Previously-injured Vandals good to go

University of Idaho teammates Luke Smith-Anderson and Siua Musika are thrilled to be back on the football field, even if they sound totally different while expressing those sentiments.

Smith-Anderson missed last year after having an emergency spleenectomy about two weeks before the season. He was sidelined virtually all of the 2002 and 2003 seasons with knee injuries.

Smith-Anderson, a Lake City High graduate, was practically bubbling over with energy as the words fly out of his mouth after a recent practice.

“I’m ready,” the junior tight end said. “I’m more ready than anyone. I’m so sick and tired of practicing. I mean it’s good to practice, but I want to go play in a game, something that counts.”

Musika suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee against Louisiana Tech, Idaho’s ninth game last season. He had surgery in December and many wondered if he would be ready at any point of the 2006 season.

Musika is listed as a starting defensive tackle for Saturday’s opener against Michigan State in East Lansing.

“I’m happy about it,” said the reserved Musika, a junior from Milpitas, Calif. “It’s good.”

Musika says he’s not quite 100 percent, but “I’m getting close.”

Smith-Anderson has already earned his degree and is petitioning to begin taking graduate school courses. He’s enjoyed the transition to new coach Dennis Erickson’s offense, which figures to be tight end friendly.

“I’m feeling good, feeling strong, mentally strong and I’ve got the offense down,” Smith-Anderson said.

Erickson called Smith-Anderson “one of the better tight ends I’ve been around in college football.

“He’s a great athlete, he can run and he’s very physical,” Erickson said. “He can really make plays. I look for him to have a big year and he’s also a big leader for us.”

Musika, at 6-foot-1 and 293 pounds, adds bulk to an undersized line. After making 21 tackles and two sacks in 2004, Musika had just 10 tackles and one sack last season.

“It helps with his size inside and he’s a good athlete,” defensive coordinator Jeff Mills said.

Musika had doubts, even as late as the beginning of fall camp, about his ability to return this season.

“When you love football and enjoy it, you put your heart into and it makes you start working,” he said. “When we started banging and putting on the pads, it started feeling like it was more stable than I thought it would be.”

Notes

J.C. transfer Tino Amancio has earned the starting kicker job for Saturday, Erickson said. Amancio beat out fellow J.C. transfer Vincente Rico and sophomore Matt Gregg. … Marlon Haynes, a J.C. transfer who is in the Vandals’ two-deep at receiver, won’t play because of academic reasons. Erickson hopes Haynes will be eligible by next week. Alex Toailoa, a non-starter who is in the defensive tackle rotation, also has academic issues, Erickson said. … Middle linebacker Jo Artis Ratti (shoulder) will miss the Michigan State game. Outside linebacker David Vobora (stress reaction in his leg) was expected to practice Monday and coaches have been optimistic he’ll be able to play in games. If Vobora is unable to play, Jaron Williams and Robert Davis would join Josh Bousman as starting linebackers. … Bonners Ferry’s Matt Rice and Lewiston’s Brooks Reynolds are among a number of walk-ons that joined the team last week.