Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Blackfoot’s Matt Peterson stays in Idaho, chooses ISU
Blackfoot senior wide receiver Matt Peterson was receiving interest from Montana Western, the College of Idaho, Weber State and others.
But when Idaho State contacted the 6-foot-2 all-state wideout and offered a football scholarship, Peterson knew he wanted to be a Bengal.
“ISU was ultimately my top goal because I want to go into physical therapy and they have an excellent program there,” Peterson said Friday during a track meet at Highland High School. “So that was really nice that everything just worked out.”
The Peterson family has a long and storied athletic history with Idaho State. Both of Matt’s sisters, Stacey and Tia, played for ISU soccer and his cousin, Whitney Peterson, will be a senior this fall for Idaho State soccer. Stacey is the second-leading goal scorer in Bengals history.
“That was kind of cool that I could carry on the tradition,” Matt said.
While his sisters and cousin are soccer players, Matt’s No. 1 sport has been football since he started playing in fifth grade. Matt helped lead Blackfoot to a 10-1 record and a state runner-up finish as a senior, and was an All-Idaho First Team selection. He was an elite deep threat with size and speed to stretch opposing defenses, hauling down 52 catches for 780 yards and eight touchdowns.
At the same time the Broncos were charging to the 4A state championship game, Idaho State had its best season in a decade, going 8-4 overall and nearly qualifying for the FCS playoffs.
Matt, who had been to Idaho State football games in the past, witnessed a completely different kind of atmosphere when he attended ISU’s game against Weber State to close out the season.
“The energy in there is so loud and intense,” Matt said. “It’s really cool. There was a lot more people there, a lot louder and it was fun.”
ISU won that game 46-28, a resounding victory that sent the Bengals into the 2015 offseason ranked No. 25 in the nation. The fact the Bengals proved they could field a winning team helped further convince Matt that Idaho State was a right fit.
“You want to be successful wherever you go,” Matt said. “So that helped out a lot when they turned around their season and got things rolling again.”
Before Matt joins the football team — and possibly heads off on an LDS mission — he’s focused on track and field this spring. He could have chosen to start preparing full-time for football, but had unfinished business after taking second in state in the 300-meter hurdes and third in the long jump as a junior.
“I was so close to getting state championships in two events,” Matt said. “I can’t be satisfied with second place.”
But when Idaho State contacted the 6-foot-2 all-state wideout and offered a football scholarship, Peterson knew he wanted to be a Bengal.
“ISU was ultimately my top goal because I want to go into physical therapy and they have an excellent program there,” Peterson said Friday during a track meet at Highland High School. “So that was really nice that everything just worked out.”
The Peterson family has a long and storied athletic history with Idaho State. Both of Matt’s sisters, Stacey and Tia, played for ISU soccer and his cousin, Whitney Peterson, will be a senior this fall for Idaho State soccer. Stacey is the second-leading goal scorer in Bengals history.
“That was kind of cool that I could carry on the tradition,” Matt said.
While his sisters and cousin are soccer players, Matt’s No. 1 sport has been football since he started playing in fifth grade. Matt helped lead Blackfoot to a 10-1 record and a state runner-up finish as a senior, and was an All-Idaho First Team selection. He was an elite deep threat with size and speed to stretch opposing defenses, hauling down 52 catches for 780 yards and eight touchdowns.
At the same time the Broncos were charging to the 4A state championship game, Idaho State had its best season in a decade, going 8-4 overall and nearly qualifying for the FCS playoffs.
Matt, who had been to Idaho State football games in the past, witnessed a completely different kind of atmosphere when he attended ISU’s game against Weber State to close out the season.
“The energy in there is so loud and intense,” Matt said. “It’s really cool. There was a lot more people there, a lot louder and it was fun.”
ISU won that game 46-28, a resounding victory that sent the Bengals into the 2015 offseason ranked No. 25 in the nation. The fact the Bengals proved they could field a winning team helped further convince Matt that Idaho State was a right fit.
“You want to be successful wherever you go,” Matt said. “So that helped out a lot when they turned around their season and got things rolling again.”
Before Matt joins the football team — and possibly heads off on an LDS mission — he’s focused on track and field this spring. He could have chosen to start preparing full-time for football, but had unfinished business after taking second in state in the 300-meter hurdes and third in the long jump as a junior.
“I was so close to getting state championships in two events,” Matt said. “I can’t be satisfied with second place.”
Monday, March 9, 2015
Setting the table — A weekly look back at what was and what will be
It was a 12-hour long nightmare for District 5 boys basketball at the state tournament Saturday in the Ford Idaho Center.
Highland, Soda Springs and Rockland each lost state championship games, and the Idaho State Journal’s sports section was six pages of sadness, tears and despair on Sunday. The Cardinals and Bulldogs couldn’t find their shooting touch, and the Rams, even after Stefan Gonzalez and Connor Harding combined to score 58 points, lost in overtime to Post Falls.
But one day and three games doesn’t overshadow a brilliant basketball season. Nobody had it better than southeast Idaho this winter. Whether it was Montpelier, Arimo or Preston, District 5 had an amazing few months.
This isn’t anything new, though. No place in Idaho has a high school sports scene quite like what we have here. This is as good as it gets.
With so much going on, this weekly column is a space to take a look back at the past week and glance forward to what’s coming up. I won’t mention everything, but I will hit on a number of subjects and topics.
LOOKING BACK
Highland and Century traveled west with intention to win state tournaments. Both came up short but, man, where they fun to watch.
Senior Stefan Gonzalez averaged 23.7 points, 5.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds a game. Junior Connor Harding averaged a double-double (16.7 points, 10.7 boards), and senior Malek Harwell shot 53.7 percent while putting up 22.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists a game.
Those numbers are nuts. Each of those guys delivered in big-time fashion against the state’s best teams. It’s hard not to imagine what would have been for the Diamondbacks if they could have pulled out a victory against Twin Falls in the first round (instead of losing 68-65 in overtime).
The Diamondbacks and first-year coach Lester Stewart recovered and whipped Middleton (68-50) and Burley (63-49) in back-to-back games to take home the consolation bracket.
LOOKING FORWARD
Despite losing six of their last eight games, the Idaho State women battled their way into the Big Sky Conference tournament for the 12th consecutive year.
As a reward, the eighth-seeded Bengals will play the host team and top-seeded Montana Grizzlies at 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
From a win-loss perspective, the ISU women have taken a few steps back from the 2012 championship squad. Attendance was down this season, and the Bengals were uncharacteristically middle of the road defensively.
But, folks, trust me on this: The Bengals’ future is hitched to players like junior Apiphany Woods and freshmen Grace Kenyon and Megan Hochstein. Idaho State will jump right up into the upper half of the league standings next year. You heard it here first.
AN APOLOGY TO MAKE
I screwed up a couple weeks back and have to apologize. I wrote that Tucker Leavitt was Highland’s fourth wrestler in the school’s history to finish a season undefeated after he won the 170-pound 5A state championship Feb. 28 at Holt Arena.
I was dead wrong. Leavitt was the fifth. I mentioned Kim Pieper, Jesse Smith and Travis Bell, and left out Craig Van Sickle. Back in 1995, Van Sickle went 33-0 on the way to the title in 160 pounds. Apologies to Craig and the Van Sickle family.
By the way, just how good is Leavitt? In the past two seasons, he’s gone 84-2 and won titles at 160 and 170 pounds. It’s great for Highland that he’s a junior and has one more year left, but the rest of Idaho is devastated.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Our team is very mentally tough. We didn’t let it bother us. We got over it. We knew that we wanted to get something out of this. We didn’t want to go home (Friday).” — Century senior Leo Behrend after the Diamondbacks beat Burley on Saturday for the consolation trophy.
Highland, Soda Springs and Rockland each lost state championship games, and the Idaho State Journal’s sports section was six pages of sadness, tears and despair on Sunday. The Cardinals and Bulldogs couldn’t find their shooting touch, and the Rams, even after Stefan Gonzalez and Connor Harding combined to score 58 points, lost in overtime to Post Falls.
But one day and three games doesn’t overshadow a brilliant basketball season. Nobody had it better than southeast Idaho this winter. Whether it was Montpelier, Arimo or Preston, District 5 had an amazing few months.
This isn’t anything new, though. No place in Idaho has a high school sports scene quite like what we have here. This is as good as it gets.
With so much going on, this weekly column is a space to take a look back at the past week and glance forward to what’s coming up. I won’t mention everything, but I will hit on a number of subjects and topics.
LOOKING BACK
Highland and Century traveled west with intention to win state tournaments. Both came up short but, man, where they fun to watch.
Senior Stefan Gonzalez averaged 23.7 points, 5.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds a game. Junior Connor Harding averaged a double-double (16.7 points, 10.7 boards), and senior Malek Harwell shot 53.7 percent while putting up 22.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists a game.
Those numbers are nuts. Each of those guys delivered in big-time fashion against the state’s best teams. It’s hard not to imagine what would have been for the Diamondbacks if they could have pulled out a victory against Twin Falls in the first round (instead of losing 68-65 in overtime).
The Diamondbacks and first-year coach Lester Stewart recovered and whipped Middleton (68-50) and Burley (63-49) in back-to-back games to take home the consolation bracket.
LOOKING FORWARD
Despite losing six of their last eight games, the Idaho State women battled their way into the Big Sky Conference tournament for the 12th consecutive year.
As a reward, the eighth-seeded Bengals will play the host team and top-seeded Montana Grizzlies at 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
From a win-loss perspective, the ISU women have taken a few steps back from the 2012 championship squad. Attendance was down this season, and the Bengals were uncharacteristically middle of the road defensively.
But, folks, trust me on this: The Bengals’ future is hitched to players like junior Apiphany Woods and freshmen Grace Kenyon and Megan Hochstein. Idaho State will jump right up into the upper half of the league standings next year. You heard it here first.
AN APOLOGY TO MAKE
I screwed up a couple weeks back and have to apologize. I wrote that Tucker Leavitt was Highland’s fourth wrestler in the school’s history to finish a season undefeated after he won the 170-pound 5A state championship Feb. 28 at Holt Arena.
I was dead wrong. Leavitt was the fifth. I mentioned Kim Pieper, Jesse Smith and Travis Bell, and left out Craig Van Sickle. Back in 1995, Van Sickle went 33-0 on the way to the title in 160 pounds. Apologies to Craig and the Van Sickle family.
By the way, just how good is Leavitt? In the past two seasons, he’s gone 84-2 and won titles at 160 and 170 pounds. It’s great for Highland that he’s a junior and has one more year left, but the rest of Idaho is devastated.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Our team is very mentally tough. We didn’t let it bother us. We got over it. We knew that we wanted to get something out of this. We didn’t want to go home (Friday).” — Century senior Leo Behrend after the Diamondbacks beat Burley on Saturday for the consolation trophy.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Idaho State-Eastern Washington pregame
EASTERN WASHINGTON AT IDAHO STATE
Holt Arena
Tip-off >> Thursday, 7:05 p.m.Watch >> Watch Big Sky
Radio >> 102.5 FM or 930 AM
Records >> Eastern Washington 21-8, 12-4; Idaho State 6-22, 3-13
Series history >> Eastern Washington leads the series 42-28
Last meeting >> Jan. 3, 2015 at Eastern Washington; EWU 65, ISU 57
About the Eagles >> Eastern is 18-0 when it has a better shooting percentage than its opponent. ... The Eagles’ 21 wins equal the school’s most victories since becoming an NCAA Division I member in 1983. ... In Division I basketball, the Eagles are ranked fifth in scoring offense (80.4 per game), fifth in 3-pointers made per game (9.8) and 21st in blocked shots (5.1 per game) in games through March 1. Eastern leads the league in all three categories.
About the Bengals >> Idaho State’s four-point loss at Weber State on Saturday was the Bengals’ ninth defeat this season by five points or fewer. ISU has lost 20 games by five points or fewer since the 2013-14 season. ... The Bengals are 6-10 this season when shooting at least 45 percent from the field and 0-12 when shooting under 45 percent.
Friday, February 27, 2015
Idaho State at Weber State pregame
IDAHO STATE AT WEBER STATE
Dee Events Center, Ogden, Utah
Tip-off >> Saturday, 8 p.m.Dee Events Center, Ogden, Utah
Watch >> Watch Big Sky
Radio >> 102.5 FM or 930 AM
Records >> Idaho State 6-21, 3-12; Weber State 11-15, 6-9
Series history >> Weber State leads the series 77-49
Last meeting >> Feb. 7, 2015 at Idaho State; WSU 70, ISU 63
About the Bengals >> Idaho State is 1-13 on the road this season and 0-8 in Big Sky action away from Pocatello. ... Weber State is 45-11 all-time against Idaho State in Ogden. ... Senior Chris Hansen is Idaho State’s 10th all-time leading scorer with 1,292 points. ... This season, Hansen is third in the Big Sky, averaging 18.6 points per game.
