Suspended receiver Epps returns to Vandals for Wofford game

MOSCOW — Idaho star receiver/kick returner Dezmon Epps was suspended for the Vandals’ second game of the season, at USC, rather than the season opener vs. Ohio, “because that was the game that hurt him the most,” Idaho football coach Paul Petrino said earlier this week, in his weekly news conference with area media.

Epps and cornerback Isaiah Taylor were caught stealing items from the VandalStore in August. The items were eventually returned by Petrino, and no charges were pressed. Taylor is no longer on the team. Epps caught 15 passes for 160 yards against Ohio, but did not play against the Trojans.

“Growing up in California, that’s the game he dreamed about playing in, wanted to be in that Coliseum, so that was the game that was hardest on him,” Petrino said.

Epps, a senior from Sacramento, will be back for this week’s game vs. FCS Wofford of Spartanburg, S.C., in the Kibbie Dome.

Epps has run afoul of the law previously while a member of the Vandals. Those troubles caused the junior college transfer to miss the 2014 season.

“That’s definitely a concern,” Petrino said of Epps’ pattern of behavior. “What happened after this situation, they were both given requirements that they had to live by day by day, and so far Dezmon’s done that, and Isaiah didn’t. If Dezmon doesn’t do it, then he’ll no longer be with the team.

“I meet with him (Epps) daily. Part of being a head coach in this world is, as much as it is coaching on the field, is trying to help kids become better people, so they’ll become successful in life. And that’s what I’m trying to do, with everything I’ve got.”

Dual role for Deon: Junior Deon Watson, the former Coeur d’Alene High standout who moved to tight end this season after two seasons at wide receiver, saw action at both positions vs. USC and figures to keep doing that, Petrino said.

“I think he’s got to play both right now,” Petrino said. “I think he’s got to play both tight end and receiver. I think that’s something that we need to do.”

Watson caught 6 passes for 66 yards against USC, and had 11 catches for 114 yards and a touchdown this season. With receiver David Ungerer out for a while with a stress fracture, and receiver Jacob Sannon suffering an injured groin vs. USC, Watson is needed on the outside some. Sannon also has 11 catches on the season, tied with Watson for second on the team.

Petrino said Kareem Coles, a true freshman from San Diego who came to Idaho as a quarterback, will see more time at receiver in upcoming games. He had one catch for eight yards against USC.

“He’ll go back to quarterback in the spring,” Petrino said. “But … he’s too good of an athlete to be standing on the sideline. I think he can help us; it’s a way to get him on the field and have him help us win.”