University of Idaho Vandals Football: A Tradition of Excellence and a Look to the Future
The University of Idaho Vandals football program boasts a storied history and continues to build towards a promising future. From memorable seasons past to the exciting prospects of incoming recruits, Vandal football embodies a spirit of competition and dedication.
A Look Back: The 1965 Season
The 1965 season marked a significant year for the Idaho Vandals. It was the first year under the leadership of head coach Steve Musseau. The Vandals competed in the Big Sky Conference for the first time, after six seasons as an independent program in the NCAA University Division.
Led by quarterback John Foruria and fullback Ray McDonald, both juniors at the time, the Vandals achieved an overall record of 5-5 and a conference record of 3-1. A major highlight of the season was their victory in the Battle of the Palouse against Washington State, with a score of 17-13 at Rogers Field in Pullman. This win marked the second consecutive year that Idaho defeated the Cougars, a feat not accomplished in the previous forty years.
Key Players and Recognition
Several Vandal players received recognition for their performance during the 1965 season. Ray McDonald earned a spot on the second unit All-America team. Additionally, tackle Joe Dobson, guard Steve Ulrich, running back Tim Lavens, defensive end Ray Miller, middle guard John Boisen, linebacker LaVerle Pratt, and defensive back Jerry Ahlin were all selected for the All-Big Sky grid teams.
The Modern Vandals: Roster and Recent Developments
The University of Idaho Vandal Football program is actively building its roster for future success. Recent announcements highlight the addition of talented players to the team.
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Offensive Roster
The offensive roster includes a diverse range of players at various positions:
- Quarterbacks (QB): H. Bea, J. Wagner, J. Wood, K. Repenn, N. Josifek, R. Koch, S. Teeney
- Running Backs (RB): A. Williams, C. Matheney, E. Cummings, M. McKinnon, N. Thomas, T. Reese, W. Mickelberry
- Wide Receivers (WR): D. Superales, D. Fry, E. Cortez-Menjivar, L. Alexander, M. McCraney, M. Graves, N. West-Baranco, N. McWilliams, R. Jezioro, S. Hewett, T. Harste, T. Higgins, T. Swanson
- Tight Ends (TE): A. Nixon, C. Bogan, G. Hoffmann, G. Donnerberg, H. Kincheloe, J. Cox, M. Culmer
- Offensive Linemen (OL): A. Green, A. Leykam, C. Glenn, C. Vliem, G. Staszak, G. Hickle, H. Stedford, J. Cobb, J. Wood, K. Haeckel, K. Henson, L. Vining, L. Evans, L. Nelson, N. Azzopardi, N. Pritchard, R. Holmes, R. Jezioro, R. Kawalek, T. Skinner, Z. Penner
Defensive Roster
The defensive roster is equally comprehensive:
- Defensive Backs (DB): A. Kinsey, H. Dalton, I. Daniels, I. Bivins, J. Skobis, J. Rice-Claiborne, J. Blenman, J. Barnes, K. Rawls, T. Lowery, Z. Spears
- Safeties (S): B. Rice, B. Michael, K. Baker, T. Jackson, T. Fisher, Z. Wusstig
- Linebackers (LB): C. Macy, C. Hepburn, D. Gipson, I. King, J. Giannini, J. McNeil, D. McIntyre, M. Rhyne, N. Speer, R. Bordner, W. Queen, W. Donnerberg, W. Cornelson
- Defensive Linemen (DL): A. Flaherty, B. Lawrence, B. Borrevik, C. Siegner, D. Ibe, D. Parham, F. Lujan, H. Deshazer, J. Turagavou, J. Lee, J. Augustus, K. Richardson, K. Rawls, M. Apo, M. Railton-Stewart, M. Krahn, M. Heims, M. Jaskowiak, P. Gunter, R. Bordner, S. Brown, S. Fish, T. Ringor, T. Miller, Z. Krotzer
Special Teams Roster
The special teams unit includes:
- Kickers (K): C. Pope, L. Harm, O. Forsman
- Long Snappers (LS): D. Fischer, X. Echols
Recent Recruiting Success
Under Head Coach Thomas Ford Jr., the Vandal Football program has been actively recruiting new talent. Ferrari Miller, a running back from Oakland, Calif., and Mika Roberson, a defensive back from Graham, Wash., have recently signed to join the program.
Miller, after playing for Diablo Valley College, brings a strong running game to the Vandals. In a single season, Miller had 179 rushes for 1,123 yards, averaging 93.6 yards per game and 6.3 yards per carry. He exceeded 100 rushing yards in six games, including notable performances of 178 yards against Fresno and 163 yards against Foothill. He also recorded eight touchdowns.
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Roberson, from Graham-Kapowsin High School, helped lead his team to a state championship and earned First Team All-League honors as a defensive back. He showcased his skills at Central Washington, where he recorded 11 pass breakups and four interceptions. As a punt returner, he averaged 9.4 yards per return on 22 attempts, with a long of 31 yards. He was also named the Defensive Freshman of the Year in the Lone Star Conference.
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