About the Wildcats >> Weber State starting point guard Jeremy Senglin is out with a broken jaw, but freshman Ryan Richardson has provided a scoring spark in his last two games. Richardson scored 17 points and knocked down four 3-pointers in a Wildcats victory at Montana State, and finished with 15 points and five 3s in a loss at Montana.
Monday, February 16, 2015
Idaho State releases 2015 football schedule
Idaho State’s 2015 football schedule has been finalized.
ISU’s game at Boise State has been moved from Saturday, Sept. 19, to Friday, Sept. 18. ISU sources say Boise State requested the game to be moved up one day, and the Bengals had no issue with adjusting.
The change of date means Idaho State will have one less day to prepare for the Broncos after hosting Portland State at Holt Arena on Sept. 12. On the other end of the spectrum, ISU has an extra day of preparation for UNLV on Sept. 26.
The Bengals kick-start the year with two games at home. ISU hosts Black Hills State on Sept. 5. Idaho State played the Yellow Jackets for the first time on Sept. 8, 2012, a 38-5 ISU victory.
Portland State arrives in Pocatello for an early-season Big Sky Conference game on Sept. 12. After that, the Bengals play four straight games on the road, including matchups at Boise State, UNLV, Cal Poly and North Dakota.
In that month-long span, the Bengals will travel roughly 5,700 miles, crisscrossing to western Idaho, southern Nevada, central California and eastern North Dakota.
Idaho State returns home to take on Eastern Washington for homecoming Oct. 17 and heads to Sacramento State on Oct. 24.
After a bye week, the Bengals square off against Montana and Montana State at home in back-to-back weekends. Idaho State rounds out the regular season Nov. 21 at Weber State.
ISU just finished up its 2015 recruiting class last week. The Bengals signed 23 players with a heavy emphasis on the defensive line and linebackers.
Idaho State went 8-4 a season ago and 6-2 in the Big Sky Conference. Over the past two months, ISU has lost offensive coordinator Don Bailey to the same position at Hawaii and inside wide receivers coach Mike Ferriter accepted a job at Montana.
MORE ON HOW ISU'S 2015 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE CAME TOGETHER
IDAHO STATE'S 2015 SCHEDULE
Sept. 5: vs. Black Hills State
Sept. 12: vs. Portland State
Sept. 18: at Boise State
Sept. 26: at UNLV
Oct. 3: at Cal Poly
Oct. 10: at North Dakota
Oct. 17: vs. Eastern Washington
Oct. 24: at Sacramento State
Oct. 31: BYE
Nov. 7: vs. Montana
Nov. 14: vs. Montana State
Nov. 21: at Weber State
ISU’s game at Boise State has been moved from Saturday, Sept. 19, to Friday, Sept. 18. ISU sources say Boise State requested the game to be moved up one day, and the Bengals had no issue with adjusting.
The change of date means Idaho State will have one less day to prepare for the Broncos after hosting Portland State at Holt Arena on Sept. 12. On the other end of the spectrum, ISU has an extra day of preparation for UNLV on Sept. 26.
The Bengals kick-start the year with two games at home. ISU hosts Black Hills State on Sept. 5. Idaho State played the Yellow Jackets for the first time on Sept. 8, 2012, a 38-5 ISU victory.
Portland State arrives in Pocatello for an early-season Big Sky Conference game on Sept. 12. After that, the Bengals play four straight games on the road, including matchups at Boise State, UNLV, Cal Poly and North Dakota.
In that month-long span, the Bengals will travel roughly 5,700 miles, crisscrossing to western Idaho, southern Nevada, central California and eastern North Dakota.
Idaho State returns home to take on Eastern Washington for homecoming Oct. 17 and heads to Sacramento State on Oct. 24.
After a bye week, the Bengals square off against Montana and Montana State at home in back-to-back weekends. Idaho State rounds out the regular season Nov. 21 at Weber State.
ISU just finished up its 2015 recruiting class last week. The Bengals signed 23 players with a heavy emphasis on the defensive line and linebackers.
Idaho State went 8-4 a season ago and 6-2 in the Big Sky Conference. Over the past two months, ISU has lost offensive coordinator Don Bailey to the same position at Hawaii and inside wide receivers coach Mike Ferriter accepted a job at Montana.
MORE ON HOW ISU'S 2015 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE CAME TOGETHER
IDAHO STATE'S 2015 SCHEDULE
Sept. 5: vs. Black Hills State
Sept. 12: vs. Portland State
Sept. 18: at Boise State
Sept. 26: at UNLV
Oct. 3: at Cal Poly
Oct. 10: at North Dakota
Oct. 17: vs. Eastern Washington
Oct. 24: at Sacramento State
Oct. 31: BYE
Nov. 7: vs. Montana
Nov. 14: vs. Montana State
Nov. 21: at Weber State
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Idaho State-Southern Utah postgame
The crushing blow to the Bengals, Tyler Rawson's layup #BigSkyMBB https://t.co/t4T1IWjn19
— Kyle Franko (@ByKyleFranko) February 15, 2015
Backbreaking 3 from Southern Utah's Race Parsons. T-Birds by 6, 1:51 to go https://t.co/gLj33IsoSb
— Kyle Franko (@ByKyleFranko) February 15, 2015
Chris Hansen layup. Pass from Ben Wilson. Bengals have given up 8 3s. Free throws for ISU (7-7) keeping it ... https://t.co/fkO9TM5nk8
— Kyle Franko (@ByKyleFranko) February 15, 2015
SUU 29, ISU 26 ... Under 4 timeout ... a couple highlights from the half #BigSkyMBB #goisu https://t.co/yhT0AxsGQU
— Kyle Franko (@ByKyleFranko) February 15, 2015
BENGAL BITS
Southern Utah 71, Idaho State 67
Crowd: 1,582Records: Idaho State is 6-19 and 3-10 in the Big Sky. Southern Utah is 7-16, 4-8.
Key stat: Idaho State outscored Southern Utah 42-20 in points in the paint. But the Thunderbirds hit 13-pointers while shooting 57 percent from the perimeter.
Key players: ISU’s Chris Hansen nearly pulled off the comeback win for the Bengals. Hansen scored 21 points, pulled down five rebounds and handed out three assists.
Quotable: “They were prepared to play against our zone. They did a good job of attacking it and they were able to make baskets. It’s not easy to make 13 threes out of 23 attempts.” — Idaho State coach Bill Evans
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Idaho State picks up commitment from JUCO quarterback
#FAMILY #THROWITUP pic.twitter.com/9iOzfPAC2Y
— Tommy Ziegler (@TGunner9) February 13, 2015
It's official @M_sanders1026 is going to be a Bengal!!! #IDStateFootball proud of my guy! #THROWITUP pic.twitter.com/yrLTUXuni7
— Tommy Ziegler (@TGunner9) February 13, 2015
Idaho State-Northern Arizona postgame
Chris Hansen has 10 points on 3-of-5 shooting at half. #BigSkyMBB #goisu https://t.co/WhGkB3M7dg
— Kyle Franko (@ByKyleFranko) February 13, 2015
Chris Hansen 3. Bengals lead NAU 49-40, 15 minutes to go #BigSkyMBB #goisu https://t.co/MfjdcTaJLT
— Kyle Franko (@ByKyleFranko) February 13, 2015
BENGALS BITS
Idaho State 80, Northern Arizona 66
GAMER: Bengals upset Northern Arizona 80-66
Crowd: 1,492
Records: Idaho State is 6-18 and 3-9 in the Big Sky. Northern Arizona is 12-12, 7-4.
Key stat: Senior Chris Hansen broke Idaho State's school record for most 3-pointers in a career. Hansen nailed 4 of his 6 attempts from 3 against NAU and now has 213 3-pointers at ISU.
Key players: Freshman Geno Luzcando scored four points, grabbed two rebounds, handed out four assists and snatched two steals in 20 minutes of action for the Bengals.
Quotable: "When we’re able to get stops and get steals, that just opens up so many easy buckets. It opens up the lanes for us in transition. That’s how Chris is able to get open 3-pointers.” — Senior guard Nnamdi Ezenwa on the importance of ISU forcing 15 NAU turnovers
IDAHO STATE 80, NORTHERN ARIZONA 66
NORTHERN ARIZONA (12-12, 7-4)Upshur, Quinton 7-19 7-8 24; Yanku, Kris 5-13 5-5 17; Dixon, Aaseem 5-14 0-0 12; Kaluna, Ako 2-5 0-0 5; Martin, Jordyn 2-3 0-0 4; Reynolds, Zachary 0-0 2-2 2; Springs, Len 1-1 0-0 2; de Laveaga, Tate 0-0 0-0 0; Bewernick, Gaellan 0-3 0-0 0. Totals 22-58 14-15 66.
IDAHO STATE (6-18, 3-9)HANSEN, Chris 6-16 8-9 24; EZENWA, Nnamdi 5-9 3-6 15; SOLARIN, Jeffrey 4-11 4-4 12; WILSON, Ben 5-8 0-0 10; HALL, Evann 3-3 2-4 9; LUZCANDO, Geno 2-2 0-0 4; MAGOT, Ajak 1-1 0-0 2; BRADLEY, Marcus 1-1 0-0 2; SLAVIK, Andre 1-1 0-0 2; NAKKEN, Erik 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 28-52 17-23 80.
Northern Arizona 32 34 - 66
Idaho State 42 38 - 80
3-point goals--Northern Arizona 8-29 (Upshur, Quinton 3-9; Dixon, Aaseem 2-10; Yanku, Kris 2-6; Kaluna, Ako 1-3; Bewernick, Gaellan 0-1), Idaho State 7-10 (HANSEN, Chris 4-6; EZENWA, Nnamdi 2-3; HALL, Evann 1-1). Fouled out--Northern Arizona-None, Idaho State-None. Rebounds--Northern Arizona 34 (Martin, Jordyn 9), Idaho State 29 (HANSEN, Chris 7). Assists--Northern Arizona 14 (Bewernick, Gaellan 3; Dixon, Aaseem 3; Yanku, Kris 3; Kaluna, Ako 3), Idaho State 16 (WILSON, Ben 4; LUZCANDO, Geno 4; EZENWA, Nnamdi 4). Total fouls--Northern Arizona 20, Idaho State 17. Technical fouls--Northern Arizona-None, Idaho State-None. A-1492
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Idaho State-Northern Arizona pregame
NORTHERN ARIZONA AT IDAHO STATE
Holt Arena
GAME PREVIEW: Bengals host dangerous Lumberjacks
Tip-off >> Thursday, 7:05 p.m.
Watch >> Watch Big Sky
Radio >> 102.5 FM or 930 AM
Records >> Northern Arizona 12-11, 7-3; Idaho State 5-18, 2-9
Series history >> Idaho State leads the series 50-45
Last meeting >> Feb. 27, 2014 at Idaho State; NAU 66, ISU 65
About the Lumberjacks >> Northern Arizona has won five straight against Idaho State. Eight of the last 10 meetings have been decided by six points or fewer. ... The Lumberjacks are in fourth place of the Big Sky standings and trail third-place Montana by a half of a game.
About the Bengals >> Senior Chris Hansen has moved to No. 2 in career 3-pointers made in ISU history. Hansen needs three 3-pointers to pass David Schroeder’s mark of 211. ... Hansen is the 18th player in Big Sky Conference history to make 200 career 3-pointers.
Monday, February 9, 2015
Adams’ decision might be for the best, but it’s tough for EWU and the Big Sky
Vernon Adams pulled up in a cart and hobbled over to stand in front of the assembled media. The star junior quarterback with arms covered in tattoos and eye black under his left eye had just thrown for 354 yards and four touchdowns while completely befuddling Idaho State’s defense.
ISU coach Mike Kramer called him the greatest quarterback in the history of the Big Sky Conference before his team lost a 56-53 thriller to the Eagles. Adams proved he might also be one of the toughest, playing the second half with two broken metatarsal bones in his right foot.
Idaho State chased Adams all over the field that day, but he kept making plays and extending drives. The splintered bones kept him out of the next four games of the season and likely cost Adams the Walter Payton Award. He finished second in the voting, just ahead of ISU’s Justin Arias and behind Villanova’s John Robertson.
