Harringtons share practice moods

MOSCOW, Idaho – There were a smattering of onlookers Saturday at Wicks Field for the University of Idaho’s first football practice and many of those eyes were focused on the quarterback position, where Michael Harrington and Steven Wichman are competing for the starting job.

Roughly 2,000 miles away at Ford Field in Detroit, nearly 27,000 fans viewed the Lions Black and Blue practice, with some booing every incomplete pass thrown by Joey Harrington, Michael’s older brother.

They’re at vastly different levels on the football landscape, but life on the hot seat appears to run in the family. Both Harringtons are returning starters. Both are being pushed by talented imports. Wichman posted big numbers at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, Calif., last year. Detroit brought in Jeff Garcia should Joey Harrington falter.

“It’s funny, we’ve been in similar situations many times in our career,” Michael said. “The upside is we’ve always pulled through and been successful. He (Joey) is going to do just fine this year and I’m going to do the same.”

Harrington and Wichman divided repetitions with the first and second units. That will probably continue until coaches make a determination on the starter. Coach Nick Holt said his goal is to give both players a fair shot at the job, but he doesn’t have a timeline.

“If it’s a week, it’s a week,” Holt said. “If it’s two days, it’s two days. If it’s three weeks, it’s three weeks. It’ll be whenever somebody starts pulling away.”

Holt said Harrington might have a slight edge with his 17 career starts, including all 12 games last year, and his thorough understanding of the offense.

But, the coach added, “You can see when the other guy (Wichman) throws the ball there’s some difference sometimes.”

Harrington, who passed for 2,222 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, said he’s improved physically and he’s comfortable with Idaho’s system.

“They haven’t told me anything (as far as a timeline),” Harrington said. “I’m preparing as the starter; there’s no reason I wouldn’t. I’m just getting ready to play this year.”

WAC attack

The Vandals didn’t spill too many tears when the schedule came out. Idaho has left the far-flung Sun Belt Conference for the more geographically friendly WAC.

The Vandals played 12 consecutive weeks last year and made trips to Eastern Michigan, Middle Tennessee, Troy, North Texas and Hawaii.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” said middle linebacker Cole Snyder, a first-team All-Sun Belt selection last year who is being challenged by Jaron Williams. “I just can’t wait to get Fresno State and Hawaii in the (Kibbie) Dome and see how they react.”

Added defensive tackle Jeff Edwards, a Lake City High grad: “It’s going to be a nice change playing against guys that some of us played high school ball against. (Our fans) didn’t care about (Louisiana) Monroe, so everyone is more enthusiastic about it.”

Facilities update

The SprinTurf practice field east of the Dome continues to take shape. Most of the turf is in place for the two 75-yard fields that are separated by a walkway. Lights and fencing are still being installed.

The team’s new locker rooms are complete and have earned rave reviews from players.

Notes

If anyone wondered whether the coaching staff had lost any of its enthusiasm after last year’s 3-9 season, consider that co-offensive coordinator Joel Thomas not only told running backs to finish off plays, but he often ran side-by-side with them 40 yards downfield. … Offensive lineman Desmond Clark, a part-time starter as a true freshman, watched practice. He’s been bothered by recurring migraines. … Idaho’s first full-pads practice will be Wednesday. The Vandals will scrimmage Friday, but the coaches incorporate some scrimmaging into nearly every practice.