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Apr. 3—The Idaho football team has specialized in stopping the pass two years into the Jason Eck Era.
The Vandals were the Big Sky’s top aerial defense last season, allowing a conference-low 182.3 yards per game to opposing passers.
Idaho led the conference with 16 interceptions in 2022 and ranked third against the pass (190 yards per game). One of the biggest reasons behind the Vandals’ success in that category is continuity from cornerbacks coach Stanley Franks.
Franks is one of five position coaches remaining from Idaho’s original staff. He’s been able to generate career years from several players in his two-year tenure. But this season, Franks and the Vandals’ secondary will have a relatively clean slate, especially at cornerback.
Corner reloaded
Idaho’s two biggest CB casualties came from the transfer portal, losing Marcus Harris and Ormanie Arnold.
Harris transferred to Cal and was a first-team All-Big Sky selection in 2023. He also broke the Vandals’ career record for passes defended (36).
Arnold left Moscow for the Big 12’s Cincinnati. The sophomore started all 13 games for Idaho and notched 33 tackles and two interceptions.
Arnold’s departure was an unexpected blow to an inexperienced unit. But the Vandals’ coaching staff has consistently added depth to the position and inked 17 DBs since arriving on campus.
“We’re starting to set the standard,” Franks said. “Guys that have been in the program, they’re starting to understand it, and it is kind of refreshing to see the separation during OTAs of the guys who have been here and the guys who haven’t been here.”
Although the Vandals have their share of home-grown talent at CB, their early standouts have been additions from the transfer portal.
Fifth-year senior K.J. Trujillo looks like Idaho’s top corner through the early stages of spring camp.
The 6-foot 184-pounder…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/idaho-footballs-secondary-set-look-214600033.html
Author : Lewiston Tribune, Idaho
Publish date : 2024-04-03 21:46:00
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