Two QBs say they’ll join Vandals

The University of Idaho might have found its quarterback for the future. Make that quarterbacks.

The Vandals have a pair of oral commitments from tall, strong-armed prep products who attended Idaho’s camp last summer. Jonathan Tobin, 6-feet-4 and 210 pounds, threw for 2,127 yards and 19 touchdowns while leading Cactus High of Glendale, Ariz., to the 4A state championship. Nathan Enderle, 6-5 and 215, passed for 1,481 yards and 13 TDs for North Platte (Neb.) High.

Recruits cannot sign a letter-of-intent until February.

Idaho has an unsettled depth chart behind Steven Wichman, who started 10 of 11 games this season. With Wichman entering his senior season, the Vandals are trying to determine a No. 2 quarterback for next year and a starter for 2007 and beyond.

Chris Joseph and Brian Nooy, who was 24 of 49 in brief appearances in the 2004 season, are on the roster. T.J. Conley, a standout quarterback during his prep days at DeSales, appears to have found a home at punter. He averaged 40 yards per punt before breaking his leg near midseason while practicing as a safety.

Tobin was 26-2 in two years as a starter. Cactus lost in the 4A (second largest classification) championship game two years ago, but outscored opponents 554-79 while going unbeaten this season.

“He came back from his visit and liked the professors and liked the energy of the coaches and their backgrounds,” said Cactus coach Larry Fetkenhier, who has had quarterbacks move on to Kansas State, West Virginia, Arizona State and Ohio State. “They all had different personalities and traits, but he’s in their league.”

Tobin directed a no-huddle, spread offense. He also had a 70-yard touchdown run. Tobin also was offered a scholarship by UTEP, Fetkenhier said.

“He made a lot of audibles and checks at the line,” Fetkenhier said.

Enderle, a two-year starter, endured a 2-7 senior season. Colorado, Colorado State, New Mexico State and Toledo showed recruiting interest, but no other schools had offered a scholarship, Enderle said.

“I drove up to Moscow (for camp) with one of my grandparents,” Enderle said. “I really liked it. It’s nice country up there, a lot different than Nebraska.”

Idaho co-offensive coordinator Nate Kaczor was on the 2003 Nebraska-Kearney staff that recruited Derek Enderle, Nathan’s older brother.

Nathan Enderle attended an elite quarterback camp at the University of Nebraska and won the distance throwing competition with a 70-yard pass.

“He’s got an unbelievable arm,” North Platte coach Todd Rice said. “You just don’t see high school kids who can throw like that. He’s a sharp kid – he got 31 on his ACT – so he’ll really pick things up.”