Tony Harste did not expect to be targeted on the play.
With Idaho and Cal Poly tied in the fourth quarter of their season opener, Harste was assigned a go route designed to clear space for a teammate underneath. His job was to run hard and take a defender with him, creating an opportunity for another receiver to make a play.
Instead, quarterback Joshua Wood launched it deep to Harste, who turned the opportunity into a 75-yard touchdown.
For Harste, the play represented more than a big moment in an otherwise difficult 38-34 loss. It reflected an approach the Idaho receiving room has emphasized all season: putting the team ahead of individual production.
Harste has focused on being a selfless receiver within Idaho’s offense, and that mindset has led to a breakout season in his third year in Moscow.
Through the Vandals’ first eight games, the junior has recorded 35 receptions for 607 yards and five touchdowns in seven appearances, becoming one of Idaho’s most productive offensive weapons.
Harste’s understanding of his role extends beyond the numbers. Whether he is running a route that will not result in a target, blocking downfield or helping younger receivers develop, he believes individual success depends on everyone doing their job.
“I know I might not get the ball, but…I’ve been talking about selflessness with the guys, so I got to now live that,” Harste said.
Harste arrived at Idaho after starring at Emerald Ridge High School in Puyallup, Washington. He began playing football in second grade, but nearly walked away from the sport in middle school when he struggled to grow. He later learned he had celiac disease and was able to get back on track by eliminating gluten from his diet, which helped him begin growing again.
Initially from Bonney Lake, Harste eventually moved to Puyallup to play high school football. He was recruited by Jason Eck’s coaching staff before his senior year of high school.
Harste said the opportunity to learn from Idaho’s established receiving corps was an important part of his decision. During his freshman season, he was part of an extremely talented receiving room, which included Jordan Dwyer and Mark Hamper. Being on that offense helped Harste understand what success at the college level required.
“I just wanted to learn and grow from those guys,” Harste said. “Just seeing how they ran routes and how they played football and their mentality.”
Harste has taken a huge leap forward this season, becoming somewhat of a security blanket for Wood when plays break down. Harste said one of the biggest improvements in his game has been in his run blocking.
Harste credited wide receivers coach Tyler Paopao with helping him improve his technique, particularly his leverage and lateral quickness. Those skills have helped him become more effective as a blocker, an area of the position that does not always show up in the box score.
His development has coincided with an offense that has found greater consistency under first-year coordinator Ian Shoemaker. Harste credited Shoemaker’s variety of formations with giving Idaho different ways to challenge opposing defenses before the snap.
He also pointed to the value of returning players. Familiarity between Wood and the receivers has grown from year one to year two, and it has led to a significant increase in production.
Harste said Shoemaker has helped the offense by establishing clear expectations for how plays should be executed.
“He’s going to tell us what he wants and how he wants it done,” Harste said.
That clarity has helped players work toward a common objective rather than trying to make individual plays at the expense of the offense. Harste said the group has been most successful when everyone trusts teammates to fulfill their assignments.
Wood’s ability to extend plays adds another dimension. When the original design breaks down, Harste said receivers have some freedom to adjust their routes and work toward the sideline as Wood moves outside the pocket.
The Vandals have practiced those situations so receivers and their quarterback understand where to look when a play goes off schedule. Harste said the connection has improved through watching film together and learning to recognize the same defensive looks.
Idaho’s ability to remain composed in difficult situations has also been important during a season that has included several close finishes.
Harste said the emphasis is on executing one play at a time and maintaining belief when circumstances change. That approach was tested again against Southern Utah on Saturday, when Idaho surrendered a late lead before Owen Forsman made a career-long 53-yard field goal as time expired to secure a 31-28 victory. Harste missed the game while recovering from a shoulder injury sustained against Montana the previous week.
For Harste, football is only one part of the picture. He said his faith has helped him maintain perspective through the demands of the season. He participates in a Bible study on campus through a group called Athletes in Action, which welcomes athletes from all different sports at the University.
The opportunity to connect with other athletes outside their respective teams has become an important part of his time in Moscow. Harste said the group offers a place to set aside the pressures of competition and focus on something beyond wins, losses and individual performance.
He has also grown to appreciate Moscow’s quieter pace of life. Coming from the more densely populated Seattle area, Harste said he enjoys the smaller community, the support for Idaho athletics and the ability to get around town without dealing with traffic.
As Idaho continues its season, Harste’s role offers a reminder that a receiver’s contribution goes much deeper than the box score indicates.
“As long as we work together as a team and you do your job, that’s where we’ve seen success the most,” Harste said.