Petrino happy with play of Vandals at first spring scrimmage

MOSCOW — More speed, more depth and more playmakers made for a practice that drew praise from coach Paul Petrino as the Idaho Vandals opened spring football with a spirited Wednesday afternoon session at the Kibbie Dome.

“It was a lot of fun,” Petrino said. “There was a bunch of competition. It was good to see a lot of guys making plays. Defensively, guys were flying around making some plays. Offensively, guys made some really good catches.

“It was what you really want – back and forth, back and forth. I thought it was really good.”

In the spotlight are quarterbacks Matt Linehan and Jake Luton, who benefited from the return of Dezmon Epps, the improvement of David Ungerer and the speed of Jacob Sannon. Similarly at tight end, increased speed is becoming more evident with the transition of former receivers Deon Watson and Trent Cowan.

“What I’m really trying to do on both sides of the ball is get faster,” Petrino said. “That’s why you see some guys moved.”

Epps brings the speed – and an infection intensity.

“He had a great day,” Petrino said. “He made plays all over the place. He’s just so competitive.”

The Vandals also had a surprise visit from Jace Malek, a fullback from Spokane’s West Valley High School who was diagnosed with cancer the day before National Letter of Intent Signing Day in early February.

“It puts everything in perspective,” said Petrino about the visit from Malek, who has been undergoing treatment since signing his letter. “It was great to have him here. We need to say as many prayers as we can for him.”

The Vandals return to the field Friday at 3:30 before their first scrimmage of the spring Saturday at 10 a.m.