It was the second straight season Adams finished as a runner-up for the Payton, the equivalent of the Heisman trophy in the FCS. He would have been the runaway favorite to win the award as a senior at Eastern Washington.
But Adams won’t be in the running for that trophy, not after deciding to transfer to the University of Oregon on Monday morning.
Adams took to Instagram to announce his decision.
“Oregon it is! First off, I want to thank God for this amazing opportunity. I want to thank all of Eagle Nation for all the love and support. Want to thank every single one of my teammates for pushing me to be a better man/athlete everyday these past 4 years.”
Why and how is Adams making the move to Oregon? The how part is simple. Adams was a redshirt junior at Eastern Washington. He’ll graduate from EWU in June and can transfer and play immediately as a fifth-year senior at Oregon.
Eastern Washington Athletic Director Bill Chaves had an interesting comment regarding Adams’ resolution to become a Duck.
“We wish Vernon the best in his future endeavors and thank him for all that he has done for Eastern,” Chaves said in a statement. “The chance for him to pursue this opportunity is certainly a unique one given the fifth-year transfer rule. We are not sure that this was the actual intent of the legislation when it was approved, but it is the rule currently in place that we and potentially other schools have to adhere to.”
Chaves, who is one of the best athletic directors in the Big Sky, doesn’t sound pleased.
He shouldn’t be.
In three seasons, Adams threw for 10,438 yards and a Big-Sky record 110 touchdowns. Those kinds of ear-splitting numbers are why Kramer said, “He’s as good of a quarterback who’s played in this conference. And I’ve seen them all, every one of them. He’s better than them all.”
Now, why is Adams transferring to Oregon? The answers are straightforward: It’s a chance to prove he’s an elite quarterback by competing in the Pac-12. Oregon just lost Heisman-winning Marcus Mariota, and Adams can slide right in and help the Ducks get back to the four-team playoff.
I guess that’s the logic. Adams told The Oregonian, “I just thought this would be a great opportunity for my family and myself to accomplish things that I've been dreaming about since I was little. Heisman, national championship, playing at the Rose Bowl and playing at Oregon. I love it here at Eastern, but this is what I've been dreaming about."
Frankly, I find the decision disappointing. As a lover of Big Sky football, it’s disheartening to hear a quarterback like Adams claim he needs a bigger stage.
What exactly does Adams hope to prove at Oregon that he hasn’t already at Eastern Washington? The NFL has 38 games worth of video from Adams’ time at EWU. If they aren’t convinced he can play at the next level, why would throwing six touchdowns against Washington State be the final factor that proves he can?
Adams is a top-notch college quarterback. Nothing at Oregon will prove or disprove that fact. He’s also a marginal NFL prospect. While he’s listed at 6-0, 200 pounds, he’s a heck of a lot closer to 5-10, 185.
Is an NFL team more likely to draft Adams because he played one year at Oregon? Maybe. But it feels like Adams is turning his back on the school and football program where he evolved into the player he is today.
Adams dominated the Big Sky but not the rest of the nation. Eastern Washington has won the last three Big Sky championships but never advanced to the FCS championship game. Last December, Eastern Washington lost to Illinois State 59-46 at home in the quarterfinals. Towson and Sam Houston State upset the Eagles on the red turf in the semifinals the two seasons before that.
Ultimately, Adams made a business decision. And college football, even at the FCS level, is a business. He made EWU better and raised the school’s profile in his time there.
Adams doesn’t owe Eastern Washington anything.
It just stinks for the Big Sky Conference and the Eagles that Adams decided not to try and finish what he started.
ISU coach Mike Kramer called him the greatest quarterback in the history of the Big Sky Conference before his team lost a 56-53 thriller to the Eagles. Adams proved he might also be one of the toughest, playing the second half with two broken metatarsal bones in his right foot.
Idaho State chased Adams all over the field that day, but he kept making plays and extending drives. The splintered bones kept him out of the next four games of the season and likely cost Adams the Walter Payton Award. He finished second in the voting, just ahead of ISU’s Justin Arias and behind Villanova’s John Robertson.
It was the second straight season Adams finished as a runner-up for the Payton, the equivalent of the Heisman trophy in the FCS. He would have been the runaway favorite to win the award as a senior at Eastern Washington.
But Adams won’t be in the running for that trophy, not after deciding to transfer to the University of Oregon on Monday morning.
Adams took to Instagram to announce his decision.
“Oregon it is! First off, I want to thank God for this amazing opportunity. I want to thank all of Eagle Nation for all the love and support. Want to thank every single one of my teammates for pushing me to be a better man/athlete everyday these past 4 years.”
Why and how is Adams making the move to Oregon? The how part is simple. Adams was a redshirt junior at Eastern Washington. He’ll graduate from EWU in June and can transfer and play immediately as a fifth-year senior at Oregon.
Eastern Washington Athletic Director Bill Chaves had an interesting comment regarding Adams’ resolution to become a Duck.
“We wish Vernon the best in his future endeavors and thank him for all that he has done for Eastern,” Chaves said in a statement. “The chance for him to pursue this opportunity is certainly a unique one given the fifth-year transfer rule. We are not sure that this was the actual intent of the legislation when it was approved, but it is the rule currently in place that we and potentially other schools have to adhere to.”
Chaves, who is one of the best athletic directors in the Big Sky, doesn’t sound pleased.
He shouldn’t be.
In three seasons, Adams threw for 10,438 yards and a Big-Sky record 110 touchdowns. Those kinds of ear-splitting numbers are why Kramer said, “He’s as good of a quarterback who’s played in this conference. And I’ve seen them all, every one of them. He’s better than them all.”
Now, why is Adams transferring to Oregon? The answers are straightforward: It’s a chance to prove he’s an elite quarterback by competing in the Pac-12. Oregon just lost Heisman-winning Marcus Mariota, and Adams can slide right in and help the Ducks get back to the four-team playoff.
I guess that’s the logic. Adams told The Oregonian, “I just thought this would be a great opportunity for my family and myself to accomplish things that I've been dreaming about since I was little. Heisman, national championship, playing at the Rose Bowl and playing at Oregon. I love it here at Eastern, but this is what I've been dreaming about."
Frankly, I find the decision disappointing. As a lover of Big Sky football, it’s disheartening to hear a quarterback like Adams claim he needs a bigger stage.
What exactly does Adams hope to prove at Oregon that he hasn’t already at Eastern Washington? The NFL has 38 games worth of video from Adams’ time at EWU. If they aren’t convinced he can play at the next level, why would throwing six touchdowns against Washington State be the final factor that proves he can?
Adams is a top-notch college quarterback. Nothing at Oregon will prove or disprove that fact. He’s also a marginal NFL prospect. While he’s listed at 6-0, 200 pounds, he’s a heck of a lot closer to 5-10, 185.
Is an NFL team more likely to draft Adams because he played one year at Oregon? Maybe. But it feels like Adams is turning his back on the school and football program where he evolved into the player he is today.
Adams dominated the Big Sky but not the rest of the nation. Eastern Washington has won the last three Big Sky championships but never advanced to the FCS championship game. Last December, Eastern Washington lost to Illinois State 59-46 at home in the quarterfinals. Towson and Sam Houston State upset the Eagles on the red turf in the semifinals the two seasons before that.
Ultimately, Adams made a business decision. And college football, even at the FCS level, is a business. He made EWU better and raised the school’s profile in his time there.
Adams doesn’t owe Eastern Washington anything.
It just stinks for the Big Sky Conference and the Eagles that Adams decided not to try and finish what he started.
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Hawaii to hire Idaho State offensive coordinator Don Bailey
Idaho State offensive coordinator Don Bailey is set to be hired for the same position at the University of Hawaii, according to a report by FootballScoop.
Bailey arrived at Pocatello in 2011 when Idaho State hired head coach Mike Kramer. Over the past four seasons, Bailey installed a spread offense with a dynamic passing game.
In 2014, ISU averaged 40.3 points and 562 yards a game. Senior quarterback Justin Arias had the most prolific season in the school's history, throwing for a school-record 38 touchdowns and finishing third in the Walter Payton Award voting.
Bailey was Kramer's offensive coordinator for 10 seasons dating back to their time at Montana State. Together, averaged 3,027 passing yards and 4,401 yards of total offense a season. They won three Big Sky championships in 2002, 2003 and 2005 at MSU.
Read more about Bailey's coaching history here.
Read more about Bailey's coaching history here.
| Don Bailey with Mike Kramer for a decade | |||
| TD | Passing yards | Total yards | |
| 2001 | 41 | 2,400 | 3,968 |
| 2002 | 37 | 2,943 | 4,342 |
| 2003 | 44 | 2,580 | 4,484 |
| 2004 | 38 | 3,498 | 4,763 |
| 2005 | 33 | 2,680 | 4,096 |
| 2006 | 32 | 2,940 | 4,170 |
| 2011 | 26 | 3,307 | 3,604 |
| 2012 | 30 | 2,872 | 4,383 |
| 2013 | 31 | 3,564 | 4,694 |
| 2014 | 53 | 3,485 | 5,501 |
| Total | 365 | 30,269 | 44,005 |
| Average | 36.5 | 3,027 | 4,401 |
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Idaho State-Weber State postgame
Hansen layup and the foul. Misses free throw. 63-61 Weber with 1:04 to go #BigSkyMBB #goisu https://t.co/SMi2QVi4QM
— Kyle Franko (@ByKyleFranko) February 8, 2015
Solarin bucket and the foul, trims Weber lead to 62-57. 2:47 left #BigSkyMBB #goisu https://t.co/I4RW5CWWTh
— Kyle Franko (@ByKyleFranko) February 8, 2015
3-pointer for a $1,000 #GoISU love the showmanship https://t.co/HOwmuBPEvT
— Kyle Franko (@ByKyleFranko) February 8, 2015
Weber 35, Idaho St 33 #BigSkyMBB #goisu Bolomboy fouled on missed dunk https://t.co/pMfhIYqp5J
— Kyle Franko (@ByKyleFranko) February 8, 2015
BENGAL BITS
Weber State 70, Idaho State 63Crowd: 1,892
Record: Idaho State is 5-18 and 2-9 in the Big Sky. Weber State is 10-12, 5-6.
Key stat: In the second half, Idaho State was whistled for 17 personal fouls and Weber State went 21 for 26 from the foul line.
Key players: ISU senior Chris Hansen poured in 22 points and senior Jeffrey Solarin finished with 16 points and 15 rebounds. But Weber State sophomore guard Jeremy Senglin stole the show with a career-high 30 points.
Quotable: “I feel bad for them. They deserve better. But they have great integrity. They’re great kids. On Thursday night, they’re going to come out and play just as hard as they did tonight. It’s just the way they are. That’s the way they do things.” — Idaho State coach Bill Evans on seniors Chris Hansen and Jeffrey Solarin
Weber State 70, Idaho State 63
WEBER ST. (10-12)
Golden 5-11 1-1 14, Bolomboy 5-11 3-4 14, Gittens 2-9 3-4 8, Senglin 7-8 14-15 30, Hill 0-1 0-2 0, Johnson-Coston 0-0 0-0 0, Hunter 0-2 0-0 0, Richardson 1-5 0-0 2, Hajek 1-1 0-0 2. Totals 21-48 21-26 70.
IDAHO ST. (5-18)
Wilson 3-7 1-2 7, Solarin 8-13 0-4 16, Ezenwa 3-5 3-4 10, Magot 0-0 0-0 0, Hansen 6-14 6-8 22, Luzcando 0-0 0-0 0, Hall 2-4 3-5 8, Slavik 0-0 0-0 0, Bradley 0-1 0-0 0, Nakken 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 22-46 13-23 63.
Weber St. 32 38—70
Idaho St. 27 36—63
Halftime_Weber St. 32-27. 3-Point Goals_Weber St. 7-20 (Golden 3-8, Senglin 2-3, Bolomboy 1-1, Gittens 1-2, Hunter 0-1, Hill 0-1, Richardson 0-4), Idaho St. 6-10 (Hansen 4-6, Hall 1-1, Ezenwa 1-1, Nakken 0-2). Fouled Out_Luzcando. Rebounds_Weber St. 28 (Bolomboy 11), Idaho St. 33 (Solarin 15). Assists_Weber St. 6 (Gittens, Senglin 2), Idaho St. 11 (Hansen 5). Total Fouls_Weber St. 21, Idaho St. 23. Technical_Weber St. Bench. A_1,892.
