Fall camp is in full swing bringing many new faces to this Vandal squad.
To ease growing pains for fans this upcoming season, here is who Vandal Nation believes are the players to watch during the upcoming return in the Big Sky.
Many players are stepping up on the offensive side of the ball during fall camp trying to prove that they can make an impact on Saturdays. A surprising sight to see is the depth at the wide receiver position this season for Idaho.
Head coach Paul Petrino said he finds it a blessing to have a plethora of talent at the position.
“The more of them (wide receivers) that can make plays the better,” Petrino said. “I usually say that fall camp usually comes down to survival of the fittest. It’s usually who can make through it, and who can make plays the first couple games of the year.”
After getting some action during Saturday’s scrimmage, it is difficult to choose which receiver could be the best after all showcasing impressive performances.
The two most likely reliable targets this season would be junior wide receivers Josh Ellingson and Jeff Cotton.
Ellingson gives Idaho the speedy receiver needed at the slot position, with a chance to possibly be a team receptions leader by the end of the season.
If Idaho has a chance to get a 1,000- yard receiver this season, bet on receiver Jeff Cotton. Cotton has the reliable and sturdy hands necessary to handle any pass thrown his way as well as having that big play ability downfield.
Three other names to watch are freshman receivers Cutrell Haywood, DJ Lee, and Michael “Speedy” Noil.
These three freshmen are no joke when it comes to talent potential as well as big play ability. They have a knack for the ball and a burst in their step to get down the field in a hurry.
Haywood had four touchdowns on five catches Saturday, two of which were 40-yard one-handed receptions in the back of the end zone. Lee also caught a 68-yard bomb downfield as well to add a score on Saturday.
Noil may be one of the fastest on the team, and could be utilized all over thefield throughout the upcoming season.
Haywood believes his ability to makeplays all comes down to his mindset.
“I just go up and think, ‘this is mine, I have to grab it’,” Haywood said.
Haywood believes it comes down tothe heart and grit of the wide receiver core that can make them special to watch this season.
“We all go out there and give it all we got and keep fighting.” Haywood said. “We never let each other get down, and keep communicating which is a key to this offense.”
Another name to keep an eye out for on the offense is junior running back Jack Bamis.
While the set tandem will probablybe between senior Isaiah Saunders and freshman Roshaun Johnson, don’t be surprised to see a lot of the dual threatBamis out there for the offense as wellas the defense.
Bamis’s downhill running ability is incredible, being able to shed off tacklers without losing a step. It is easy to imagine a lot of opportunities for Bamis on first and second down plays this season, as well as inside the five-yard line of the red zone.
On the other side of the ball, the defensive line looks impressive this coming season.
One new name to watch is sophomore defensive lineman Rahsaan Crawford. Crawford looks to make a name for himself this season, as well as looking to be the new outspoken leader for that defensive front.
The whole linebacker core for the Vandals will be difficult for opponents to handle throughout this season. Junior Ty Graham will look to continue his dominance after suffering a season ending injury last year that put his play on hold.
Last but definitely not least –– is Idaho’s superstar talent senior linebacker and tight end Kaden Elliss. Undoubtably the biggest piece for this Vandal defense, Elliss looks to continue to be the dominant rusher that this squad has to offer.
But that’s not the only place to expect big things by the star. Watch out for his monster play at tight end throughout the season. Elliss is an unquestionable athlete who can do anything that this team asks of him, which makes him abona fide stud on both sides of the ball.
Overall, this Idaho squad looks to be rejuvenated at every position on the field showing why this season may be a memorable one for Vandal fans everywhere.
Chris Deremer can be reached at arg- [email protected]