Idaho lands highly touted running back

The University of Idaho had one of the worst rushing offenses in the nation last year, but it appears help is on the way.

The Vandals have received an oral commitment from Andre Harris, who is rated No. 20 among all-purpose prep running backs by Rivals.com. Idaho has commitments from the 6-foot, 220-pound Harris, who played at Taft High School in Woodland Hills, Calif., and Raymond Fry, a Seattle Times All-State running back from Mariner High in Everett.

Harris missed four games last year with a high ankle sprain. He also shared time with junior Malcolm Smith, the younger brother of USC receiver Steve Smith, who is expected to be one of the top recruits in the nation next season.

Harris hasn’t yet met academic qualifications, which might have scared off several Top 20 programs, Taft coach Troy Starr said.

“He’s the real deal,” Starr said. “He doesn’t have the test score, but he’s real close. Idaho got a great kid and he told me he’s determined not to let (Idaho coach Nick Holt) down for taking a chance on him.”

Idaho ranked No. 115 out of 117 I-A schools in rushing offense (78.4 yards per game) last season. Starter Jayson Bird suffered a broken collarbone in the second game and missed the remainder of the season.

Baseball

Pacific-10 coaches have chosen Oregon State to repeat as champion in 2006 in a preseason poll.

OSU received seven of nine first-place votes and 62 overall points. Southern California received 51 points and one first-place vote, and Stanford and Arizona State tied for third with 46 points each.