Idaho State-Weber State pregame
WEBER STATE AT IDAHO STATE
Holt Arena
Holt Arena
PREVIEW: ISU begins 3-game homestand against Weber
Tip-off >> Saturday, 7:05 p.m.
Watch >> Watch Big Sky
Radio >> 102.5 FM or 930 AM
Records >> Weber State 9-12, 4-6; Idaho State 5-17, 2-8
Series history >> Weber State leads the series 76-49
Last meeting >> Feb. 17, 2014 at Idaho State; ISU 78, WSU 75
About the Wildcats >> The Wildcats are 6-0 this year when leading their opponents in field goal percentage and 3-12 when trailing in field goal percentage. ... Weber State is 26-5 the last four years in February and 44-13 over the past nine years under head coach Randy Rahe.
About the Bengals >> Since the start of the 2013-14 season, 26 of Idaho State’s 34 losses have been by nine points or fewer. In 2013-14, 16 of ISU’s 18 losses were by eight points or fewer. This year, ISU has lost six games by nine points or fewer.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
4 more Idaho State football signings
Robert Schwenke, 6-2, 300, Salt Lake City, Utah, Brighton HS., DL, Fr.
High School: Had 83 tackles, six sacks and three fumble recoveries … first-team all-region 5A and second-team all-state … plays rugby and led the team to the state championship … currently leads the state in scoring in rugby at his position … parents are Alapati and Lata and was coached by Ryan Bullet.
Nico Aguirre, 5-11, 193, Brawley, Calif., Brawley HS, DB, Fr.
High school: As a running back rushed for 1,021 yards as a senior ... averaged 8.2 yards a carry on 125 carries ... rushed for 78.5 yards as game ... had 10 rushing touchdowns and 13 total touchdowns ... parents are Javier and Sonia Curiel ... was coached by Jon Self.
Matt Peterson, 6-2, 188, Blackfoot, Idaho, Blackfoot HS., WR, Fr.
High School: As a senior earned first-team all-state honors in 2014 ... had 52 catches for 780 yards and eight touchdowns ... three-year varsity starter ... two-year letterman in basketball ... placed second in state in the 300m hurdles in track (39.1 seconds) and third in the long jump (21 feet 1 inch) ... parents are David and Naomi ... was coached by Stan Buck.
Luis Navarro, 6-3, 235, Imperial, Calif., Grossmont JC, LB, So.
Junior college: Had 45 tackles, 30 being solo in 2014 ... averaged five tackles a game ... had two sacks for a loss of 21 yards ... parents are Leticia and Luis ... was coached by Michael Jordan.
High School: Had 83 tackles, six sacks and three fumble recoveries … first-team all-region 5A and second-team all-state … plays rugby and led the team to the state championship … currently leads the state in scoring in rugby at his position … parents are Alapati and Lata and was coached by Ryan Bullet.
Nico Aguirre, 5-11, 193, Brawley, Calif., Brawley HS, DB, Fr.
High school: As a running back rushed for 1,021 yards as a senior ... averaged 8.2 yards a carry on 125 carries ... rushed for 78.5 yards as game ... had 10 rushing touchdowns and 13 total touchdowns ... parents are Javier and Sonia Curiel ... was coached by Jon Self.
Matt Peterson, 6-2, 188, Blackfoot, Idaho, Blackfoot HS., WR, Fr.
High School: As a senior earned first-team all-state honors in 2014 ... had 52 catches for 780 yards and eight touchdowns ... three-year varsity starter ... two-year letterman in basketball ... placed second in state in the 300m hurdles in track (39.1 seconds) and third in the long jump (21 feet 1 inch) ... parents are David and Naomi ... was coached by Stan Buck.
Luis Navarro, 6-3, 235, Imperial, Calif., Grossmont JC, LB, So.
Junior college: Had 45 tackles, 30 being solo in 2014 ... averaged five tackles a game ... had two sacks for a loss of 21 yards ... parents are Leticia and Luis ... was coached by Michael Jordan.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
IDAHO STATE FOOTBALL SIGNING DAY 2015
IDAHO STATE'S 2015 recruiting class bolsters talented roster
RECRUITS DRAWN to Bengals’ success
Daniel Heck, 6-2, 270, Emmett, Emmett HS, DL, Fr.
High school: Four-year letter winner in football … as a senior in 2014 named to the 3A all-state first-team as a defensive and offensive lineman.Daniel Heck, 6-2, 270, Emmett, Emmett HS, DL, Fr.
Chance Salutregui, 6-4, 227, Nampa, Skyview, DL, Fr.
High school: 2013 GOL Defensive Player of the Year … four-time all-conference … second-team all-state in 2014 … four-year varsity starter … four-year letter winner in football, one-year in basketball, one year in wrestling and a two-time letter winner in rodeo … two-time state qualifier for rodeo … parents are JD and Lisa … was coached by David Young.Idaho State head coach Mike Kramer: “Offered in our summer camp and committed to us very, very early.”
Robert Kvinsland, 6-3, 192, Gig Harbor, Wash., Peninsula HS, QB, Fr.
High school: Named to the Tacoma News Tribune All-Area team … SPSL Offensive MVP … King 5 All-Western Washington … Tacoma Athletic Club Fall Athlete of the Year … 2,700 yards passing and 28 touchdown passes as a senior.Kramer: He’s got a quick release, a good arm, an accurate arm. ... No, he’s not a runner. ... We’re not really concerned whether a guy is mobile or not. It’s about the ability to make decisions, throw the ball accurately and advance the football and move your football team.”
Kody Graves, 6-1, 209, Nampa, Skyview HS, LB, Fr.
High school: 4A SIC co-Defensive Player of the Year … All-Idaho first team and named the team defensive MVP … three-year starter.Kramer: “Kody Graves I thought was as good a linebacker we saw in state, out of state.”
Treven Aloi, 6-1, 323, Murray, Utah, Murray HS, DL, Fr.
High school: First-team All-Region 7 and honorable mention all-state in 2014 ... all-region 7 second-team and honorable mention all-state in 2013.Kramer: “He’s a young man who at 323 (pounds) has got some strength and size. ... Has not totally quite made up his mind whether he is or is not going on a mission.”
Luke Holloway, 6-3, 204, El Cajon, Calif., Helix HS, LB, Fr.
High school: Two-way starter at tight end and defensive end and outside linebacker ... 18.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, two blocked passes, three catches for 30 yards and was named to the San Diego Preps second-team All CIF defensive end.Kramer: “Tremendous ability and we would probably not necessarily like to play him right away next year because he needs some strength training to get to the full potential of where he’s at.”
Braiden Beckman, 6-0, 210, Kent, Wash., Kentridge HS, LB, Fr.
High school: Associated Press first-team all-state and named first-team All-Western Washington team by King 5 News.Kramer: “Beckman is one of the leading tacklers in the Puget Sound league in Kent, Washington. That’s my favorite league in the state of Washington. The South Puget Sound League has produced a tremendous amount of college players.”
Mason Jackson, 6-1, 214, Pasco, Wash., Richland HS., LB, Fr.
High school: Three-time letter winner in football and track and field … two-time second-team all-conference as a defensive end.Kramer: “Mason Jackson is a really unique player. He played down defensive end and we’re going to move him to linebacker. He’s a very long-armed guy who was a very productive player at Richland.”
Jake Pettit, 6-3, 230, Santa Barbara, Calif., Santa Barbara Community College, LB, Jr.
Junior college: (2014) Had 111 tackles, three sacks, 14 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and three pass break ups ... named the Santa Barbara Junior College Defensive MVP.Kramer: “Jake Pettit is ticketed to be one of our starting linebackers next year.”
Chris "Scooby" Reynolds Jr., 6-3, 193, Lakewood, Wash., Foss HS, WR, Fr.
High school: Two-time first-team all-league as a defensive back … second-team all-league as a wide receiver … honorable mention all-state athlete.
Kramer: “Tremendous long arms. He’s got leaping ability, plays on a very good basketball team. He was a very productive player.”
Spencer Hoff, 6-3, 268, San Bernardino, Calif., San Bernardino JC, DL, Jr.
Junior college: (2014) Had 51 tackles, seven tackles for loss, six sacks for a loss of 45 yards.
Kramer: “Our defensive front outside of Tyler (Kuder) is really a huge question mark. A lot of it will have to develop in spring and then we’ll have to redevelop it during two-a-days, and I think Spencer will come in with an opportunity to start.”
Ty Flanagan, 5-10, 190, Las Vegas, Nev., Mojave HS, RB, Fr.
High school: Rushed for 1,266 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior ... also had 62 tackles, two interceptions and one touchdown ... all-state honors and was the league MVP ... had 3,673 yards and 46 touchdowns in high school.
Kramer: “As physically developed as any running back we’ve had out of high school. ... He can do it all.”
Jayson Miller, 6-1, 180, San Dimas, Calif., Baldwin Park HS, DB, Fr.
High school: In 2014 had 65 receptions and 1,068 yards ... had an average of 16.4 yards a catch and 13 touchdownsKramer: “Has tremendous athletic talent, not only on the field as an offensive and defensive player but he’s starting on their basketball team as a small forward and scoring about 15.5, 16 points a game.”
Rasheed Williams, 6-1, 260, Buena Park, Calif., Mater Dei HS, DL, Fr.
High school: Had 44 tackles, seven sacks and 21 quarterback hurries as a senior … named first-team All Trinity League as a junior and senior … named to the All-Orange County first-team in 2014 and was the Mater Dei High School Defensive Player of the Year.Kramer: “To have him understand what the academic opportunity is here I thought was pretty imperative to him and unique to us.”
Tristan Cano, 6-2, 245, Rigby, Idaho, Rigby HS, DL, Fr.
High school: Three-year varsity starter and letter winner … all-conference honorable mention on the offensive and defensive line … all-state honorable mention on the offensive and defensive line.Kramer: Has just tremendous speed, outstanding feet, a way of collecting himself and movement that I really, really like. He’s got great hands but his footwork is just really, really good.”
Nikko Taylor, 6-1, 275, Riverside Junior College, DL, Jr.
Junior college (2014): Appeared in five games in 2014 at Riverside Junior College ... made 12 tackles in the five games.
Kramer: “Nikko Taylor is a junior college kid that we think can come in and certainly will start.”
Garrett Smith, 6-6, 335, Shelley, Idaho, Shelley HS, OL Fr.
High school: Will return from an LDS mission this summer … 2012 all-area and all-conference offensive lineman … 2012 3A second-team all-state offensive linemanKramer: “Has size 19 shoes. ... He was part of a really good Shelley High School crew.”
Taj Jones, 5-10, 150, Corona, Calif., Roosevelt, HS, DB, Fr.
High school: Had 67 solo tackles and 84 total tackles as a senior … finished with two interceptions, one fumble recovery and 15 pass deflections.
Idaho State football recruiting profiles
Courtesy of ISU athletics ...
IDAHO STATE FOOTBALL SIGNING DAY 2015
Daniel Heck, 6-2, 270, Emmett, Emmett HS, DL, Fr.
High school: Four-year letter winner in football … as a senior in 2014 named to the 3A all-state first-team as a defensive and offensive lineman … named the conference Defensive Player of the Year and earned first-team all-conference as a senior … named to the American Family Insurance All-USA Idaho Football Team Defensive Line … participated in the Idaho El Kora Shriner All-Star game … received the 2014 Emmett High School Player of the Year award … in 2014 ranked No. 9 by Scout.com in the Preseason Top 10 high school players for the Big Sky region … as a junior named to the 4A SIC all-conference second-team … 2013 Emmett High School Defensive Player of the Year … 2013 4A SIC Academic Award … as a sophomore earned honorable mention as an offensive lineman … 2012 (NUC) Combine Leadership Award Winner … 2012 (NUC) Combine Offensive and defensive line MVP … 2012 SIC Academic Award.
Chance Salutregui, 6-4, 227, Nampa, Skyview, DL, Fr.
High school: 2013 GOL Defensive Player of the Year … four-time all-conference … second-team all-state in 2014 … four-year varsity starter … four-year letter winner in football, one-year in basketball, one year in wrestling and a two-time letter winner in rodeo … two-time state qualifier for rodeo … parents are JD and Lisa … was coached by David Young.
Robert Kvinsland, 6-3, 192, Gig Harbor, Wash., Peninsula HS, QB, Fr.
High school: Named to the Tacoma News Tribune All-Area team … SPSL Offensive MVP … King 5 All-Western Washington … Tacoma Athletic Club Fall Athlete of the Year … 2,700 yards passing and 28 touchdown passes … parents are John and Jodi … was coached by Ross Filkins.
