Akey shows off first recruit class
New University of Idaho football coach Robb Akey called national letter of intent day “Christmas in February,” then spent nearly 45 minutes describing his first recruiting class. He ended the teleconference by telling those on the phone lines “Merry Christmas.”
Akey on Wednesday unwrapped a class of 15 high school seniors and six junior college transfers, including two who joined the program in January. Several players will probably grayshirt, or delay enrollment, to keep Idaho’s scholarship numbers in line.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you I’m excited about this group,” said Akey, who replaced Dennis Erickson on Dec. 20 and essentially put together his coaching staff and recruiting class in roughly a month.
Idaho’s list is highlighted by four players who earned three stars on Scout.com’s five-star ratings. The four are running back Corey White, a 5-foot-9, 199-pound running back from Bishop Gorman High in Las Vegas; linebacker Andre Ferguson, from Redlands (Calif.) East Valley High; tight end Jim Reuber, from Tyler (Texas) Junior College; and Corey Rhoane, a 6-2 receiver from Cerritos College in Norwalk, Calif., who caught 51 passes the last two seasons. He’s already on campus.
White ran for 1,314 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior and has a “great combination of power and speed,” according to Bishop Gorman coach David White. Ferguson originally committed to Arizona State, but changed his mind after coach Dirk Koetter was fired and Erickson was hired. Ferguson is ranked No. 39 nationally among prep strong-side linebackers.
Both figure to challenge for time this fall, though Idaho has experienced starters returning at running back and linebacker.
“Corey has a nice burst, real good feet,” Akey said. “We think (Ferguson) is a linebacker with Pac-10 ability.”
Reuber and fellow JC transfer, Kevin Small, should help shore up a tight end position that loses Luke Smith-Anderson and Keith Greer.
Curlew High offensive lineman Tyrone Novikoff, a 6-7, 306-pounder, is the lone recruit from Eastern Washington. He’s one of six linemen, including projected defensive tackle Fonomanu Sekona, a 293-pounder who played quarterback at Leuzinger High in Lawndale, Calif.
“I’d like to increase the size of the lines,” the 6-4 Akey said. “I’m not looking up at enough of them right now.”
No players from the State of Idaho signed with the Vandals. Seven in-state recruits are headed elsewhere. Akey said his staff contacted all seven, but their minds were already made up. He hopes to make inroads in Idaho with a full year to recruit.
Idaho signed four players from Texas, including Paris High teammates Quin Ashley and Dewey Hale. Ashley played quarterback at Paris, but could become a receiver, running back or safety at Idaho. Ashley turned down a late bid from TCU, according to Akey. Hale caught 36 passes as a senior.
The Vandals also added three players from Las Vegas and one from Hawaii. Akey said Texas, Las Vegas and Hawaii are fertile recruiting areas that will be in Idaho’s future plans.
Other names to watch: Maurice Shaw, a 6-2 receiver who caught 54 passes last season at Colony High in Ontario, Calif.; linebacker Kory Toomer, younger brother of New York Giants receiver Amani Toomer; cornerback Breyon Williams, a Pasadena City College product; and T.J. Taylor, a cornerback from Diablo Valley Community College and son of former Seattle Seahawks defensive back Terry Taylor.