2008 Idaho Vandals Preview

When you’ve hit rock bottom, there is only one way to go, and that’s up. At least, that’s the mindset of Idaho coach Robb Akey and his team after a 1–11 season a year ago that was the worst in school history. The Vandals failed to beat an FBS team for the first time since moving up to those ranks in 1996.

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A Quick Look at the Vandals

Idaho played a ton of freshmen last season, which led to growing pains and youthful mistakes that plagued the squad throughout a 1–11 season. If the Vandals learn from their youthful mistakes, it could be a year of progress for coach Robb Akey’s team. A key will be getting off to a strong start. Idaho doesn’t play a team that posted a winning record last season until mid-October, which gives the Vandals early opportunities for success that can help build much-needed confidence. Idaho needs consistent play at quarterback and receiver, two things that will help running back Deonte’ Jackson as he operates behind an experienced offensive line that was one of the team’s highlights last season. Defensively, the Vandals must find a way to generate a pass rush. They amassed only 16 sacks in 12 games a year ago, and half of those were recorded by players who have graduated. They also must replace five of their top six tacklers, including their top cover corner. If the young players who gained experience last season can fill those voids, this is a unit with potential. Special teams were a strength a year ago and again should be a strong suit. The Vandals aren’t ready to make too big of a move in the WAC, but Akey’s second team should be better than his first.

But the record also is a tad deceiving. The Vandals lost numerous close games, including three by eight points or fewer, and were competitive for at least a half in all 12 games. Akey, in his second year, would like nothing better than to show progress this season. He returns 13 starters and his top specialists, which could help the Vandals escape the WAC basement.

“We are a work in progress, but I’m excited about this football team,” Akey says.

The Vandals will need more consistent play on offense, mainly from the quarterback and receiver positions, to improve production. Defensively, the Vandals must be able to pressure opposing quarterbacks in a conference where throwing the football is the primary way to move the ball.

Should Akey’s team become better in those areas, and if it is able to figure out how to close out games, the Vandals could climb a spot or two up the WAC food chain.

Quarterbacks

Sophomores Nathan Enderle and Quin Ashley are competing for the starting position. Enderle started 10 games last season, missing three in midseason after sustaining a hand injury that required surgery. In his absence, Ashley changed positions from safety to quarterback and showed enough promise in a limited spread-option package that the coaches decided to keep him under center. Enderle, a classic dropback passer with a big arm, showed signs of promise last season. He also made his share of mistakes that one would expect a freshman quarterback to make. He completed only 44.3 percent of his passes and had 18 interceptions compared to 10 touchdowns. Ashley was just 8-of-22 passing with a touchdown and an interception. Improved play at this position is a must if the Vandals are to win more games.

Running backs

Deonte’ Jackson had an impressive season as a freshman, running for 1,175 yards and seven touchdowns. He was a true workhorse, averaging 20 carries per game, and was successful against defenses geared to stop him because of the inconsistent passing game. Jackson’s speed, shiftiness and ability to hit the hole quickly are what make him an all-conference-caliber back. Idaho coaches would love to get Jackson some help, which likely would come from a young crop of backups. Redshirt freshman Corey White and grayshirt Princeton McCarty had their moments in spring drills and could add depth to Idaho’s one-back offense.

Receivers

Without a doubt, the biggest question on offense is the wide receiver position. The inconsistent play a year ago also hurt the development of Enderle and Ashley at quarterback. The Vandals return their top seven receivers, but none averaged more than 50 yards per game. Dropped passes and incorrect route-running were repeated problems. Akey is hoping that a few of his returning wideouts step forward now that they are in their second year of the offense. Max Komar is a leading candidate as a slot receiver, while Lee Smith and Maurice Shaw both show potential on the outside. A handful of others could be in the mix. Idaho does seem stocked at tight end, where versatile Eddie Williams, Peter Bjorvik and Kevin Small are expected to play large roles.

Offensive linemen

This unit is the strength of the offense, though it took a hit when guard Mike Iupati (6'6", 330 pounds) had offseason shoulder surgery that will force him to miss the first month of the season. Four starters return, including center Adam Korby. He has started every game of his career and helps the entire line with his calls, giving the team the “coach on the field” presence that every coordinator likes. There will be a few position switches among the returnees, with senior Kris Anderson moving from tackle to guard and Adam Juratovac moving from guard to tackle. The line’s physical play helped Jackson have the big year on the ground. The unit did yield 30 sacks, which is an area that must improve.

Defensive linemen

The front was the weak link on a defense last season that gave up 36.9 points per game. Depth was so bad that Idaho scrapped its 4-3 scheme for a 3-4. This year, the unit expects to be better in the 4-3 alignment with the projected starters — seniors Taylor Rust and Josh Shaw on the ends, sophomores Jonah Sataraka and Aaron Lavarias inside — all having gained a wealth of experience last season. Rust recorded three quarterback sacks and forced two fumbles, making him the playmaker of the group. Pressuring the quarterback will be a must for this group, which last season only netted half of Idaho’s 16 sacks. The Vandals did bolster depth at this position through recruiting, adding six defensive linemen. Junior college transfer Oga Faumai is the most likely to make an immediate impact.

Linebackers

It will be hard for the Vandals to replace David Vobora, Brandon Ogletree and Jo Artis Ratti — three of the team’s top five tacklers from last season. But Akey likes the young players who will try to replace last season’s productive trio. When he was healthy last season, Jonathan Faraimo was a beast. He had four sacks and seven tackles for a loss in nine games and brings an aggressive, physical presence to the position. Fellow sophomores JoJo Dickson and Justin Allen also made their mark a year ago. Dickson established himself as a playmaker, making 34 tackles in a reserve role and blocking a punt. Allen was one of the team’s top special-teamers while biding his time waiting for the seniors to exhaust their eligibility. Andrew Blevins also has experience and should be a factor, too.

Defensive backs

Junior Shiloh Keo leads a secondary that should be the strength of the defense. Keo was the team’s third leading tackler a year ago and grabbed a team-high four interceptions and recovered a team-high three fumbles. The Vandals will miss cover corner Stanley Franks, whose replacement may be freshman Kenneth Patton. He will be competing with returning starter Breyon Williams and sophomores Isaac Butts and Eric Hunter for starting spots. Only Butts (6'0") has decent size, but the others combine speed, tenacity and smarts to get the job done. With help from a strong pass rush, this is a unit that could flourish in 2008.

Specialists

Tino Amancio was one of the WAC’s most accurate kickers last season, drilling 14-of-18 field goals and all of his extra points. With range to 55 yards, Amancio is a weapon, especially at home in the Kibbie Dome where wind isn’t a factor. He also is a great onsides kicker, helping the Vandals recover three of those last season. Senior Vincente Rico, the backup kicker, handles the kickoff duties and had a 33-percent rate of touchbacks. Punter T.J. Conley averaged 40.7 yards per punt a year ago, but the senior was wildly inconsistent. He had a 67-yard punt but also several shanks that put the Vandals in some tough situations in close games. Long-snapper Joel Jones, who didn’t have a bad snap all of last season on punts or extra points, returns for his senior season. Keo was among the nation’s leaders in punt returns a year ago, including a 100-yarder in a loss to Northern Illinois. Sophomore Dewey Hale showed a fearlessness on kickoff returns last season, averaging 21.5 yards per return with a long of 65.

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