With only five spring practices on the books, it’s time for the Idaho Vandals football team to take to the turf in its first spring scrimmage.
Tony Marcolina | Argonaut Idaho linebacker Robert Siavii catches a pass and runs it down the field during practice Thursday in the Kibbie Dome.
The game, which kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Kibbie Dome, is surrounded with coaching changes, position battles and players returning from injury.
Idaho football coach Robb Akey said he’s been looking forward to this scrimmage since last season ended and hopes to see some fireworks on the field.
“I expect to see a lot of plays, and I expect to see the Vandals come out and be successful,” Akey said. “I’m very anxious to see who will come out and compete, and we’re going to give them an opportunity to go out and make plays.”
In the team’s first appearance after last year’s abysmal 2-10 campaign, here are the three things to watch for on the field this weekend.
1. How do you like your quarterback?
Let’s take care of the elephant in the Dome right off the bat. Who’s going to be taking the snaps for the Vandals this season?
Although he got more boos than claps on the field last year, departing senior QB Brian Reader leaves a gap two men — Taylor Davis and Dominique Blackman — are fighting to fill.
Akey said after one week of practice he has seen good and bad in both quarterbacks and is excited to see them this weekend.
“Both the kids are learning a lot about themselves and the position right now, and because of that they are getting a lot of experience right now,” Akey said. “What I like as much as anything is how the learning sessions are going in the meetings. Things are starting to make more sense and they are learning how to drive the truck.”
Davis, a senior signal-caller out of Anthem, Ariz., started three games for Idaho last season, completing 45 percent of his passes and throwing for one touchdown. Since Blackman had to sit out last year due to NCAA regulations, the experience advantage goes to Davis.
Blackman brings swagger and size Davis lacks. Standing at 6-foot-5-inches and weighing in at just over 250 pounds, Blackman is huge — maybe even massive. Even with his large demeanor, Blackman has no problem pulling down the ball and taking off in tight situations. He also brings an attitude to the team that could end up helping or hurting the squad.
2. Can the offense move?
Coming off a season in which our punter may have gained more net yards then our offense, one question must be: Can this new-look Idaho side score like the Nate Enderle-led teams did?
Early-season signs point to an explosive and fast side that could light up the scoreboard. Unfortunately it will have hurdles to overcome including the loss of three linemen.
Filling those shoes won’t be easy, but experienced center, Mike Marboe and guard A.J. Jones will anchor the line. The third vacant slot is the Vandals biggest offensive question mark.
The running back situation will also be one to keep an eye on, as senior Ryan Bass will be the sole returner in the backfield surrounded by a couple newcomers that should make an impact early and often.
Bass said he is focusing on becoming a better leader as the veteran of the running back group.
“I’m just trying to lead by example by coming out here everyday and just working hard and hopefully they can look at me and see I’m working hard and they will do the same thing,” Akey said.
Look for junior college transfer James Baker and sophomore Todd Handley to make names for themselves this preseason.
3. How will Siavii return?
As one of the most talented and vocal leaders on the field throughout his Idaho career, the loss of linebacker Rob Siavii last year to a knee injury was arguably the biggest injury of the season. But after a year of recovery, Siavii is back on the turf as a captain and the leader of what looks to be a strong linebacker corps.
Akey said having Siavii back is key, but he likes what he’s seen so far from the whole defense.
“The guys are starting to get a lot of comfort with each other, and there are a lot of guys that are coming back together,” Akey said.
Siavii will be instrumental in helping the Vandal defense replace players like Tre’Shawn Robinson and Korey Toomer, but it will be interesting to watch if Idaho fans get the same Siavii they saw in the first part of his college career.
Madison McCord can be reached at [email protected]