A look at Idaho State’s 2012 recruiting class

BENGALS FOCUS ON OFFENSE, ACADEMICS

Second-year coach Mike Kramer is reshaping the roster to fit his pass-happy offense. That means linemen who can protect the quarterback and plenty of receivers to catch the ball.

Idaho State announced its 17-member class Wednesday with a heavy emphasis on those two positions. All 17 players are high school seniors, including six from Idaho — two from Meridian High and four from Highland High in Pocatello.

The Bengals (2-9 in 2011) ranked last among 120 FCS teams in sacks allowed (66 in 11 games). To remedy that, Idaho State signed five offensive linemen, including Meridian’s Cody Abbott (6-foot-3, 277 pounds). He is projected to be on the two-deep depth chart this season, Kramer said.

“The number one thing we were looking for was immediate size and help on the offensive line,” Kramer said.

The second area of concern was receiver. Junior Rodrick Rumble led the team with 112 catches for 1,348 yards and nine TDs. No other player had more than 48 catches, 425 yards or two touchdowns. Idaho State signed four wide receivers to help complement Rumble — and eventually succeed him.

Abbott’s Meridian teammate, running back Hayden Stout (6-2, 185), was one of two running backs in the class.

“He is another bigger running back who might see himself at linebacker,” Kramer said. “His intelligence level gives him an opportunity to play a lot of spots really fast.”

The Bengals hope to sign seven additional recruits (one cornerback, one linebacker, two wide receivers, one tight end, one offensive lineman and one quarterback), but the players must meet enhanced Idaho State football academic standards. Kramer was charged with improving the academic performance of the football team, which was banned from the postseason in 2011 due to poor classroom efforts.

Brian Murphy: 377-6444

IDAHO STATE’S CLASS

• OL Cody Abbott, 6-3, 277, Meridian HS (Meridian)

• WR Devin Benjamin, 6-2, 175, Sacramento HS (Sacramento, Calif.)

• WR Kai Campbell, 5-10, 185, Highland HS (Pocatello)

• RB Xavier Finney, 5-11, 200, El Camino HS (Oceanside, Calif.)

• OL Montana Gessell, 6-3, 300, Highland HS (Pocatello)

• LB Kurt Karstetter, 6-2, 197, Ferris HS (Spokane)

• DB Cole Lemer, 6-1, 190, Ferris HS (Spokane)

• OL Matt Lewis, 6-4, 295, Judge Memorial High School (Salt Lake City)

• WR Broc Malcom, 5-11, 165, Hanceville HS (Hanceville, Ala.)

• DB Taison Manu, 5-9, 180, Highland HS (Pocatello)