UI’s Smith-Anderson sidelined with injury

It was a hit similar to ones tight end Luke Smith-Anderson has probably absorbed dozens of times during his football career at the University of Idaho.

This one, though, resulted in surgery Monday night to remove his spleen, which was ruptured during practice, leaving his playing status in doubt for the upcoming season. Smith-Anderson missed virtually all of the 2002 and 2003 seasons with torn ACLs in each knee.

“It was one of those hits where he was unprotected because his arms were up reaching for a high pass, but it wasn’t a malicious or big hit,” head coach Nick Holt said. “He got up and thought he had the wind knocked out of him. He went back in the huddle and we were near the end of practice and he finished up. When he got to the training room, he said it was bothering him and he couldn’t breathe well.”

Holt said it’s too early to determine if the 6-foot-5, 270-pound Smith-Anderson will be out for the season. “They say 6 to 8 weeks; we’re hoping for the best,” Holt said.

Smith-Anderson, a Lake City High product, was healthy in 2004 and led the team with four touchdown receptions. He finished with 16 catches for 207 yards. This is Smith-Anderson’s fifth year at Idaho, but he would appear to be an ideal candidate to receive a medical redshirt year from the NCAA.

“I saw him Monday night and Tuesday morning,” Holt said. “He’s obviously really sore and doesn’t feel good, but he’s a big, tough kid. He couldn’t talk much and I’m sure he’s disappointed.

“He had a really nice year last year. He was showing flashes of his expectations and everybody’s expectations of him. He had a great spring session and he was having a great fall camp. It just happened.”

Idaho has depth at tight end, but not much playing experience. Junior Keith Greer played sparingly last year as he continued to recover from life-threatening complications that developed after surgery to repair a broken leg suffered in the 2003 opener against Washington State. Greer has one career reception.

Senior Tim Bertalot moved from the defensive line to tight end during spring drills. Freshmen Rick Harrison, Peter Bjorvik and Eddie Williams also are options.

QB race

The battle for starting quarterback continues, but Holt indicated two things Tuesday: He’s in no hurry to name a starter, and don’t be surprised if both Michael Harrington and Steven Wichman see playing time, particularly early.

“They’re getting better,” Holt said. “We still have 16 days left (before the season opener against Washington State) so we still have a little time. They’re going to both play, most likely. We’re going to need them both.”