MOSCOW, Idaho - On a crisp Tuesday morning on the East Practice Field outside the P1FCU Kibbie Dome, Idaho Football got the spring practice slate underway, kicking off the first of the fifteen opportunities the team will get to strap on helmets and play organized football for the first time since November.
Though the pads have yet to come on and the sun had yet to come up, the energy was palpable on the turf as the Vandals ran through position and team drills with new coordinators at all three phases of the game.
"It was amazing just to be playing football again," said head coach Thomas Ford after practice. "I think the guys have done a really good job of learning and understanding the new schemes, getting some of the nuance started, but being able to get some work was pretty awesome."
First-year offensive coordinator Ian Shoemaker got his first opportunity to see an offense loaded with returning experience, including starting quarterback Joshua Wood, receivers Tony Harste, Marquawn McCraney, and Nolan McWilliams, running back Carlos Matheney, and four of five starting offensive linemen. Defensive Coordinator Lee Stalker led the charge across the line of scrimmage, taking advantage of returners such as Cruz Hepburn, Tim Jackson, and Titus Ringor. Special Teams Coordinator Joe Begnal inherited a lot of familiarity in the kicking game with the likes of Dylan Fischer, Cameron Pope, Owen Forsman, and Owen Adams all returning with playing time under their belts.
A handful of newcomers made some big plays in the first spring practice of the year. Ferrari Miller is slated to receive a lot of carries going forward as part of a stable of running backs needing to fill the departure of Eli Cummings. DB Tyrane Stewart was named the first winner of the battle axe of the year, earning props from his head coach in the process.
"Tyrane did a great job today. He got beat on a play, came back the very next [rep], and made three plays in a row. That's what we're looking for in terms of effort, and that's why he got the axe today."
The Vandals are scheduled to return to action Thursday, April 2, at 6:00 AM, inside the comforts of the P1FCU Kibbie Dome. All spring practices are open to the public.
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