POCATELLO, Idaho- At the end of the 2011 season the team's top three tacklers came from the linebacker position in
A.J. Storms,
Basim Hudeen and JT Albers. Storms finished the year with 122 tackles while Hudeen had 69 and Albers 59.
Despite the loss in numbers, the Bengal coaching staff is looking forward to the players waiting in the wings in
Mitch Beckstead and
Jake Pele along with returners
Trevor Spence,
Ethan Monroe,
Keelan McCaffery and
Demetrius Allen.
“At linebacker
Mitch Beckstead and
Jake Pele appear to have a strong grasp of what we want in terms of athleticism, temperament and performance,” Idaho State coach
Mike Kramer said. “At issue is the game experience at weak side linebacker with
Trevor Spence and Demetrious Allen.”
Beckstead saw action at tight end and linebacker in 2011. He secured the starting linebacker position in spring practice. The Bengal sophomore linebacker had 17 tackles while Pele had 10.
Going into fall camp,
Ed Pritchett is currently slated to back up
Trevor Spence while McCaffrey is No. 2 behind Beckstead and Monroe went into camp as the backup to Allen at the other linebacker position. Redshirt freshman
Taylor Ragan is listed as the backup to Pele.
Preseason Awards Continue Rumbles Way: Senior
Rodrick Rumble was named a preseason first-team All-American by the College Sporting News. Rumble has already been named to preseason All-American teams by College Sports Madness and The Sports Network. He also garnered preseason all-conference honors and was named to the Walter Payton Award Watch List.
The Idaho State football team opens the season September 1 at Air Force at 12 p.m. The Bengals then return home to host Black Hills State at 4 p.m. in the season opener.
Tickets for road games at Air Force and Montana are currently on sale at the Idaho State ticket office in Holt Arena. Call 208-282-FANS.
