Idaho Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up

Spring summary

By far the biggest theme for Idaho was toughness. First-year coach Paul Petrino pushed his team to the limit with marathon practices and grueling scrimmages. Coming off a year in which the Vandals were pushed around week-in and week-out, Petrino made it a goal to “find out who the tough guys were” from the very first day.

Unlike previous camps, it was open season on the quarterbacks as well. They were regularly hit by defenders at full speed and had to quickly adapt to Petrino’s demanding in-your-face coaching style.

Personnel-wise, the biggest question for Idaho remains the quarterback situation. As camp went on, redshirt freshman Chad Chalich and senior Taylor Davis pulled away from the pack. Redshirt freshman Austin DeCoud was moved to safety and JC transfer Anthony Neyer saw limited time under center.

In the spring game, Chalich outperformed Davis, but Petrino declined to name a starter heading into fall camp. The duo will be joined by JC transfer Josh McCain in August.

Potential breakout players

Linebackers Marc Millan and Juan Martinez had spectacular camps. Both are JC transfers and likely secured spots as starters. While just a little undersized, Millan showed great instincts and a nose for the ball. Martinez will play at the Mike and has the size and speed to make plays at the Football Bowl Subdivision level.

Running back Jerrel Brown was also impressive. Running behind a slimmed-down offensive line, Brown gashed the defense for big gains and flashed plenty of strength in tight quarters.

Position group grades

QB: B-

RB: B+

WR: B+

TE: C+

OL: B-   While the line played well, it was beset by several injuries.

DL: C

LB: B+

DB: C-

ST: N/A   Idaho’s only kicker on campus left the team midway through camp. True freshman Austin Rehkow will join the team for fall camp.

2013 predictions

This group will be tougher than last year’s team, that’s for sure. That being said, it’s difficult to predict if that new-found toughness will translate into wins.

Naturally, the Vandals aren’t going to win eight games following a 1-11 season, but after watching this team develop throughout camp, somewhere between three and five wins seems like a safe bet.

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Troy Warzocha of the Lewiston Tribune provided the information for our idaho Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up. For more Idaho football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Troy on Twitter @lmtribTroyW.

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