230 pounds) and pass-catching ability has impressed Cable… . Idaho received one vote in the USA Today/ESPN top 25 poll.