When sophomore linebacker James Randall was carted off the SprinTurf during practice on Aug. 14 with what appeared to be a dislocated ankle, players on both sides of the ball kneeled to honor their fallen brother.
Defensive coordinator Mark Criner understands the importance of Randall, who appeared in ten games last season after redshirting in 2010. But Criner can also sit comfortably knowing the depth and experience of his linebacker corps is one of the numerous things that make the Vandal defense special.
“The reason why I was so excited about the linebacking corps is because I have a lot of guys like James, that have been here for two to three years, that have played snaps in ball games,” Criner said. “We have about five other guys like that, in that standpoint.”
The talent and numbers Idaho has within the linebacker group gives Criner the luxury of working a wide variety of players into different packages and schemes. Seniors Conrad Scheidt, Rob Siavii and Homer Mauga continue to rotate within Criner’s defensive system and it’s not uncommon for each to spend time in the middle and on the outside of Idaho’s 4-3 formation.
Mauga, a former junior college transfer, has two prior years of experience at the Division 1 level and is one of several linebackers who will be competing for one of three prized starting spots.
“There’s a lot of competition, a lot of speed and toughness. We’ve pretty much got to just put it all together and try and figure out who’s going to earn that spot,” Mauga said.
Idaho’s defensive secondary may rival the linebacker corps as the team’s most experienced and improved group. Criner said he has been impressed with the progress of the secondary throughout spring and fall camp.
The Vandals return two 12-game starters in safety Gary Walker and cornerback Aaron Grymes. The senior pair will lead a secondary that has the potential to be one of the best in the WAC if players like Tracy Carter, Trey Williams and Bradley Njoku continue to impress.
“We’re able to do quite a bit in the secondary to help out our defensive front,” Criner said. “A lot of times great coverage can create sacks so now you’re staying in the pocket an extra four or five seconds and that quarterback is eventually going to get hit. I would say that our coverage package is the number one thing that is probably a plus this fall.”
Even with an NFL-caliber defensive tackle in Michael Cosgrove, the Vandal defensive line struggled in 2011, averaging just better than one sack per game. The departure of Cosgrove, Charles Smith and Andre Ferguson, three staples on last year’s line, has vacated three starting spots for a wave of fresh faces.
Defensive end Benson Mayowa and tackle QuayShawne Buckley started six games apiece last season and will likely be the only returning starters on the defensive line. Sophomore Jesse Davis, a converted defensive end, has a great opportunity to win the defensive tackle spot opposite Buckley while junior Vince Keener and sophomore Maxx Forde continue their position battle for the other defensive end spot.
Davis is the favorite to fill Cosgrove’s role, who started 38 games during his collegiate career before signing a free agent deal with the Detroit Lions.
“I feel like there’s a big gap I need to fill for that one because Mike was just overall good at everything,” Davis said.
For the Asotin, Wash., native, the transition to defensive tackle has been rigorous.
“The transition has definitely been more physical, you have to get a lot stronger for the position holding up double teams all day and 300 pounds on your shoulder, it’s not exactly an easy task,” Davis said.
Despite allowing 147 points in its last three games of the 2011 campaign, Criner’s defense looks to be hungrier this time around. The result of an everlasting bitter taste after giving up 56 in last year’s season finale or the motivation of a group of seniors attempting to win the WAC in its last year of existence?
Theo Lawson can be reached at [email protected]