It’S Not How He Recalls It Cable Discovers That Vandals Tradition Needs A Jump Start

There is the Idaho that Tom Cable remembers as a player and the Idaho that Cable currently coaches.

They are not one and the same.

Thankfully, Cable says, nor are they irretrievably apart.

“I made some assumptions that obviously you can’t make,” said Cable, looking back on Idaho’s 5-6 record in his first year as head coach. “You can’t assume things are like you remember them. You have to make sure they’re that good.

“The No. 1 issue to me is getting it back the way I want it to be, putting my name on it.”

Much like Idaho’s season, what was missing wasn’t easily quantifiable.

“Accountability, discipline, loving to play the game, fighting and scratching every Saturday,” Cable said. “We have to get it that way. We weren’t that way this year.” Toughness? Emotion? Focus? Well-coached? Idaho showed these qualities some Saturdays, but not all.

“We were up and down, that’s what I struggle with most of all,” he said. “I just assumed you come back here and you’re a Vandal and that’s the way it is, that’s part of the tradition and greatness of this place. It doesn’t matter who you’re playing, you show up and you hit them in the mouth.

“I’m not dumping this on the players. It’s me not really seeing it from the get-go.”

The season’s two biggest mysteries were junior quarterback John Welsh’s inconsistency and the defense’s leniency.

Welsh threw 22 touchdown passes, but also 17 interceptions - more than double any other Big West quarterback.

“He’s a bright guy who is experienced, but he seems to be kind of hot and cold,” Cable said. “I think that’s directly related to confidence. I do feel good about where he’s gone in the system. What you’d like to see is for him to get command of it - like Bart Hendricks has of Boise’s system. That’s the next step for John.”

The defense allowed Montana to pass for 505 yards, Utah State to pass for 439 yards, New Mexico State to run for 432 yards, and Washington, Washington State, Oregon and Boise State to run and pass virtually at will.

“We talked about it for two days (after the season) as a staff,” Cable said. “I think we were very poorly coached, in terms of improving or developing guys. If we could have grown from the Washington game, we could have been a pretty good team. But we seemed to grow and step back, grow and step back.”

Throwing out hapless Montana State, Idaho never displayed its “A” game on the field. Idaho’s best efforts came while outscoring Washington State, 38-34, and pulling off late rallies to subdue North Texas and New Mexico State to remain in the Big West title chase.

The chase ended when Boise State schooled Idaho 66-24 last Saturday.

Cable has identified two critical recruiting needs - offensive line and speed. Lots of speed.

“This team is too slow,” he said.

Idaho could get a boost at receiver with the return of Rossi Martin, who was academically ineligible this season, and Orlando Winston, who was suspended for the year. Tyree Clowe, a talented running back who left Idaho to try to bring his grades up, recently told Cable he’s doing fine at a Spokane community college.

The Vandals have 10 commitments, counting ‘99 signees Robert Nembhard and Blair Lewis. Nembhard and Lewis were ineligible as they attended to academic issues.

Cable hopes to sign six to 10 junior college players, including four or five offensive linemen, a linebacker, tight end and running back.

Cornerback is another emphasis of recruiting. Starters Cleavon Bradshaw and Dennis Gibbs graduate. Duval Seamster started several games and Tim Sams played extensively. Place kicker Ben Davis must be replaced, too.

Jordan Lampos and Patrick Libey figure to fill holes at linebacker left by the graduation of Chris Nofoaiga and Rick Giampietri.

Joel Barker is the probable replacement at center to Jeremy Wallace. Kyle Stewart, who missed this season with a knee injury, Matt Martinez and Tony Kiel will press for time, depending on the JC arrivals.

Anthony Tenner, who broke his wrist a week before the season, figures to be No. 1 at tailback.

“The players have to learn to train and work in the off-season and get bigger and stronger. That’s the players’ end of the deal,” Cable said. “The coaches have to get better at developing and improving players from week to week.”

This sidebar appeared with the story: AT A GLANCE Idaho

A look at who’s leaving and who’s rejoining the University of Idaho football roster for the 2001 season:

Offense

Starters returning:

QB John Welsh, WT Jake Scott, WR Chris Lacy, FB Nate Griffin, WR Josh Jelmberg

Injured starters expected to return: RB Anthony Tenner, FB Laki Ah Hi, WR Rossi Martin (academically ineligible in 2000)

Starters lost: TE Mike Roberg, ST Patrick Venzke, SG Rick DeMulling, C Jeremy Wallace, WG Brett Morton, RB Willie Alderson, WR Jeff Townsley

Defense

Starters returning: DE Ryan Knowles, DT Wil Beck, DT Mike Jones, FS Jordan Kramer, SS Brad Rice

Injured starters expected to return: None

Starters lost: DE J.J. Johnston, LB Rick Giampietri, LB Chris Nofoaiga, LB Jason Daniel, CB Cleavon Bradshaw, CB Dennis Gibbs

Special teams

Starters returning: P Ryan Downes, PR Tim Sams, KR Chris Lacy

Injured starters expected to return: None

Starters lost: PK Ben Davis, KR Willie Alderson, PR Cleavon Bradshaw