POCATELLO, Idaho- The plan is in place and Idaho State football coach
Mike Kramer likes where his team sits in the process of establishing consistent long-term success.
“The major focus on our second year is building the foundation,” Kramer said. “Last year the footings were set and this year is foundation. We are not ready to put sticks in the air and frame the building yet. We have done an excellent job in establishing the behavior and a pattern of academic achievement that will enable us to be long lasting.”
That has been evident as the Bengals have excelled in the classroom, making each semester better then next. In the spring of 2012 the football team had a combined 3.16 GPA and 53 of 79 student-athletes earned a 3.0 GPA or higher. Because of the academic improvements, the football program will not face any APR penalties, which allows the program to be eligible for post season play, have full 63 scholarships and not lose any practice time.
On the field, Kramer likes the improvement he has seen from his team in on field skill development and in the weight room.
“Athletically we are fundamentally bigger, stronger and competent but performance wise still remains to be seen if we can achieve at the level that we will be accustomed too," Kramer said. "I was excited last year to establish the fact that we will be a wide open full throttle offense that presses the issue.”
The wide open offense allowed
Rodrick Rumble to set a school and Big Sky record for receptions with 112 in 2011. He also hauled in nine touchdowns and 1,348 receiving yards. After receiving several preseason honors, Rumble returns for his senior season along with fellow receivers,
Derek Graves,
Josh Hill,
Luke Austin and Cam Richmond. Richmond returns to the field after missing the final 10 games due to a season-ending injury suffered at Washington State. Quarterback
Kevin Yost returns and will be the starter. In 2011 Yost passed for 2,973 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Areas on the field the coaching staff hopes to improve is finding stability in the kicking game, improved pass protection and prevention of the big play on defense with improved performance in the fourth quarter.
This year marks an exciting year for fans in the stands. ICCU will be giving away a Honda Ruckus at each home game. Fans will only be able to sign up during Bengalfest, which begins two hours before the start of each home game.
Stay tuned to isubengals.com for updates on game promotions and Idaho State football. For the next 30 days, isbengals.com will count you down to kickoff with a story each day previewing opponents, positions, the new Big Sky Conference or student-athletes on the team.
Notes:
Kevin Yost,
Josh Hill,
Derek Graves and
John van Vliet spent time this week taking part in various media opportunities promoting the upcoming 2012 season. Here is a photo gallery of their stops.
PHOTO GALLERY
Coming up tomorrow: Quarterback Preview
