Spring ball has come full circle and fans had a chance to see a preview of the 2012 Idaho football team Friday evening in the Kibbie Dome during the annual Silver and Gold Scrimmage.
Tony Marcolina | Argonaut Idaho quarterback Dominique Blackman scopes the field for a passing opportunity during the Silver and Gold scrimmage Friday at the Kibbie Dome. Blackman had the best stats out of him, Taylor Davis and Logan Bushnell going 13 of 22 through the air for 176 yards, one touchdown and an interception.
Although a number of questions have been answered throughout the spring season, fans still await the one who will determine much for the 2012 team.
Coach Robb Akey would have liked to name his starting quarterback by the end of the spring season but said because both Dominique Blackman and Taylor Davis have displayed worthiness, the announcement will have to wait for the fall.
“They’re both competing their tails off and I’m seeing both of those guys make plays,” Akey said. “It hasn’t separated itself enough and I’m not going to lie to you, I had hoped that it would … The fact that they’re both doing good things is good, it’s not because they’re not doing things well.”
Blackman however, separated himself from Davis and Logan Bushnell Friday. The Old Dominion transfer was 13-22 for 176 passing yards and one touchdown pass, a 69-yard heave to receiver Daniel Micheletti for the team’s only touchdown of the scrimmage.
Bushnell was 4-8 for 56 yards while Davis was 4-10 for 33 yards. All three quarterbacks were picked off once.
Other than the Blackman-Micheletti connection, Idaho’s offense was silent, while its defense thrived, proving its experience could be crucial this fall.
The spring camp’s most valuable player, according to Akey, is junior college transfer Sua Tuala. Tuala led all players in tackles Friday, finishing with nine. Dion Bass followed behind with five.
An offensive line that has been forced to cope with injury and inexperience allowed 10 sacks Friday. Tuala and defensive end Benson Mayowa combined for six of those, with three sacks apiece.
Considering the circumstances with the offensive line though, offensive coordinator Jason Gesser has been pleased with its progress.
“We’ve made huge strides this spring, huge strides. Our guys, more than anything have been mentally strong,” Gesser said. “In the beginning something will go bad and they’ll hang their heads and our body language will be all over the place. Overcoming situations that before, we would’ve been pointing fingers and looking at guys.”
Though the rushing offense wasn’t anything spectacular, senior-to-be
Though the rushing offense wasn’t anything spectacular, senior-to-be Ryan Bass compiled 42 rushing yards on six carries, proving his return from illness could give the Vandal offense a major boost come August.
Bass, an Arizona State transfer, sat out during the 2010 season due to NCAA transfer regulations and saw limited action in seven games last season. Nevertheless, he could be primed to be Idaho’s main back during his senior season, especially with the loss of graduating seniors Kama Bailey and Princeton McCarty.
“I want the load on my shoulders and that’s what Gesser’s doing, he’s feeding me the ball a lot,” Bass said. “It’s probably my last year of football so I’m going to give it my all.”
Gesser sees Bass’ motivation a result of realization that he wants to succeed during his senior season.
“He’s been working his tail off in the weight room, he’s kind of had some kind of I don’t know what it is if he understands that ‘Hey it’s my senior year,’ last go around and he’s getting a kick in the butt from that or you know what it’s my time, I’ve only got so many opportunities left,” Gesser said.
As a team, the spring scrimmage was Idaho’s last opportunity to play together until August 1, when the Vandals report for fall camp. From then, they’ll prepare for the season opener against Eastern Washington Aug. 30 in the Kibbie Dome.
Theo Lawson can be reached at [email protected]