Kody Graves, 6-1, 209, Nampa, Skyview HS, LB, Fr.
High school: 4A SIC Co-Defensive Player of the Year … first-team all-state and named the team defensive MVP … three-year starter … two-time SIC academic honors … two-time all-conference in baseball and three-year starter … four-year letter winner … coached by David Young … parents are Scott and Melissa Graves … brothers Tyler and Hagen are currently on the team.
Treven Aloi, 6-1, 323, Murray, Utah, Murray HS, DL, Fr.
High school: First-team All-Region 7 and honorable mention all-state in 2014 ... all-region 7 second-team and honorable mention all-state in 2013 ... had 64 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 20 TFL and seven quarterback hurries while being double and triple-teamed ... on the offensive line he led the team in pancake blocks for an offense that averaged 30.2 points a game ... holds most Murray High School weight lifting scores ... parents are Sone and Lauri ... was coached my Mike Richmond.
Luke Holloway, 6-3, 204, El Cajon, Calif., Helix HS, LB, Fr.
High school: Two way starter at tight end and defensive end and outside linebacker ... 18.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, two blocked passes, three catches for 30 yards and was named to the San Diego Preps second-team All CIF defensive end ... was a member of the 2014 San Diego CIF runner up team ... 2012 and 2013 team won the Grossmont Hills League championship ... in 2011 won the California State Division II championship ... received the Helix Charter "Scottie Dawg" which is to honor the football player that exemplifies what a student-athlete should model ... three-year letter winner in football, basketball and track and field ... served two mission trips while in high school to the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica ... parents are Blair and Helena ... was coached by Troy Starr.
Braiden Beckman, 6-0, 210, Kent, Wash., Kentridge HS, LB, Fr.
High school: Associated Press first-team all-state and named to the first-team All-Western Washington team by King 5 News … first-team all-area by the Seattle Times … White Chip recruit by the Seattle Times … named the Defensive Lineman of the Year by the SPSL Coaches … first-team all-league linebacker and second-team all-league by the SPSL coaches … as a junior set the school record for tackle with 148 and broke his record as a senior with 165 … was coached by Marty Osborn … parents are Jim and Lisa Beckman.
Mason Jackson, 6-1, 214, Pasco, Wash., Richland HS., LB, Fr.
High school: Three-time letter winner in football and track and field … two-time second-team all-conference as a defensive end … all-state underclassmen honorable mention as a junior … two-time WIAA academic state champion … Oregon Relay Top 5 in the 100m dash in 2012 … parents are Leon and Noel … was coached by Mike Niehold.
Jake Pettit, 6-3, 230, Santa Barbara, Calif., Santa Barbara Community College, LB, Jr.
Junior college: (2014) Had 111 tackles, three sacks, 14 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and three pass break ups ... named the Santa Barbara Junior College Defensive MVP.
High school: Second-team all-conference at running back … three-year starter … led his team to four consecutive state championships … parents are Joe Pettit and Tessa Debould … was coached by Craig Moropoulus.
Chris "Scooby" Reynolds Jr., 6-3, 193, Lakewood, Wash., Foss HS, WR, Fr.
High school: Two-time first-team all-league as a defensive back … second-team all-league as a wide receiver … honorable mention all-state athlete … parents are Chris Reynolds Sr. and Ally Skinner-Reynolds … was coached by Patrick Johnson.
Spencer Hoff, 6-3, 268, San Bernardino, Calif., San Bernardino JC, DL, Jr.
Junior college: (2014) Had 51 tackles, seven tackles for loss, six sacks for a loss of 45 yards.
High school: First-team all-conference as a defensive tackle … named the Lineman of the Year … parents are Dave and Tammy Hoff … was coached by John Shipp.
Ty Flanagan, 5-10, 190, Las Vegas, Nev., Mojave HS, RB, Fr.
High school: Rushed for 1,266 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior ... also had 62 tackles, two interceptions and one touchdown ... all-state honors and was the league MVP ... had 3,673 yards and 46 touchdowns in high school.
Jayson Miller, 6-1, 180, San Dimas, Calif., Baldwin Park HS, DB, Fr.
High school: In 2014 had 65 receptions and 1,068 yards ... had an average of 16.4 yards a catch and 13 touchdowns ... four-time Max Preps Player of the Week ... 86 total tackles with five interceptions, two sacks, 17 pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Rasheed Williams, 6-1, 260, Buena Park, Calif., Mater Dei HS, DL, Fr.
High school: Had 44 tackles, seven sacks and 21 quarterback hurries as a senior … named first-team All Trinity League as a junior and senior … named to the All-Orange County first-team in 2014 and was the Mater Dei High School Defensive Player of the Year.
Tristan Cano, 6-2, 245, Rigby, Idaho, Rigby HS, DL, Fr.
High school: Three-year varsity starter and letter winner … all-conference honorable mention on the offensive and defensive line … all-state honorable mention on the offensive and defensive line … three-year letter winner in track and field … placed eighth at districts.
Nikko Taylor, 6-1, 275, Riverside Junior College, DL, Jr.
Garrett Smith, 6-6, 335, Shelley, Idaho, Shelley HS. OL Fr.
Shelley HS: Will return from an LDS mission this summer … 2012 all-area and all-conference offensive lineman … 2012 3A second-team all-state offensive lineman … eagle scout … two-year letter winner in basketball
Idaho State 2015 football recruiting class updates
Idaho State has announced that Tate Razor, Spencer Harshman, Trae Pilster and Jakori Ford will receive scholarships in the fall of 2015. And Pilster, a former quarterback and Blackfoot and Snow College, will move to wide receiver.
FB: Here r ur newest Bengal FBALL players: Daniel Heck, 6-2, 270, Emmett, Idaho, Emmett HS., DL, Fr.; #GoISU
— ISU Athletics (@ISUBengals) February 4, 2015
FB: Another future Bengal has signed. Robert Kvinsland, 6-3, 192, Gig Harbor, Wash., Peninsula HS., QB, Fr. #GoISU
— ISU Athletics (@ISUBengals) February 4, 2015
READ MORE about Robert Kvinsland here.
FB: Welcome Chance Salutregui to the ISU family: Chance Salutregui, 6-4, 227, Nampa, Idaho, Skyview HS., DL, Fr. #GoISU
— ISU Athletics (@ISUBengals) February 4, 2015
READ MORE about Salutregui here.
FB:@GravesKody Graves, 6-1, 209, Nampa, Idaho, Skyview HS., LB, Fr. is the newest Bengal. #GoISU
— ISU Athletics (@ISUBengals) February 4, 2015
READ MORE about Graves here.
FB: Treven Aloi, 6-1, 323, Murray, Utah, Murray HS., DL, Fr. is the latest Bengal sign. #GoISU
— ISU Athletics (@ISUBengals) February 4, 2015
FB: Welcome Luke Holloway, 6-3, 204, El Cajon, Calif., Helix HS., LB, Fr.. as the newest member of the Bengal football family. #GoISU
— ISU Athletics (@ISUBengals) February 4, 2015
FB : Braiden Beckman, 6-0, 210, Kent, Wash., Kentridge HS., LB, Fr. is newest Bengal football player. #GoISU
— ISU Athletics (@ISUBengals) February 4, 2015
READ MORE about Beckman here.
FB: The newest member of the Bengal football program: Mason Jackson, 6-1, 214, Pasco, Wash., Richland HS., LB, Fr. #GoISU
— ISU Athletics (@ISUBengals) February 4, 2015
FB: Jake Pettit, 6-3, 230, Santa Barbara, Calif., Santa Barbara Community College, LB, Jr. is the latest member of the Bengal football team.
— ISU Athletics (@ISUBengals) February 4, 2015
FB: The newest Bengal football player: Chris "Scooby" Reynolds Jr., 6-3, 193, Lakewood, Wash., Foss HS., WR, Fr. #GoISU
— ISU Athletics (@ISUBengals) February 4, 2015
READ MORE about Reynolds here.
FB: Welcome Spencer Hoff: Spencer Hoff, 6-3, 268, San Bernardino, Calif., San Bernardino JC, DL, Jr. #GoISU
— ISU Athletics (@ISUBengals) February 4, 2015
FB: Welcome Ty Flanagan. Ty Flanagan, 5-10, 190, Las Vegas, Nev., Mojave HS., RB, Fr. #GoISU
— ISU Athletics (@ISUBengals) February 4, 2015
FB: The newest Bengal: Jayson Miller, 6-1, 180, San Dimas, Calif., Baldwin Park HS., DB, Fr. #GoISU
— ISU Athletics (@ISUBengals) February 4, 2015
FB: Welcome Rasheed Williams. Rasheed Williams, 6-1, 260, Buena Park, Calif., Mater Dei HS., DL, Fr. #GoISU
— ISU Athletics (@ISUBengals) February 4, 2015
FB: Welcome Tristan Cano: Tristan Cano, 6-2, 245, Rigby, Idaho, Rigby HS., DL, Fr. #GoISU
— ISU Athletics (@ISUBengals) February 4, 2015
READ MORE about Cano here.
FB: Nikko Taylor, 6-1, 275, Riverside Junior College, DL, Jr. #GoISU
— ISU Athletics (@ISUBengals) February 4, 2015
FB: Garrett Smith, 6-6, 335, Shelley, Idaho, Shelley HS. OL Fr. #GoISU
— ISU Athletics (@ISUBengals) February 4, 2015
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Idaho State commit from Eagle wasn't sure about the Bengals right away
Idaho State offered Eagle High School defensive back Josh Labrador a football scholarship last spring.
But the 6-foot-1, 215-pound safety was skeptical.
“I just didn't really know too much about (Idaho State), to be honest,” Labrador said. “I'd heard of ISU, of course, but I'd never been to Pocatello.”
The more he learned about the Bengals and talked with the coaching staff, though, the more Labrador liked what he saw.
He committed to Idaho State in December.
“All my life, I haven’t heard much good about ISU until the current staff that is there now,” Labrador said. “Coach (Mike) Kramer, he’s been rebuilding the program.”
Labrador was at Holt Arena when the Bengals beat nationally-ranked Cal Poly in front of a season-high crowd of 9,323. As the Dome was rocking and the Bengals were on their way to a winning season for the first time in a decade, Labrador’s apprehension of ISU’s previous reputation was fading away.
“I want to go somewhere where we're going to be winning football games,” Labrador said.
Winning is the only thing Labrador has ever known. Since his high school coaches moved him from running back to corner as a sophomore, the Mustangs have won 24 games the past three seasons and reached the 5A state playoffs every year.
Labrador moved to free safety his senior season and was a member of the All-Idaho First Team. He was a key component of the Eagles offense as a two-way player, rushing for 602 yards and 14 touchdowns.
The Bengals, Labrador says, expect him to play on defense as either a safety or outside linebacker.
Labrador is one of 17 known players who has verbally committed to Idaho State. The Bengals are holding a 2 p.m. press conference Wednesday to announce the entire 2015 recruiting class.
But the 6-foot-1, 215-pound safety was skeptical.
“I just didn't really know too much about (Idaho State), to be honest,” Labrador said. “I'd heard of ISU, of course, but I'd never been to Pocatello.”
The more he learned about the Bengals and talked with the coaching staff, though, the more Labrador liked what he saw.
He committed to Idaho State in December.
“All my life, I haven’t heard much good about ISU until the current staff that is there now,” Labrador said. “Coach (Mike) Kramer, he’s been rebuilding the program.”
Labrador was at Holt Arena when the Bengals beat nationally-ranked Cal Poly in front of a season-high crowd of 9,323. As the Dome was rocking and the Bengals were on their way to a winning season for the first time in a decade, Labrador’s apprehension of ISU’s previous reputation was fading away.
“I want to go somewhere where we're going to be winning football games,” Labrador said.
Winning is the only thing Labrador has ever known. Since his high school coaches moved him from running back to corner as a sophomore, the Mustangs have won 24 games the past three seasons and reached the 5A state playoffs every year.
Labrador moved to free safety his senior season and was a member of the All-Idaho First Team. He was a key component of the Eagles offense as a two-way player, rushing for 602 yards and 14 touchdowns.
The Bengals, Labrador says, expect him to play on defense as either a safety or outside linebacker.
Labrador is one of 17 known players who has verbally committed to Idaho State. The Bengals are holding a 2 p.m. press conference Wednesday to announce the entire 2015 recruiting class.
