New Beginnings
Spring symbolizes rebirth and growth, among other things. Apparently the symbolic meaning of spring has transferred over to the football field. Spring practice started on April 2 and the Idaho State men’s football team is already seeing plenty of rebirth and growth.
“Everything is new,” said Idaho State football coach Mike Kramer.
“The only three guys on the field being coached the same way are the quarterbacks. Otherwise everyone is new on offense and certainly on defense. Every coach is new, therefore every coaching point and admonition is all brand new for us as well it should be coming off the disaster of 2012.”
Anyone who watched the Bengals last year would immediately tell you the biggest areas that need growth and rebirth would be the running game and defensive line.
The defensive line was constantly getting pushed off the ball, couldn’t get off the blocks to even make the tackles, and when they could get off the blocks they often failed to wrap up effectively.
Hopefully the defensive line problem will be solved with a solid recruiting class, a summer of weight training and the return of several players from injury.
After the last game of the 2012 season, Kramer said, “We’re better at 12:01 Sunday morning than we have been in this program for a long time because young guys like Tyler Kuder, Terrance Carey, a return to action for Tanner Davis, Derek Berrey, Cody Sorenson and Taylor Ragan just makes our defense so much better by the time we get back on the field.”
Kramer echoed those comments again after the first practice of spring football. He said, “We are full mustard in terms of defense because we have 47 guys, a few more than we actually have in the fall. It is cool to have enough depth to practice efficiently. We haven’t had that luxury in the previous springs.”
“I think last year we were beat up with guys injured,” said linebacker Trevor Spence. “As the season went on we got more banged up. This year we have more numbers and more size. That’s going to be a huge help.”
Kramer has made significant changes on the defense side of the ball. Roger Cooper and Spencer Toone will serve as co-defensive coordinators this season.
The Bengals’ running game was basically a non-factor last season too. ISU runners only scored five rushing touchdowns and averaged a measly 46.5 rushing yards per game.
Aaron Prier and Xavier Finney will most likely anchor the running game. Daniel McSurdy, who played running back last year, has been moved to middle linebacker.
A key factor in the belief that the running game will be improved is based on the return of four starters to the offensive line.
“That’s really important. I’m really trusting them already,” said Prier. “We have a bond in and out of football. Having those guys come back makes it a lot more fun.”
Another change to the program will be at quarterback. Kevin Yost graduated and Justin Arias will be taking over the offensive.
CJ Reyes was the primary backup quarterback to Yost but that wasn’t because Arias wasn’t ready or more than capable of playing the position. It was quite the opposite. Kramer ranted and raved about Arias all year and did not want to waste a year of his eligibility backing up Yost, so Kramer decided to redshirt the California native.
He is way ahead of the curve,” said Kramer. “He has picked up where Kevin left off. If he is the carpenter he is putting the hammer on the nail. He is our best player at understanding where he needs to go on the field.”
“It was pretty evident today that Justin Arias is on top of where he needs to be at quarterback,” Kramer added.
The Bengals lost wide receiver Rodrick Rumble to graduation and the All-American will be missed, but the Bengals have such a bevy of riches at that position with Luke Austin and Cameron Richmond, who will be more than capable of making up those numbers.
