Vandals practice in warm dome

MOSCOW, Idaho – Robb Akey could smile, laugh and throw his hands out in an expansive gesture.

After all, it was a good Saturday. The University of Idaho football team had productive live sessions. They stayed healthy and it was sunny and 70 degrees – in the Kibbie Dome.

While snow dotted the Palouse, the Vandals made the most of their new RealGrass Pro Turf in the Dome – where they drilled for two hours during their fourth practice of spring.

“Being the guy in the middle, there’s a little bit of good both ways,” Akey said. “For every time I say positive for one side, that’s something the other side needs to work on. The fact that I’m talking about both sides right now is a good thing. I’m happy right now.”

From the defense’s perspective, there were positive steps made.

“I thought it went well,” junior safety Shiloh Keo said. “We stuck in there and battled. … That’s what spring ball is all about – taking a step forward, getting ready for the season.”

On offense, there was similar progress made.

Sophomore quarterback Nathan Enderle, who is in a duel with fellow sophomore Quin Ashley for the starting quarterback job, liked the effort of the offense.

“It was pretty clean,” Enderle said. “We started kind of slow with our run game, but we picked it up. That was nice. We try and take pride in how we work when we’re not going full scrimmaging. … That’s the one thing we really need to work on – finishing our drives and getting in the end zone.”

The Vandals return to the field at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, 3 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday, and a 10 a.m. scrimmage on Saturday.