Optimism running high as Vandals report to practice

MOSCOW — Idaho football coach Paul Petrino has seen a lot of growth in the Vandals since he took over the program in December 2012 and with it comes a large dose of optimism.

“The energy level is real high — but it always has been,” Petrino said as he addressed the media two days prior to the opening of fall camp. “The confidence level is a lot higher.”

That, coupled with a Thursday night home opener (Idaho’s Tackle Cancer game Sept. 3 vs. Ohio University), has the third-season head coach excited for the 2015 campaign and the prospects of success.

“To really have your program where you need it to be and to win a bunch of games,” he said, “comes down to three things: great quarterback play, play good defense, and the ability to run the ball when you have the lead.

“Those are the three things we have to be able to do.”

He believes the pieces are in place with the development of sophomore quarterback Matt Linehan and his understudy Jake Luton; the revamped defense under the direction of Mike Breske with an infusion of talent and competition in the secondary, and the progress of senior running back Elijhaa Penny. Penny began to prove himself in the latter part of 2014 with an average of five yards per carry that led to more than 90 yards per outing in three of his final four games.

The Vandals report Tuesday and begin practice Wednesday at 6 p.m. They will continue with 6 p.m. drills Thursday, Friday and Saturday before adding pads and practicing at 9:30 a.m. Sunday. The complete practice schedule is below.

Petrino has a checklist for success: “We need to take care of the football, make explosive plays and tackle well.”

The Vandals have scrimmages schedule for Aug. 15 and Aug. 22.