Looking for consistency

The Idaho Vandals haven’t played a game with their new head coach, but they’re already sporting something of a Dennis Erickson imprint.

The defense is built on speed, even if it means starting an end who weighs roughly the same as the quarterback. The offense is usually one-back with three receivers, staples of the Erickson system.

“Our guys have worked their tails off and done everything we’ve asked,” said Erickson, making his second tour of duty as Idaho’s head coach. “Now, we’ll find out where we’re at.”

Both sides of the ball had shining moments last season, when Idaho finished 2-9 under ex-coach Nick Holt, but both lacked consistency.

The offense struggled to run the ball, particularly after starter Jayson Bird’s season ended with a broken collarbone in the second game. Quarterback Steve Wichman threw for 2,746 yards, including 390 yards against UNLV and 489 yards against New Mexico State. However, he was intercepted 12 times in the last four games and finished the year with 18 interceptions and 15 touchdowns.

Erickson and quarterbacks coach Jonathan Smith have emphasized decision-making with Wichman throughout spring and fall drills. If that improves, Wichman could be poised for a breakout senior season.

The line returns four players who made at least seven starts in 2005. Senior guard Jade Tadvick has 28 career starts and senior tackle Nate VanderPol 18. Bird appears to be back to his pre-injury form.

Senior receiver Wendell Octave has 88 catches over the last three seasons and he’s made more of impact in the last two weeks of practice. DeAngelo Ramsey, a defensive back last season, is making inroads at receiver. J.C. transfer Marlon Haynes is contending for a starting job. Lee Smith had 17 receptions as a true freshman last year. Sophomore Wes Williams, redshirt freshman Max Komar and true freshman Raymond Fry are options at slot receiver.

“We can move the ball against anyone when we don’t make mistakes,” said tight end Luke Smith-Anderson, who was sidelined last season with a ruptured spleen. “If we can be consistent, we’re going to be a good offense.”

Idaho’s defense allowed 421 yards and 38.1 points per game last season. Robert Davis, Jaron Williams and Jo Artis Ratti, who has been out with a shoulder injury, are competing at middle linebacker to replace Cole Snyder, whose 139 tackles were the most by a Vandal since Jason Shelt’s 148 in 1993.

Experienced juniors David Vobora and Josh Bousman are expected to start at outside linebackers.

Defensive coordinator Jeff Mills envisions a rotation of eight or more up front. Ben Alexander and Charles Campbell, both in the 225-pound range, are speedy ends and J.C. transfer George Fa’avae is pushing for time. Sophomore Josh Shaw, a Lewis & Clark High product, probably will start at end, but can play inside.

Siua Musika and Ryan Davis are the likely starting tackles, backed by Alex Toailoa, Jon Dominguez and Marvin Jones.

“We have more depth there than we’ve had in the past,” Mills said.

The secondary has depth in numbers, but limited game experience. Reggie Jones and Stanley Franks are starting cornerbacks. Behind them, only Kiel McDonald, who played at Sacramento State last season, has collegiate game experience.

True freshman Shiloh Keo and senior Tone Taupule figure to start at strong and free safety, respectively.

“I’m excited about our speed, it’s better than it’s been,” Mills said. “It sure helps when you’re not trying to hide a guy. I feel good about those two corners. We just need to go play.”

Williams, who returned 11 kicks and 16 punts last season, Franks and Brian Flowers are possible return specialists.

Matt Gregg and Tino Amancio are battling for the kicking job, which came open when Mike Barrow tore his ACL in a basketball game in July.