Monday, February 2, 2015
Big Sky Rankings — Letting it fly in Sacramento
The committee (of one) is still processing how Seattle didn’t score
from the 1-yard line on Sunday. With the title just out of their grasp,
the Seahawks best offensive player didn’t touch the fully-inflated
football.
It’s like Michael Jordan not having a chance to torch Utah in the ’98 NBA Finals or Idaho State taking the ball out of Justin Arias’ hands when it counted the most.
Live and die with what got you there.
Kind of like Sacramento State in its dramatic win over Montana on Saturday. The Hornets leaned on guard Dylan Garrity in the closing seconds for the biggest shot of the game, ignoring the fact that the senior was 1 for 6 from the field before he hit the game-winning shot.
Shaking our heads, Seahawks.
Without further ado.
1. Eastern Washington
Record: 16-5, 7-1
Last week: Unranked
AdjO - AdjD = 3.1
The Eagles upped their scoring average in the Big Sky to 87.8 points a game after outlasting Idaho 98-95 in overtime.
Eastern guard Tyler Harvey, who is scoring 24.5 points a game in conference play, suffered a quad contusion in the win. But the Spokesman Review is reporting EWU expects Harvey to play Thursday at Montana.
NOTE: A week ago, Eastern Washington couldn’t be ranked because Harvey, the Eagles star guard, had blocked the entire committee (of one) on Twitter. After a swift internal investigation that wasn’t transparent or decisive, the Eagles and Harvey are once again permitted to be dissected and ranked. The committee (of one) is happily and luckily no longer blocked.
2. Sacramento State
Record: 16-5, 7-1
Last week: No. 2
AdjO - AdjD = -2.6
Sac State swept a pair of home games, beating Montana State (75-59) and Montana (70-69).
The Big Sky won’t let the Hornets host the men’s tournament in their 1,102 seat arena called the Hornets Nest, and the folks in Sac are in desperation mode trying to find a suitable location.
3. Montana
Record: 11-9, 7-2
Last week: No. 3
AdjO - AdjD = .2
Montana rolled Portland State 73-54 before losing at Sacramento State 70-69.
The Grizzlies have to feel bummed they blew an eight-point lead with three minutes left in Sacramento. Even after the loss, though, Montana is in position to win the regular season championship.
4. Northern Arizona
Record: 10-11, 5-3
Last week: No. 4
AdjO - AdjD = -3.5
The Lumberjacks whipped Southern Utah 81-60 in Cedar City, Utah.
Montana, Sac State and Eastern Washington have separated from the pack. Northern Arizona, with the league’s second-best scoring defense, might be the one team that can keep pace.
5. Northern Colorado
Record: 11-9, 6-3
Last week: No. 5
AdjO - AdjD = -5.4
Northern Colorado swept Idaho State (79-76) and Weber State (71-57) in Greeley, Colorado.
The Bears can score. For evidence, see UNC’s 12-for-17 3-point shooting effort against Idaho State.
6. Idaho
Record: 8-11, 3-5
Last week: No. 6
AdjO - AdjD = -5.7
Idaho guard Mike Scott scored 23 points on 15 shots while handing out eight assists and no turnovers against Eastern Washington, but the Vandals still lost in overtime 98-95.
In the Vandals final 10 games of the season, seven are away from Moscow where Idaho is 1-7 this season. Despite how good the Vandals have looked in some of their wins (Idaho State, Weber State) and losses (Eastern Washington, twice) they’ll have to play exceptional down the closing stretch just to make the postseason tournament.
7. Weber State
Record: 9-12, 4-6
Last week: No. 8
AdjD - AdjO = -7.6
Weber State did the thing Idaho State couldn’t, splitting a pair of road games with a win at North Dakota 67-60 and a 71-57 loss at Northern Colorado.
For all their athleticism, size and length, the Wildcats just haven’t proven they’re good enough on defense to consistently win every night in the Big Sky. But the committee (of one) is buying stock in the ’Cats, who play five of their last eight at home.
8. Portland State
Record: 11-9, 5-5
Last week: No. 7
AdjO - AdjD = -9.1
Portland State was buried by Montana in a 73-54 defeat, but the Vikings bounced back to knock off Montana State 80-62.
Montana’s league-leading defense smothered PSU, holding the Vikings to 30 percent shooting in the second half. Portland State’s next three games (at Sacramento State, Idaho and Eastern Washington) will go a long way toward determining the Vikings’ postseason fate.
9. North Dakota
Record: 7-13, 3-6
Last week: No. 9
AdjO - AdjD = -11.4
The mascot-less lost to Weber State 67-60 and then took down Idaho State 80-69 in frigid Grand Forks, snapping a four-game losing streak at home.
Northern Colorado buried the Bengals with long-distance threes. North Dakota relied on sophomore guard Quinton Hook’s near triple-double (15 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds).
10. Southern Utah
Record: 5-15, 2-6
Last week: No. 10
AdjO - AdjD = -14.7
SUU watched Northern Arizona drain eight 3-pointers in the first half on the way to an ugly 81-60 loss at home.
Since beating Idaho State and Weber State in back-to-back games, the Thunderbirds have dropped three straight.
11. Idaho State
Record: 5-17, 2-8
Last week: No. 11
AdjO - AdjD = -12
ISU lost at Northern Colorado 79-76 and North Dakota 80-69.
The Bengals played well against the Bears, nearly forcing overtime when freshman Geno Luzcando hit a long 2-pointer with his foot on the 3-point line. Then ISU couldn’t rally from a big deficit at North Dakota. And that, in a nutshell, is Bengals basketball in 2015.
12. Montana State
Record: 4-17, 1-8
Last week: No. 12
AdjO - AdjD = -15
Montana State lost by 16 (75-69) at Sac State and 18 (80-62) at Portland State. The ’Cats just don’t have the horses in head coach Brian Fish’s inaugural season.
It’s like Michael Jordan not having a chance to torch Utah in the ’98 NBA Finals or Idaho State taking the ball out of Justin Arias’ hands when it counted the most.
Live and die with what got you there.
Kind of like Sacramento State in its dramatic win over Montana on Saturday. The Hornets leaned on guard Dylan Garrity in the closing seconds for the biggest shot of the game, ignoring the fact that the senior was 1 for 6 from the field before he hit the game-winning shot.
Shaking our heads, Seahawks.
Without further ado.
1. Eastern Washington
Record: 16-5, 7-1
Last week: Unranked
AdjO - AdjD = 3.1
The Eagles upped their scoring average in the Big Sky to 87.8 points a game after outlasting Idaho 98-95 in overtime.
Eastern guard Tyler Harvey, who is scoring 24.5 points a game in conference play, suffered a quad contusion in the win. But the Spokesman Review is reporting EWU expects Harvey to play Thursday at Montana.
NOTE: A week ago, Eastern Washington couldn’t be ranked because Harvey, the Eagles star guard, had blocked the entire committee (of one) on Twitter. After a swift internal investigation that wasn’t transparent or decisive, the Eagles and Harvey are once again permitted to be dissected and ranked. The committee (of one) is happily and luckily no longer blocked.
2. Sacramento State
Record: 16-5, 7-1
Last week: No. 2
AdjO - AdjD = -2.6
Sac State swept a pair of home games, beating Montana State (75-59) and Montana (70-69).
The Big Sky won’t let the Hornets host the men’s tournament in their 1,102 seat arena called the Hornets Nest, and the folks in Sac are in desperation mode trying to find a suitable location.
3. Montana
Record: 11-9, 7-2
Last week: No. 3
AdjO - AdjD = .2
Montana rolled Portland State 73-54 before losing at Sacramento State 70-69.
The Grizzlies have to feel bummed they blew an eight-point lead with three minutes left in Sacramento. Even after the loss, though, Montana is in position to win the regular season championship.
4. Northern Arizona
Record: 10-11, 5-3
Last week: No. 4
AdjO - AdjD = -3.5
The Lumberjacks whipped Southern Utah 81-60 in Cedar City, Utah.
Montana, Sac State and Eastern Washington have separated from the pack. Northern Arizona, with the league’s second-best scoring defense, might be the one team that can keep pace.
5. Northern Colorado
Record: 11-9, 6-3
Last week: No. 5
AdjO - AdjD = -5.4
Northern Colorado swept Idaho State (79-76) and Weber State (71-57) in Greeley, Colorado.
The Bears can score. For evidence, see UNC’s 12-for-17 3-point shooting effort against Idaho State.
6. Idaho
Record: 8-11, 3-5
Last week: No. 6
AdjO - AdjD = -5.7
Idaho guard Mike Scott scored 23 points on 15 shots while handing out eight assists and no turnovers against Eastern Washington, but the Vandals still lost in overtime 98-95.
In the Vandals final 10 games of the season, seven are away from Moscow where Idaho is 1-7 this season. Despite how good the Vandals have looked in some of their wins (Idaho State, Weber State) and losses (Eastern Washington, twice) they’ll have to play exceptional down the closing stretch just to make the postseason tournament.
7. Weber State
Record: 9-12, 4-6
Last week: No. 8
AdjD - AdjO = -7.6
Weber State did the thing Idaho State couldn’t, splitting a pair of road games with a win at North Dakota 67-60 and a 71-57 loss at Northern Colorado.
For all their athleticism, size and length, the Wildcats just haven’t proven they’re good enough on defense to consistently win every night in the Big Sky. But the committee (of one) is buying stock in the ’Cats, who play five of their last eight at home.
8. Portland State
Record: 11-9, 5-5
Last week: No. 7
AdjO - AdjD = -9.1
Portland State was buried by Montana in a 73-54 defeat, but the Vikings bounced back to knock off Montana State 80-62.
Montana’s league-leading defense smothered PSU, holding the Vikings to 30 percent shooting in the second half. Portland State’s next three games (at Sacramento State, Idaho and Eastern Washington) will go a long way toward determining the Vikings’ postseason fate.
9. North Dakota
Record: 7-13, 3-6
Last week: No. 9
AdjO - AdjD = -11.4
The mascot-less lost to Weber State 67-60 and then took down Idaho State 80-69 in frigid Grand Forks, snapping a four-game losing streak at home.
Northern Colorado buried the Bengals with long-distance threes. North Dakota relied on sophomore guard Quinton Hook’s near triple-double (15 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds).
10. Southern Utah
Record: 5-15, 2-6
Last week: No. 10
AdjO - AdjD = -14.7
SUU watched Northern Arizona drain eight 3-pointers in the first half on the way to an ugly 81-60 loss at home.
Since beating Idaho State and Weber State in back-to-back games, the Thunderbirds have dropped three straight.
11. Idaho State
Record: 5-17, 2-8
Last week: No. 11
AdjO - AdjD = -12
ISU lost at Northern Colorado 79-76 and North Dakota 80-69.
The Bengals played well against the Bears, nearly forcing overtime when freshman Geno Luzcando hit a long 2-pointer with his foot on the 3-point line. Then ISU couldn’t rally from a big deficit at North Dakota. And that, in a nutshell, is Bengals basketball in 2015.
12. Montana State
Record: 4-17, 1-8
Last week: No. 12
AdjO - AdjD = -15
Montana State lost by 16 (75-69) at Sac State and 18 (80-62) at Portland State. The ’Cats just don’t have the horses in head coach Brian Fish’s inaugural season.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Idaho State offers junior college quarterback
Idaho State has offered Scottsdale Community College quarterback Michael Sanders.
Sanders, a sophomore, led Scottsdale to an 8-3 record last season while throwing for 3,535 yards, 38 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Sanders declined a phone interview, saying that his coaches have told him to hold off from speaking to the media. But in a Twitter message, Sanders wrote, "But I am interested in the school!"
Judging from Sanders' highlights at Scottsdale — check out some highlights from Sanders here — he played in a spread offense that relied heavily on vertical passes. He could be a great fit with the Bengals and receivers Madison Mangum, Broc Malcom and Hagen Graves (not to mention KW Williams and Josh Cook).
"All my life, I haven't heard much good about ISU until the current staff that is there now," Labrador said. "Coach (Mike) Kramer, he's been rebuilding the program."
Sanders, a sophomore, led Scottsdale to an 8-3 record last season while throwing for 3,535 yards, 38 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Sanders declined a phone interview, saying that his coaches have told him to hold off from speaking to the media. But in a Twitter message, Sanders wrote, "But I am interested in the school!"
Judging from Sanders' highlights at Scottsdale — check out some highlights from Sanders here — he played in a spread offense that relied heavily on vertical passes. He could be a great fit with the Bengals and receivers Madison Mangum, Broc Malcom and Hagen Graves (not to mention KW Williams and Josh Cook).
