Enderle leads QB race

Idaho’s quarterback race remains too close to call, but there is a new front-runner.

Redshirt freshman Nathan Enderle has nosed in front, followed by junior Luke Tracy and senior Brian Nooy. Like spring weather, the position has been prone to sudden changes. Enderle was third in the three-man derby, but he’s moved up after two consecutive strong scrimmages.

The competition remains extremely close, head coach Robb Akey said. “To me, that’s good to see things changing around. It tells me the competition is going well and guys are making progress.”

Saturday’s scrimmage and the April 27 spring game will be important in determining a possible starter, Akey said.

“Enderle has made some very good progress,” Akey said. “Each of them had success last Saturday. Enderle and Nooy both had a couple of touchdown passes and Tracy engineered a scoring drive.”

Crowded backfield

The return of Brian Flowers, who led Idaho in rushing last season, and Andre Harris last week boosted the running back position. The two combined for four rushing touchdowns in the scrimmage.

“Flowers showed up and showed up well, so I’m happy to see that,” Akey said. “Andre is a guy that I think we’re going to see a lot of improvement with him in a short period of time. He’s young and he didn’t get an opportunity to do much last fall with his (neck) injury. And I’m still happy with what Deonte (Jackson) is doing.”

Jayson Bird, who ran for 506 yards and seven TDs last season, will probably miss Saturday’s scrimmage because of a death in his family.

Cornered

Idaho has two scholarship cornerbacks, but only one is starting at present.

Stanley Franks, who intercepted nine passes last season, is secure at one spot. Walk-on Eric Hunter, listed at 5-foot-6 and 154 pounds on the spring roster, has moved in front of General Parnell.

The competition will heat up considerably this fall.

“I like the way Stanley is playing – he’s making himself a better player,” Akey said. “The other corner, we have to perform better than we have. (Hunter) is doing some good things. That spot won’t be determined until we get deep into two-a-days when the JC kids and a couple of high school guys come in and have a chance to compete.”

Notes

Akey said Bird didn’t break his nose in Saturday’s scrimmage, as was originally feared. … Receiver Tracy Ford is serving a week-long suspension and won’t participate Saturday. … Post Falls graduate Adam Shamion practiced Tuesday for the first time this spring. He had been held out for academic reasons. … Akey said Mead High product Paul Senescall is having a solid spring. The redshirt freshman linebacker “has an opportunity to increase his role with this team,” Akey said.