Idaho Vandal head coach Paul Petrino comes from a talented football family, and so do many of the players in his first signing class.
Petrino announced the addition of 20 newcomers Wednesday, including a trio of sons of former Vandal players.
“I think it’s big — you can see the competitiveness, the toughness, how much they understand the game,” said Petrino, who added seven junior college transfers in December.
Among those signing with the Vandals on Wednesday were defensive tackle Zach Cable, the son of former Idaho guard and later head coach Tom Cable (2000-03); quarterback Matt Linehan, the son of former Vandal quarterback and assistant Scott Linehan; and running back Isaiah Saunders, son of former Vandal receiver Walter Saunders.
Tom Cable is currently the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive line coach and Scott Linehan is the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator.
“When you hear the names Linehan, Cable, Saunders, that’s awesome for me,” Petrino said. “If you can sign a couple coaches’ kids in a class, that’s an awesome class, because you know they’re going to be leaders.
“It would’ve been hard to get even one of those three if their dads hadn’t played here.”
Saunders’ brother is Oklahoma receiver Jalen Saunders. Receiver Trent Cowan’s brother is former Idaho All-American punter Bobby Cowan. Cornerback Armond Hawkins’ brother is USC signee Chris Hawkins.
“He comes from real good bloodlines,” Petrino said of Hawkins.
Perhaps the name that made the most noise among a class of famous names was a kicker — Spokane’s Austin Rehkow.
Rehkow made a game-tying 67-yard field goal in October, setting a Washington state record and getting him time on SportsCenter and “Good Morning America.” The YouTube clip of his kick has nearly 2.4 million views.
“He’s probably even a better punter,” Petrino said.
Petrino said assembling a class less than two months after being hired was tiring, but said at previous stops at Louisville and Arkansas, the first classes were the best.
“You don’t overanalyze it … you just go get the best guys you can,” Petrino said.
Petrino was able to use some of his time at Arkansas to aid himself at Idaho, nabbing three players from Florida he had on his radar there, and Missouri linebacker Tony Lashley, the linebacker MVP at Arkansas’ summer camp last year.
Junior college additions received the most praise from Petrino — he said receiver/returner Dezmon Epps was a “real big get,” as was quarterback Joshua McCain, a dual-threat type who is one of three Petrino has signed since taking over.
“He has a chance to be a real special player,” Petrino said.
NOTES
• The Vandals signed two offensive linemen from Idaho — Nick Edenfield (Columbia) and Brett Thompson (Minico). Capital offensive lineman Steven Matlock will join the program as a grayshirt next year.
• When asked Wednesday whether any players have left the program, Petrino said “some have,” but declined to elaborate, adding that it is a positive for him to not have players who don’t want to be there.
Dave Southorn: 377-6420 Twitter: @IDS_southorn
