Akey covets balance

The offense and the defense have taken turns dominating University of Idaho spring football scrimmages thus far.

It might be asking a lot, but new head coach Robb Akey wouldn’t mind seeing both sides shine tonight in the annual Silver and Gold game that concludes spring drills.

“We’re going to stress the fact of playing full speed, playing physical and competing,” Akey said. “I would expect to have success on both sides of the ball.”

In most ways, the scrimmage format will remain the same. The first-team offense, directed by redshirt freshman Nathan Enderle, will compete against the first-string defense. Second-team units will square off against one another.

Enderle handled all the snaps with the first team in last Saturday’s scrimmage, but Akey said No. 2 quarterback Luke Tracy, who was 7 of 8 a week ago, could get some time with the starters.

“I’d love to have a draft and split the team up, but the depth on our team isn’t going to be conducive to do that,” Akey said. “It’s really going to be another scrimmage and we’ll turn it into a work day. We’ll do some special teams work at the beginning and then different on-field scenarios. We need our best players to go against our best so we can continue to work technique and I think that’ll help us evaluate better.”

Idaho has shown several offensive looks this spring, including the spread option, which occasionally calls on the quarterback to run. The 6-foot-5 Enderle has some experience with the option from his high school days in Nebraska. Tracy rushed for seven touchdowns and nearly 500 yards as a sophomore at Fullerton College.

“The option will be part of what we do,” Akey said. “How much and whether it becomes the triple option will be determined a little by who ends up being the guy (at quarterback). Regardless, you’re going to see the ‘gun’ (spread) option.”

Notes

Linebacker Jo Artis Ratti and wide receiver Tracy Ford are back from suspensions and expected to participate tonight. … Defensive tackle Siua Musika’s knee injury apparently will require surgery, Akey said. Musika is expected to be ready for fall camp. Wide receiver Corey Rhoane’s shoulder injury probably won’t require surgery.