Wichman makes progress at QB

New University of Idaho football coach Dennis Erickson was a spectator at Spartan Stadium in late November when he watched quarterback Steve Wichman struggle against San Jose State.

Roughly halfway through spring football, Erickson is seeing a different Wichman.

“I’m really happy with how he’s progressed,” said Erickson, who was hired in February to replace Nick Holt. “He’s picking things up well, throwing the ball well and (quarterbacks coach) Jonathan Smith has done a nice job with him.”

Wichman threw three interceptions in his first seven attempts against San Jose State. He finished 14 of 34 for 135 yards as Idaho fell 26-18 in the season finale.

“Last year he made some mental errors that created interceptions and the game I watched he made some mental errors and threw into coverage,” Erickson said. “He’s not doing that. He’s very accurate and he understands what’s going on. He’s making all the throws right now.”

Smith’s presence helps the coach and the quarterback.

“The good thing is Jonathan ran the same offense (at Oregon State when Erickson was the head coach) as we’re running here,” Erickson said.

Position battles

Sophomore Chris Joseph has had an impressive spring and is leading in the race for the No. 2 quarterback. Freshman Nathan Enderle and sophomore T.J. Conley are also in contention with freshman Jon Tobin expected to be a factor when he arrives this fall.

“Chris has really stepped it up the last three or four practices,” Erickson said. “If we played tomorrow, he’d be our No. 2.”

Elsewhere, Marcis Fennell and Adam Juratovac are battling at right tackle and Jaron Williams and Robert Davis are competing at middle linebacker.

Depth is a concern at safety and offensive line, Erickson said. He’s been pleased with the development at receiver.

The defensive line is still sorting itself out. Erickson is considering ways to get Lewis and Clark High product Josh Shaw, Charles Campbell and Ben Alexander on the field at the same time. All three played end last year, but Shaw has the size to move inside if necessary.

Ryan Davis and redshirt freshman Marvin Jones have played well at tackle, but Alex Toailoa has been bothered by injuries and Siua Musika is recovering from a torn ACL.

“We have to find our best four or seven or eight there,” Erickson said of the defensive front.

David Vobora and Josh Bousman appear entrenched as outside linebackers. Brandon Ogletree and converted running back Jason Brown are possible backups.

“Brown can run and we’re trying to move guys around to increase our speed defensively,” Erickson said.

JC transfer Stanley Franks can definitely run, Erickson said, and he gives Idaho three options at cornerback along with Jason Martin and Reggie Jones.

“Stanley is having a good spring,” Erickson said. “We can play some nickel and move Reggie inside if we want to.”

Notes

Erickson is staying at the University Inn in Moscow while waiting for his wife, Marilyn, to move up from California in July. … Senior kicker Mike Barrow continues to shine. He booted a 53-yard field goal in a “game-winning situation” at a recent practice, Erickson said. … Punter/quarterback T.J. Conley appears to be adding another title. He’s been holding on PATs and field goals. … Idaho has stayed relatively healthy. Linebacker Adam Shamion, a Post Falls High graduate, had minor knee surgery recently and could return later this spring. … Idaho will hold its first formal scrimmage, complete with officials, on Saturday.