Congrats to @M_sanders1026 on Idaho St. offer! #THROWITUP
— Tommy Ziegler (@TGunner9) January 30, 2015
Also, I'll have more on ISU commit Josh Labrador next week. Labrador is a 6-1, 215-pound safety from Eagle who said he wasn't convinced Idaho State the best fit when the Bengals offered last spring."All my life, I haven't heard much good about ISU until the current staff that is there now," Labrador said. "Coach (Mike) Kramer, he's been rebuilding the program."
Looks like I'm gonna be a Bengal next year! Thanks to everyone who got me to this point in life pic.twitter.com/r2o3Ch4NJg
— Josh (@younglabby) December 17, 2014
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Idaho State’s 2015 football schedule solidified
The Bengals have had to make several changes in the past few months, the most prominent being the cancellation of a game at BYU.
The Cougars wanted to play Missouri at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on Nov. 24, the same day as BYU’s previously scheduled game against UNLV.
UNLV agreed to shift its matchup with BYU back to either 2016 or 2017. But it left the Rebels with an open date on their schedule. That hole will be filled by Idaho State.
As part of the new agreement, BYU and Missouri split the difference in Idaho State’s guaranteed money between its contract with BYU and UNLV. BYU was going to pay Idaho State $420,000, and UNLV will dole out $325,000, according to a report by the Kansas City Star. BYU and Missouri will also pay for ISU’s charter flight to Las Vegas.
Idaho State was going to play at BYU on Oct. 24. Now the Bengals will take on Sacramento State on Oct. 24, and the 31st will be a bye week.
The Bengals will travel to UNLV on Sept. 26, a day when ISU was originally scheduled to host Portland State. The Vikings agreed to play at Idaho State on Sept. 12.
Idaho State, which will likely begin the season ranked, hosts Division II Black Hills State on Sept. 5 The Bengals’ nonconference opponents also include Boise State (Sept. 19) and UNLV.
ISU will host the Vikings, Eastern Washington (Oct. 17), Montana (Nov. 7) and Montana State (Nov. 14). The Bengals play Big Sky road games at Cal Poly (Oct. 3), North Dakota (Oct. 10), Sacramento State (Oct. 24) and Weber State (Nov. 21).
Idaho State starts preparing in earnest for the upcoming season with spring practice this April.
Idaho State 2015 schedule
NEW
Sept. 5: vs. Black Hills State
Sept. 12: vs. Portland State
Sept. 19: at Boise State
Sept. 26: at UNLV
Oct. 3: at Cal Poly
Oct. 10: at North Dakota
Oct. 17: vs. Eastern Washington
Oct. 24: at Sacramento State
Oct. 31: BYE
Nov. 7: vs. Montana
Nov. 14: vs. Montana State
Nov. 21: at Weber State
OLD
Sept. 5: vs. Black Hills State
Sept. 12: BYE
Sept. 19: at Boise State
Sept. 26: vs. Portland State
Oct. 3: at Cal Poly
Oct. 10: at North Dakota
Oct. 17: vs. Eastern Washington
Oct. 24: at BYU
Oct. 31: at Sacramento State
Nov. 7: vs. Montana
Nov. 14: vs. Montana State
Nov. 21: at Weber State
The Cougars wanted to play Missouri at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on Nov. 24, the same day as BYU’s previously scheduled game against UNLV.
UNLV agreed to shift its matchup with BYU back to either 2016 or 2017. But it left the Rebels with an open date on their schedule. That hole will be filled by Idaho State.
As part of the new agreement, BYU and Missouri split the difference in Idaho State’s guaranteed money between its contract with BYU and UNLV. BYU was going to pay Idaho State $420,000, and UNLV will dole out $325,000, according to a report by the Kansas City Star. BYU and Missouri will also pay for ISU’s charter flight to Las Vegas.
Idaho State was going to play at BYU on Oct. 24. Now the Bengals will take on Sacramento State on Oct. 24, and the 31st will be a bye week.
The Bengals will travel to UNLV on Sept. 26, a day when ISU was originally scheduled to host Portland State. The Vikings agreed to play at Idaho State on Sept. 12.
Idaho State, which will likely begin the season ranked, hosts Division II Black Hills State on Sept. 5 The Bengals’ nonconference opponents also include Boise State (Sept. 19) and UNLV.
ISU will host the Vikings, Eastern Washington (Oct. 17), Montana (Nov. 7) and Montana State (Nov. 14). The Bengals play Big Sky road games at Cal Poly (Oct. 3), North Dakota (Oct. 10), Sacramento State (Oct. 24) and Weber State (Nov. 21).
Idaho State starts preparing in earnest for the upcoming season with spring practice this April.
Idaho State 2015 schedule
NEW
Sept. 5: vs. Black Hills State
Sept. 12: vs. Portland State
Sept. 19: at Boise State
Sept. 26: at UNLV
Oct. 3: at Cal Poly
Oct. 10: at North Dakota
Oct. 17: vs. Eastern Washington
Oct. 24: at Sacramento State
Oct. 31: BYE
Nov. 7: vs. Montana
Nov. 14: vs. Montana State
Nov. 21: at Weber State
OLD
Sept. 5: vs. Black Hills State
Sept. 12: BYE
Sept. 19: at Boise State
Sept. 26: vs. Portland State
Oct. 3: at Cal Poly
Oct. 10: at North Dakota
Oct. 17: vs. Eastern Washington
Oct. 24: at BYU
Oct. 31: at Sacramento State
Nov. 7: vs. Montana
Nov. 14: vs. Montana State
Nov. 21: at Weber State
Idaho State at Northern Colorado pregame
Idaho State at Northern Colorado
Bank of Colorado Arena, Greeley, Colorado
Bank of Colorado Arena, Greeley, Colorado
PREVIEW: ISU hopes to keep improving against UNC
Tip-off >> Thursday, 7 p.m.
Watch >> Watch Big Sky
Radio >> 102.5 FM or 930 AM
Records >> Idaho State 5-15, 2-6; Northern Colorado 9-9, 4-3
Series history >> Idaho State leads the series 34-19
Last meeting >> Feb. 6, 2014 at Idaho State; ISU 73, UNC 70
About the Bengals >> Idaho State and Northern Colorado have split the season series the last two seasons with each team winning on its home court. ... Idaho State has not won in Greeley since Jan. 2, 2012. ... Senior guard Chris Hansen is seventh in the Big Sky averaging 17.8 points a game. ... Senior Jeffrey Solarin is second in the Big Sky with 8.1 rebounds a game.
About the Bears >> Senior guard Tim Huskisson is 62 points shy of 1,000 career points. ... Huskisson averaged 21.5 points for the Bears in two losses at Eastern Washington and Idaho last week. ... Northern Colorado erased a 17-point deficit in the final minutes against Idaho, but was unable to pull out the win, losing 83-79.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Big Sky Rankings — A clear top, fat middle and thin bottom
How much fun were Idaho State’s two home games at Reed Gym last week?
Both contests weren’t decided until the final minute and had wild swings of momentum. Reed Gym was a perfect venue. With crowds of 1,500 for Thursday’s game against Sacramento State and 1,763 Saturday for Portland State, Reed felt full and lively.
It’s cramped, intimate atmosphere and perfect for college basketball.
The committee (of one) hereby officially proposes Idaho State men’s basketball abandons cavernous, cold Holt Arena to play at Reed for all of its home games.
Without further ado.
Unranked: Eastern Washington
Record: 15-5, 6-1
Last week: No. 1
AdjO - AdjD = 4.4
With an offense that was just rolling last week, Eastern Washington defeated Northern Colorado (95-85) and North Dakota (102-80).
Unfortunately, the committee (of one) cannot rank the Eagles. It was recently uncovered that EWU star guard Tyler Harvey, blocked the committee (of one) on Twitter.
This surprising and hurtful discovery has created an overblown reaction on the committee’s part. An internal investigation has been launched. It should only take one or two days, but estimates coming in now peg the investigation lasting anywhere from two to six months.
Think deflategate — but bigger.
Sources close to the committee (of one) are reporting that if the Eagles were eligible to be ranked this week they would retain the No. 1 spot. Because when Harvey isn’t busy blocking good people on Twitter, he’s being named the co-Big Sky Player of the Week after averaging 30.5 points, 3.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds in Eastern’s two wins.
2. Sacramento State
Record: 13-6, 7-1
Last week: No. 2
AdjO - AdjD = -2.2
Sacramento State remained in first place of the Big Sky with wins at Idaho State (62-59) and Weber State (78-71).
Sac senior Mikh McKinney joins Harvey as the league’s co-player of the week. McKinney was the best player on the floor when the Hornets snuck by the Bengals, and was even better against Weber State, going off for 27 points in the second half.
McKinney averaged 28.5 points and six assists in the two games. The 6-1 guard turned the ball over once despite playing 78 total minutes.
3. Montana
Record: 10-8, 6-1
Last week: No. 3
AdjO - AdjD = -1.3
In two home games, Montana knocked off Northern Arizona 64-57 and Southern Utah 58-56.
Remember when the Grizzlies torched Idaho State’s defense for 90 points and 15 3-pointers back on Jan. 10? UM was on fire that game.
The Grizzlies were pretty much the exact opposite against Southern Utah as they went 2 for 14 from three and finished with first half with 19 points. Granted, some of the credit goes to SUU’s defense, but the Bengals have to look at that game and wonder what the heck went wrong when they played UM.
4. Northern Arizona
Record: 9-11, 4-3
Last week: No. 6
AdjO - AdjD = -4.4
The Lumberjacks lost at Montana 64-57 before rebounding to take down Montana state 71-64.
The committee (of one) watched the second half between Northern Arizona and Montana State — mainly because no one on the board has a life outside of sports.
The committee's main takeaway from NAU’s win is that sophomore guard Kris Yanku is a future star. Yanku always seems like he’s under control and no moment is too big for the Chatsworth, California, native. Yanku had 15 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds at MSU as the Lumberjacks rallied from an eight-point deficit in the second half.
5. Northern Colorado
Record: 9-9, 4-3
Last week: No. 4
AdjO- AdjD = -4.8
The Bears dropped back-to-back road contests to Eastern Washington (95-85) and Idaho (83-79).
Out of 351 Division I teams, Northern Colorado is No. 341 in points allowed per defensive possession (1.14). Eastern and Idaho shot a combined 56 percent from the floor and 24 for 43 from the 3-point line against the Bears.
But at the same time, UNC is second in the Big Sky averaging 1.09 points per possession on offense and had chances to win two tough road games.
6. Idaho
Record: 8-10, 3-4
Last week: No. 8
AdjO - AdjD = -6.1
Idaho lost in Moscow to North Dakota 71-63, but the Vandals bounced back with an 83-79 win over Northern Colorado.
The Vandals perplex the committee (of one). They started Big Sky play with good wins against Idaho State and Weber State and hung with Eastern Washington in a close defeat. Losing at Sacramento State and Portland State is understandable, but getting beat by North Dakota at home is inexcusable if Idaho wants to make a push for a high seed in the postseason tournament.
The committee (of one) can no longer assume Idaho is even going to reach the postseason. The Vandals wrap up Big Sky play with eight of their final 11 games on the road.
7. Portland State
Record: 10-8, 4-4
Last week: No. 7
ADjO - AdjD = -7.8
Portland State beat Weber State 69-63 in Ogden, Utah, and lost at Idaho State 80-76.
The committee (of one) couldn’t have been more impressed with PSU’s offense Saturday night, but the Vikings were exposed in the paint where Idaho State grabbed 12 offensive rebounds and scored 34 points.
Anyone outside of Pocatello will undoubtedly view Portland State’s loss to ISU as an upset and a missed opportunity for the Vikings. But Idaho State looks like an improving ball club and PSU still managed to get a split on the road.
8. Weber State
Record: 8-11, 3-5
Last week: No. 5
AdjO - AdjD = -7.3
For the first time in head coach Randy Rahe’s tenure, Weber State lost two straight games at home.
Portland State knocked off the Wildcats 69-63 and Sac State won in Ogden 78-71.
Weber is 10th in Big Sky play in field goal percentage offense (42.5 percent) and defense (48 percent). Only Eastern Washington has attempted more 3-pointers than WSU (171 vs. 170), but the Eagles make them at a much higher clip (43 percent compared to 37 percent for the ’Cats).
In other words, Weber State hasn’t been great defensively, while jacking up a high rate of long-distance shots even though that’s not its strength.
