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With spring ball just around the corner, I’m dedicating this column to Vandal football. Call me a moron, but I’m excited about the possibilities of the football team next season. In my opinion, if there’s ever a time to feel a drastic improvement is on the horizon, now is that time.
I think there are several reasons why next season’s team may finally give us fans a reason to party. Here they are:
Idaho coach Robb Akey and his staff
For the first time since 2005, we have a coaching staff
returning.
This means no new systems or schemes to be installed and taught. Returning players will actually know what to expect from their coaching staff.
Everyone that has been around Akey sees his passion and dedication to Vandals football. After taking their lumps last season, Akey and his staff will know more about this team going into spring ball. In the past that simply hasn’t happened here.
For example, backup quarterback Chris “the Gunslinger” Joseph spent his grey-shirt season under coach Tom Cable. Since then he’s played for Nick Holt, Dennis Erickson and now Akey. That culture appears to have evaporated since
Akey’s arrival.
The offense
The Vandals’ offense will basically return and should be the strength of the team. The foundation of a good offense begins with its line.
The Vandals’ return Rimington Trophy hopeful Adam Korby at center. Korby will enter his fourth season as a starter and will once again anchor the o-line.
In addition to Korby, the Vandals will also heavily rely on “Big” Mike Iupati. Both Korby and Iupati will be seniors.
If the o-line is as solid as expected, fans should see another sensational season out of running back Deonte’ Jackson — a returning 1,000-yard rusher. We’ve all seen Jackson and know what he’s capable of.
Last season he was banged up with an ankle injury and still had one of the greatest freshman rushing totals in school history.
With the o-line and Jackson, this team should be able to run the ball effectively and control the clock if needed.
Nathan Enderle will return as a sophomore and the quarterback job is his to lose. We saw glimpses of Enderle’s potential last season in a new scheme installed by offensive coordinator Steve Axman.
Other than knowing the system, an advantage Enderle will have is that he won’t have to carry the load. His offensive weapons will be stronger
than ever.
Tight end Eddie Williams is a flat-out stud that can carry the ball as well as catch passes. Last season Williams was second on the team in receptions and touchdowns.
His versatility will help this offense in critical situations, and he’s a player I expect to see on the all-conference team at the season’s end.
Williams will have a lot of friends on third downs next year and will be a safety net
for Enderle.
This offense doesn’t end with Enderle, Jackson and Williams.
The entire wide reciever corps is back and will be led by Max Komar and Maurice Shaw along with support from Eric Greenwood and Lee Smith.
Komar — the team’s leading receiver last season — reminds me of Wes Welker of the New England Patriots, and he should have a better season next
year, too.
Eddie Williams went on the Johnny Ballgame Show on KUOI and said Maurice Shaw may have the best hands on the team.
“Dude catches everything”, Williams said.
With Williams across the middle and Komar and Shaw on the perimeter, Enderle will have plenty of options when throwing the ball.
The defense
This unit lost all three starting line backers David Vobora, Brandon Ogletree and Jo Artis Ratti, all critical losses along with Stanley “the Judge” Franks at corner.
The squad does return Shiloh Keo, a ball-hawking, head-hunting defensive back and punt returner who is one of the best players in the conference.
Along with Keo, defensive end Taylor Rust plays with a motor and should be a major pass-rushing threat. Breyon Williams returns at cornerback and will help Keo in the secondary, too.
Though the defense does not return as many players as the offense, I feel Keo, the team’s best overall player, will anchor this unit and keep them in games.
The recruiting class
During a halftime radio interview during a women’s basketball game, Keo said this recruiting class was the best he’s seen since being here.
If a few new recruits can help the core veterans in certain situations, this team will have depth not seen last year.
Think what you will, but next season this football team could take a drastic turn for the better.
I hope to see sellouts every Saturday inside the Kibbie.
For the first time in a long while, the game might top the pre-game partying.
Listen to the Johnny Ballgame Show each Monday from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on KUOI 89.3 or www.kuoi.org.
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