MOSCOW, Idaho – First-year Head Coach Thomas Ford and the Idaho Vandals opened spring practice on a sunny Tuesday morning outside the P1FCU Kibbie Dome.

"Day one, it felt great. The energy was really good today, the guys came out with a purpose," Ford said after an energetic first practice. "It was really awesome to see all their work come to something. […]  For them to be able to play football today and be able to be their head coach, it's pretty special."

With the start of spring practice, Ford mentioned that some of the priorities is maintaining student-athlete health and further evaluating position battles – specifically mentioning the offensive line, quarterback, linebacker, and defensive end positions – and instilling the culture of viewing every day as an opportunity.

Senior leaders Nate Azzopardi and Eli Cummings both had great days and were spotlighted Ford who said, "Having guys like that that know me so well on an individual level […] it's huge! Now they're echoing our message in the locker room every day."
Cummings was awarded the first battle axe of the season as the best performer of the day. "Day one was a blast" a bulked-up Cummings mentioned, mentioning how good it was to be back at full speed. Despite roster turnover and bringing in new players, the senior running back also said that it feels even more like a brotherhood and a family than in years past.

Of the players who were not on Idaho's roster last season, Ford and the Vandals welcome 11 new transfers to the squad:

Lonyatta Alexander Jr. (wide receiver; Montana State)
Will Cornelson (linebacker; Tyler JC)
Maurice Heims (defensive line; Washington)
Tim Jackson (defensive back; College of the Canyons)
Josh Macon (defensive line; Bakersfield College)
Donovan Parham (defensive line; Mississippi Valley State)
Khaled Rawls (defensive back; NE Mississippi CC)
Kai Richardson (defensive line; Oregon State)
Zahkari Spears (defensive back; UConn)
Howard Stedford (offensive line; Pace)
Daveon Superales (wide receiver; Montana State)
 
Idaho will continue with spring practice on Thursday, March 27. Pro day will also be held on Thursday at 8:00 a.m. The following will participate in Idaho's pro day:

Kyrin Beachem
Mathias Bertram
Jahkari Larmond
Mike Martinez
Tommy McCormick
Corry Thomas
KJ Trujillo

POST PRACTICE INTERVIEWS

Coach Ford
Nate Azzopardi
Sam Brown
Eli Cummings