The fact is, Rahe and the Wildcats are experiencing the pains of a young team. None of WSU’s top seven scorers are seniors. The future is as bright as ever at Weber. This developing team might still have a shot to figure things out this season.
9. North Dakota
Record: 6-12, 2-5
Last week: No. 11
AdjO - AdjD = -11
The mascot-less upset Idaho 71-63 and lost to Eastern Washington 102-80.
North Dakota had lost four in a row — the last three in frigid Grand Forks — before beating the Vandals, and UND led by six at half against the Eagles. If nothing else, the team formerly known as the Fighting Sioux flashed 60 minutes of serious potential.
10. Southern Utah
Record: 5-13, 2-5
Last week: No. 9
AdjO - AdjD = -12.9
The Thunderbirds lost at Montana State 79-65 and Montana 58-56.
Southern Utah’s next three games (all of them at home) could determine SUU’s ultimate fate this season. The T-birds host Northern Arizona, North Dakota and Northern Colorado. Win two of those games and they’d position themselves to make a run at the postseason, which would be a feat in its own right after SUU went 1-19 in the Big Sky last season.
11. Idaho State
Record: 5-15, 2-6
Last week: No. 10
AdjO - AdjD = -12.7
In the tight and wonderful confines of Reed Gym, ISU lost to Sacramento State 62-59 and beat Portland State 80-76.
PSU was absolutely a must-win game for the Bengals, and they responded with one of their better offensive performances of the season.
Idaho State is 2-6 in the Big Sky but a mere game behind eighth-place Weber State. If the Bengals can get a split this week at Northern Colorado and North Dakota, they return for a three-game homestand and a very real chance to start climbing the Big Sky standings.
12. Montana State
Record: 4-15, 1-6
Last week: No. 12
AdjO - AdjD = -13.2
Montana State won its first conference game of the season against Southern Utah (76-65), but the Bobcats couldn’t string together consecutive wins with a 71-64 loss to Northern Arizona.
The ’Cats play at Sac State and Portland State this week, and then host Idaho and Eastern Washington. MSU is the first team the committee (of one) is comfortable scratching off the list of postseason contenders.
Both contests weren’t decided until the final minute and had wild swings of momentum. Reed Gym was a perfect venue. With crowds of 1,500 for Thursday’s game against Sacramento State and 1,763 Saturday for Portland State, Reed felt full and lively.
It’s cramped, intimate atmosphere and perfect for college basketball.
The committee (of one) hereby officially proposes Idaho State men’s basketball abandons cavernous, cold Holt Arena to play at Reed for all of its home games.
Without further ado.
Unranked: Eastern Washington
Record: 15-5, 6-1
Last week: No. 1
AdjO - AdjD = 4.4
With an offense that was just rolling last week, Eastern Washington defeated Northern Colorado (95-85) and North Dakota (102-80).
Unfortunately, the committee (of one) cannot rank the Eagles. It was recently uncovered that EWU star guard Tyler Harvey, blocked the committee (of one) on Twitter.
This surprising and hurtful discovery has created an overblown reaction on the committee’s part. An internal investigation has been launched. It should only take one or two days, but estimates coming in now peg the investigation lasting anywhere from two to six months.
Think deflategate — but bigger.
Sources close to the committee (of one) are reporting that if the Eagles were eligible to be ranked this week they would retain the No. 1 spot. Because when Harvey isn’t busy blocking good people on Twitter, he’s being named the co-Big Sky Player of the Week after averaging 30.5 points, 3.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds in Eastern’s two wins.
2. Sacramento State
Record: 13-6, 7-1
Last week: No. 2
AdjO - AdjD = -2.2
Sacramento State remained in first place of the Big Sky with wins at Idaho State (62-59) and Weber State (78-71).
Sac senior Mikh McKinney joins Harvey as the league’s co-player of the week. McKinney was the best player on the floor when the Hornets snuck by the Bengals, and was even better against Weber State, going off for 27 points in the second half.
McKinney averaged 28.5 points and six assists in the two games. The 6-1 guard turned the ball over once despite playing 78 total minutes.
3. Montana
Record: 10-8, 6-1
Last week: No. 3
AdjO - AdjD = -1.3
In two home games, Montana knocked off Northern Arizona 64-57 and Southern Utah 58-56.
Remember when the Grizzlies torched Idaho State’s defense for 90 points and 15 3-pointers back on Jan. 10? UM was on fire that game.
The Grizzlies were pretty much the exact opposite against Southern Utah as they went 2 for 14 from three and finished with first half with 19 points. Granted, some of the credit goes to SUU’s defense, but the Bengals have to look at that game and wonder what the heck went wrong when they played UM.
4. Northern Arizona
Record: 9-11, 4-3
Last week: No. 6
AdjO - AdjD = -4.4
The Lumberjacks lost at Montana 64-57 before rebounding to take down Montana state 71-64.
The committee (of one) watched the second half between Northern Arizona and Montana State — mainly because no one on the board has a life outside of sports.
The committee's main takeaway from NAU’s win is that sophomore guard Kris Yanku is a future star. Yanku always seems like he’s under control and no moment is too big for the Chatsworth, California, native. Yanku had 15 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds at MSU as the Lumberjacks rallied from an eight-point deficit in the second half.
5. Northern Colorado
Record: 9-9, 4-3
Last week: No. 4
AdjO- AdjD = -4.8
The Bears dropped back-to-back road contests to Eastern Washington (95-85) and Idaho (83-79).
Out of 351 Division I teams, Northern Colorado is No. 341 in points allowed per defensive possession (1.14). Eastern and Idaho shot a combined 56 percent from the floor and 24 for 43 from the 3-point line against the Bears.
But at the same time, UNC is second in the Big Sky averaging 1.09 points per possession on offense and had chances to win two tough road games.
6. Idaho
Record: 8-10, 3-4
Last week: No. 8
AdjO - AdjD = -6.1
Idaho lost in Moscow to North Dakota 71-63, but the Vandals bounced back with an 83-79 win over Northern Colorado.
The Vandals perplex the committee (of one). They started Big Sky play with good wins against Idaho State and Weber State and hung with Eastern Washington in a close defeat. Losing at Sacramento State and Portland State is understandable, but getting beat by North Dakota at home is inexcusable if Idaho wants to make a push for a high seed in the postseason tournament.
The committee (of one) can no longer assume Idaho is even going to reach the postseason. The Vandals wrap up Big Sky play with eight of their final 11 games on the road.
7. Portland State
Record: 10-8, 4-4
Last week: No. 7
ADjO - AdjD = -7.8
Portland State beat Weber State 69-63 in Ogden, Utah, and lost at Idaho State 80-76.
The committee (of one) couldn’t have been more impressed with PSU’s offense Saturday night, but the Vikings were exposed in the paint where Idaho State grabbed 12 offensive rebounds and scored 34 points.
Anyone outside of Pocatello will undoubtedly view Portland State’s loss to ISU as an upset and a missed opportunity for the Vikings. But Idaho State looks like an improving ball club and PSU still managed to get a split on the road.
8. Weber State
Record: 8-11, 3-5
Last week: No. 5
AdjO - AdjD = -7.3
For the first time in head coach Randy Rahe’s tenure, Weber State lost two straight games at home.
Portland State knocked off the Wildcats 69-63 and Sac State won in Ogden 78-71.
Weber is 10th in Big Sky play in field goal percentage offense (42.5 percent) and defense (48 percent). Only Eastern Washington has attempted more 3-pointers than WSU (171 vs. 170), but the Eagles make them at a much higher clip (43 percent compared to 37 percent for the ’Cats).
In other words, Weber State hasn’t been great defensively, while jacking up a high rate of long-distance shots even though that’s not its strength.
The fact is, Rahe and the Wildcats are experiencing the pains of a young team. None of WSU’s top seven scorers are seniors. The future is as bright as ever at Weber. This developing team might still have a shot to figure things out this season.
9. North Dakota
Record: 6-12, 2-5
Last week: No. 11
AdjO - AdjD = -11
The mascot-less upset Idaho 71-63 and lost to Eastern Washington 102-80.
North Dakota had lost four in a row — the last three in frigid Grand Forks — before beating the Vandals, and UND led by six at half against the Eagles. If nothing else, the team formerly known as the Fighting Sioux flashed 60 minutes of serious potential.
10. Southern Utah
Record: 5-13, 2-5
Last week: No. 9
AdjO - AdjD = -12.9
The Thunderbirds lost at Montana State 79-65 and Montana 58-56.
Southern Utah’s next three games (all of them at home) could determine SUU’s ultimate fate this season. The T-birds host Northern Arizona, North Dakota and Northern Colorado. Win two of those games and they’d position themselves to make a run at the postseason, which would be a feat in its own right after SUU went 1-19 in the Big Sky last season.
11. Idaho State
Record: 5-15, 2-6
Last week: No. 10
AdjO - AdjD = -12.7
In the tight and wonderful confines of Reed Gym, ISU lost to Sacramento State 62-59 and beat Portland State 80-76.
PSU was absolutely a must-win game for the Bengals, and they responded with one of their better offensive performances of the season.
Idaho State is 2-6 in the Big Sky but a mere game behind eighth-place Weber State. If the Bengals can get a split this week at Northern Colorado and North Dakota, they return for a three-game homestand and a very real chance to start climbing the Big Sky standings.
12. Montana State
Record: 4-15, 1-6
Last week: No. 12
AdjO - AdjD = -13.2
Montana State won its first conference game of the season against Southern Utah (76-65), but the Bobcats couldn’t string together consecutive wins with a 71-64 loss to Northern Arizona.
The ’Cats play at Sac State and Portland State this week, and then host Idaho and Eastern Washington. MSU is the first team the committee (of one) is comfortable scratching off the list of postseason contenders.
Bengals snag Rigby defensive lineman
Rigby High School senior Tristan Cano committed Wednesday to play football for Idaho State.
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound defensive end said ISU assistant coach Matt Troxel visited Rigby High to offer the scholarship. Cano chose the Bengals over full-ride offers from NAIA schools Montana Tech and Montana Western. He had also spoken to coaches from Weber State and Montana.
“I really love the program,” Cano said of ISU. “I like (Idaho State coach Mike) Kramer a lot. I like what he's done.”
Cano was a three-year starter along the defensive line for the Trojans and also anchored the offensive line at right tackle for two years as Rigby experienced a football renaissance.
The Trojans reached the state semifinals in 2014 for the first time since 1999. Cano was right in the middle of everything.
“For me, I love being physical,” Cano said. “The offensive line is fun and you get to hit people. But it's different along the D-line. You get to be the aggressor.”
Cano’s older brother is former BYU defensive lineman JonRyheem Peoples, who Cano says will also play for Idaho State in 2015. Peoples signed with BYU out of high school in 2013 but decided to transfer to ISU after spending his redshirt freshman season with the Cougars.
Cano can already envision getting back on the field with his brother.
“It was fun to play football in high school with him, and it's going to be great to play together in college,” Cano said. “But it wasn't my main focus.”
Instead, Cano wanted to pick the best spot for him. ISU fit the bill.
“Who doesn’t want to go and play Division I football?” Cano said. “Not to take anything away from the (NAIA) Montana schools but it's always been my dream to play Division I football.”
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound defensive end said ISU assistant coach Matt Troxel visited Rigby High to offer the scholarship. Cano chose the Bengals over full-ride offers from NAIA schools Montana Tech and Montana Western. He had also spoken to coaches from Weber State and Montana.
“I really love the program,” Cano said of ISU. “I like (Idaho State coach Mike) Kramer a lot. I like what he's done.”
Cano was a three-year starter along the defensive line for the Trojans and also anchored the offensive line at right tackle for two years as Rigby experienced a football renaissance.
The Trojans reached the state semifinals in 2014 for the first time since 1999. Cano was right in the middle of everything.
“For me, I love being physical,” Cano said. “The offensive line is fun and you get to hit people. But it's different along the D-line. You get to be the aggressor.”
Cano’s older brother is former BYU defensive lineman JonRyheem Peoples, who Cano says will also play for Idaho State in 2015. Peoples signed with BYU out of high school in 2013 but decided to transfer to ISU after spending his redshirt freshman season with the Cougars.
Cano can already envision getting back on the field with his brother.
“It was fun to play football in high school with him, and it's going to be great to play together in college,” Cano said. “But it wasn't my main focus.”
Instead, Cano wanted to pick the best spot for him. ISU fit the bill.
“Who doesn’t want to go and play Division I football?” Cano said. “Not to take anything away from the (NAIA) Montana schools but it's always been my dream to play Division I football.”
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