Football | 03/26/2019
MOSCOW, Idaho - Idaho football opened spring practice Monday, in the Kibbie Dome. The energy was high as the Vandals took the field for the first time after weeks of winter conditioning. Monday's practice was the first of 15 spring practices.
The quarterback battle was a highlight of the Vandals' first practice with all three returning quarterbacks taking equal reps and making the most of their opportunities.
Senior Mason Petrino brings back the most experience, playing in all 11 games last season including 10 starts. The game reps and experience supplement Petrino's cerebral advantage entering his final season. He "knows the playbook better than anyone else on the team," said redshirt freshman Nikhil Nayar.
"When you know everything and you keep learning that's the biggest thing," Petrino said after Monday's practice. "So I keep learning, this is my third year going with coach Molnar. Just picking his mind, getting everything that I can get out of him. He's helped me tremendously and my dad (head coach Paul Petrino) has helped me out. Those are probably two of the best minds in college football."
Junior quarterback Colton Richardson took advantage of being a full participant at practice once again. After battling injuries in the 2018 season, Richardson looks to improve on his game and conditioning this spring.
"I'm hoping to be injury free, I am right now," Richardson said. "Last year was kind of bad with concussions and my wrist, but hopefully I can stay healthy. I'm just trying to learn the offense making sure that when I go into the game that I know everything that I have to do and I can make plays that will help the team win."
While Petrino and Richardson both have collegiate starts under their belts, Nayar turned heads Monday with a few deep balls and showing an improved grasp of the offense.
"Right now, I just know the playbook a whole lot better." Nayar said, "It just brings a lot more confidence to my game. Last year I was trying to figure out defenses. Now I know what we do and I know defenses. That's going to help exponentially."
The quarterbacks will continue to battle it out through spring. It is unknown when head coach Paul Petrino will name a starter, but he said all positions are up for grabs during spring practice.
"I think that all the guys that are here right now should have a chance to compete for a spot," said Paul Petrino.
The Vandals will be back on the field on Wednesday, building toward the Silver & Gold Spring Game April 19.
