The Vandals’ struggles on the field are well-known by Idaho fans, and two years into the Paul Petrino era things haven’t improved in the win-loss column.
Petrino holds a dismal 2-21 record thus far at Idaho, mainly due to the mess he inherited when he was hired. Low APR scores, bowl bans and an overall lack of player discipline have led to some of the more talented Vandals being kicked off the team and has hurt Petrino’s reputation. What needs to be talked about more is the positive attributes Petrino is bringing to the program, starting with recruiting.
The 2014 class was solid with some impressive three-star recruits and even four-star in defensive tackle Alfonso Hampton, who is unfortunately no longer on the Idaho roster. As the 2015 signing day passed and his second class came into form, it is clear Petrino is an excellent recruiter and has this team headed in the right direction. Vandal fans have a lot to be excited about for the future.
The quarterback position saw a lot of inconsistency last season, and now Chad Chalich has transferred to Montana. Sophomore Matt Linehan will be back and is the expected starter, along with redshirt-freshman Jake Luton who will compete for the starting spot. However, both quarterbacks will have added heat on them next year as arguably the biggest signing coming to Moscow is Kareem Coles — a three-star quarterback out of San Diego.
Coles is a dual threat quarterback who can make plays on his feet and scramble — something Luton and Linehan cannot do. Coles was originally committed to Utah State, but with Linehan’s inconsistency and Luton’s questions due to inexperience, Coles is a steal and easily could be the future of the Idaho team.
The offensive line was a huge liability last season as the Vandals ranked No. 123 in sacks allowed per game last season. Petrino addressed this need with a plethora of junior college and local talent who all have one thing in common — size.
Zion Dixon is a three-star guard and center out of Lake City High School in Coeur d’Alene who could see the field as early as next season. Tanner Mauseth is a giant out of Pocatello, standing 6-foot-8 and weighing in at 264 pounds. Right now he is raw, but if he can add some weight, he could be the anchor of the offensive line in a few years.
Devin Wiltz (6-foot-7, 332 pounds) and Darius Peterson (6-foot-6, 292 pounds) are both two-star JUCO transfers who could see the field soon.
Denzal Brantley is a three-star running back and linebacker who Petrino is very high on, and even said he does not plan on redshirting him his freshman year. Brantley was the MVP of his high school conference his senior season as a running back and that is where Petrino plans to use him. Brantley’s skills as a linebacker are not unnoticed though, and he could become one of the most valuable Vandal players in the future with his ability to run the ball and make plays on defense.
The secondary was exposed many times last year and far too often gave up huge plays to opposing offenses, killing their momentum. Size was a major concern and Petrino is bringing in five defensive backs who, like the offensive line, come with a lot of size.
Willie Fletcher, a junior college transfer, is one to watch in particular. At 6-foot-3, he is a matchup nightmare for Sun Belt offenses and can shut down many wide receivers with just his size. Add him with three-star safety Trenton McGhee, one of the best open field tacklers in the nation for a defensive back, and there is a lot to feel good about going forward. McGhee even had interest from Louisville and Ohio State, but Idaho was able to snatch him.
Petrino continues to show his ability to bring in skilled players and some of the best classes Idaho has seen in a while. A lot of Three-star talents are coming in at the positions that need the most help. This class instantly makes Idaho one of the best potential teams in the Sun Belt.
The on-field success will come, and fans need to be patient. It won’t come this year, but as these players develop and more and more talent comes in, Petrino is setting this team to be a Sun Belt Championship contender down the road.
Ben Evensen can be reached at [email protected]