Vandals seek consistency

At the halfway point of spring football drills, new University of Idaho head coach Robb Akey is about half-pleased with his team.

He’s seen numerous positives from the first seven practices, but also ample room for improvement. Every position and player analysis contains compliments, but nobody gets away without some constructive criticism from the coach.

“Consistency is something this team really needs to do,” Akey said.

That applies to nearly every position. At quarterback, a four-man race at the outset of spring evolved into a two-man race before redshirt freshman Nathan Enderle played his way back into the mix in Saturday’s scrimmage. Senior Brian Nooy and junior Luke Tracy had stepped in front before Enderle closed the gap.

“I think Brian is figuring some things out, but I’d like to think that for him to win the job, if he’s going to be the guy, he’d start shining a little quicker,” Akey said. “Things are new to Luke, but he seems like he has a good feel for it. He could be more consistent. Enderle is learning a lot and we’ve done some things with his throwing motion that have helped him. He played himself back into it, which tells you some good competition is going on.”

Akey hopes to name a starter by the end of spring, but it’s up to one of the contenders to seize the job.

“I do think they’ll start to separate themselves by that point,” he said.

Depth chart update

Positions that were a concern entering spring remain so.

At receiver, where Marlon Haynes and Tariq Ikharo are sitting out to tend to academics, the search for difference-makers continues. Max Komar has proven to be dependable and Raymond Fry has been a standout at times. Komar could play outside, but he performed well at slot a year ago.

“I’d like to see a few of these other guys step up and be playmakers,” Akey said.

Jobs remain open on both lines. On offense, Mike Iupati seems fairly secure at left guard, along with Adam Korby at center and Kris Anderson at right tackle. Marcis Fennell and Adam Juratovac have competed at right guard since last season. Fennell has nudged ahead of Juratovac this spring. Left tackle Billy Bates is being challenged by redshirt freshman Kellen Beam, a Gonzaga Prep product.

“I’m anxious to see how Bates responds,” Akey said.

Idaho was experimenting with a 3-4 alignment on occasion anyway, but a shortage of defensive tackles – Siua Musika is sidelined with a minor knee injury and two others are working on academics – has prompted the Vandals to use the formation more. Ben Alexander, a speedy 225-pound end, plays outside linebacker in the 3-4.

Senior cornerback Stanley Franks and sophomore safety Shiloh Keo anchor the secondary. Redshirt freshman General Parnell is seeing extended time at the other corner. Senior Chris Smith, a part-time starter last year, is the other starting safety with senior Lee Jones as the primary backup. Keo has taken some reps at corner, but Akey would prefer he stay at safety.

Notes

Tight end Rick Harrison (sprained MCL) will miss the rest of spring drills, but he won’t require surgery. Receiver Corey Rhoane has been sidelined with a shoulder injury. … Running back Brian Flowers, held out of spring because of academics, is expected to return Friday. Running back Andre Harris and Terrance McCoy, who were suspended indefinitely before spring, also might return Friday, Akey said. McCoy, who is returning from hernia surgery, initially will see time at running back and slot receiver. He’s also capable of playing cornerback. … Redshirt freshman Deonte Jackson has taken advantage of the absence of Flowers and Harris and “done some very good things,” Akey said.