As the Feb. 6 National Letter of Intent signing day draws near, new Idaho football coach Paul Petrino is putting the finishing touches on what could be an exciting recruiting class.
While the university cannot confirm or deny any reports about new high school commits, officials have announced the signings of seven junior college transfers. In addition, at least 15 high school students have verbally committed to the Vandals.
When he was introduced as Idaho’s coach, Petrino made it clear that he would focus on recruiting locally, and while he has amassed a large number of verbal commitments from local and regional athletes, he’s also received commitments from players in Florida, North Carolina, Michigan and Missouri.
A couple of names on the list might look familiar to Vandals fans.
Arguably the highlight of Petrino’s offseason acquisitions is quarterback Matt Linehan, the son of former Idaho quarterback and current Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan. When the signing becomes official, Linehan will become the fifth quarterback on the roster, joining senior Taylor Davis, junior Anthony Neyer and redshirt freshmen Chad Chalich and Austin DeCoud.
Trent Cowan, the brother of Idaho All-American punter Bobby Cowan, is the second familiar name on the list. He’s listed as an athlete on most recruiting sites, and Cowan did just about everything for Union High (Wash.), including punt.
Cowan recently said on Twitter: “Committed to the University of Idaho today. Gonna play WR or safety!!”
Mason Stone, a 6-foot, 185-pound safety from Montlake Terrace, Wash., also announced his intentions on Twitter: “Can’t wait to help turn the Idaho program around with my new teammates.”
Idaho has a verbal commitment from running back Richard Montgomery. He rushed for more than 1,300 yards at Atlantic Coast High in Florida last season.
Other high school athletes who have committed to Idaho: Tony Lashley (linebacker, Kansas City, Mo.), Tueni Lupeamanu (fullback, Herriman, Utah), Steven Matlock (offensive line, Capital High in Boise), Nick Edenfield (offensive line, Columbia High in Nampa), Patrick Johnson (offensive line, Phoenix), Rebuen Mwehla (defensive back, Bellevue, Wash.), Brett Thompson (offensive line, Rupert), Craig Scott (wide receiver, Riverside, Mo.), Danny Wilson (running back, Bothell, Wash.), Isaiah Saunders (running back, Elk Grove, Calif.) and Jawon Johnson (safety, Mathews, N.C.).
Idaho’s junior college transfers are: Jerrel Brown (running back, College of San Mateo, Calif.), Marc Millan (linebacker, Santa Ana College, Calif.), Kris Olugbode (running back, City College of San Francisco), Juan Martinez (linebacker, City College of San Francisco), Neyer (quarterback, L.A. Pierce College, Calif.), Delency Parham (cornerback, Santa Barbara City College), Eric Tuipulotu (linebacker, College of San Mateo, Calif.).
