They signed national letters of intent less than six months ago, but five of Idaho’s best high school football players are ready to start their college careers at state universities.
Lake City High’s Byron Hout, Bishop Kelly’s Spencer Gerke and Vallivue’s Van Drumgoole will make their new home on the blue turf at Bronco Stadium, Idaho Falls’ Brad Marboe is heading north to Idaho and Meridian’s A.J. Storms is taking his talent east to Idaho State.
With the college football season just around the corner, we recently caught up with them and offer their stories as they begin a new chapter of their burgeoning careers on the gridiron.
BYRON HOUT, BOISE STATE
Byron Hout has spent the past month getting acclimated to his new residence in Boise - and with his new teammates at Boise State.
The former Lake City High star linebacker has been participating in voluntary summer workouts and weight training classes with the Broncos.
Hout, the 2006 All-Idaho Player of the Year and three-time first-team All-Idaho selection, moved this summer from his home in Coeur d'Alene to Boise to prepare for his first college football season.
"I wanted to get in shape that way, so when I come (to fall camp) in August, I'm not out of shape," he said. "It's been awesome. I'm enjoying it a lot. I got into shape really fast. I can feel a big difference."
Hout said he does not know if he will redshirt, play on special teams or challenge for time at linebacker during the upcoming season.
For now, the 6-foot-2, 245-pound linebacker is focusing on learning the daily regiment that players go through to prepare for the upcoming season.
"I feel like I'm improving every day," he said.
SPENCER GERKE, BOISE STATE
Bishop Kelly High graduate Spencer Gerke is getting stronger and a lot bigger as he prepares for a football career at Boise State.
After starring on the offensive and defensive lines at BK, Gerke is moving strictly to the offensive side of the ball. But his high school playing weight - between 235 and 245 pounds - won't cut it at the college level. That's why he's already bulked up to 275 pounds and plans to add more muscle before he officially joins the team in January. Gerke will greyshirt this season.
"I definitely want to get a lot bigger," Gerke said.
He is enrolled in a four-day-a-week weights and conditioning class this summer and said he's been picking some of the more experience players' brains as he focuses on one side of the ball.
"I'm just excited to be here," he said. "A lot of the seniors have been helping me out. It's definitely a big challenge, but I'm up for it."
BRAD MARBOE, IDAHO
While some players have already arrived on college campuses to take advantage of early and voluntary training, Idaho recruit Brad Marboe has been biding his time this summer working two jobs. He's helping kids with disabilities at Transitions, a skills for living center in Idaho Falls. He also works as an usher for the Idaho Falls Chukars minor league baseball team.
"I just didn't go up (to Moscow) because I worked out here and worked at home and made money for college," he said.
The 6-foot-4 Marboe has put on 16 pounds since his senior basketball season at Idaho Falls High and now weighs 205.
He said adding weight is his goal for the rest of the summer.
"I think that's everyone's goal," he said. "I have a big frame, I can put weight on."
Marboe was named to the 5A All-Idaho first team as a defensive back at Idaho Falls High in 2007. He said he will play linebacker at Idaho.
He originally committed to play at Wyoming, but later knew Idaho was the right place for him. Now, he can't wait to get to Moscow to play for the Vandals.
"I'm excited for the challenge to see how I can do," he said.
A.J. STORMS, IDAHO STATE
A.J. Storms got a preview of his football future July 5 at the Idaho All-Star Football Game at Holt Arena in Pocatello.
Storms, who led Meridian High to a 12-0 record and 5A state championship as a quarterback last season, played safety in Idaho State's indoor stadium for the victorious Treasure Valley team.
The game was a preview for the 2007 All-Idaho 5A Player of the Year, who will start his college career as a safety at Idaho State when practices begin on Aug. 3.
"I think I'm going to grow to love it," he said.
Storms has been spending his summer in Meridian working to get faster on the football field.
"I definitely feel faster and I felt more agile in the (All-Star) game," he said. "I was moving faster and quicker. I could definitely tell a difference."
Storms hopes to earn a spot on the field for the Bengals' season opener at Boise State on Aug. 30.
"That would mean a lot to me, to play against Boise State," he said. "I would definitely like to get out there and play against those guys and make some plays."
VAN DRUMGOOLE, BOISE STATE
Van Drumgoole helped lead the Vallivue High football team to the 5A state semifinals during his senior season in 2007.
The speedy receiver/defensive back will have to wait before he can help the Boise State Broncos on the field.
Drumgoole is expected to greyshirt this season. He can take a small class load until officially joining the Broncos in January.
The 5-foot-10, 160-pound Drumgoole was named to the 5A All-Idaho first team as a receiver in 2007. He had 32 catches for 538 yards and eight touchdowns. He also rushed for 734 yards and 11 more scores.
Drumgoole also was the 2006 5A state champion in the 100-meters.
The Idaho Statesman is pleased to offer this opportunity to share information and observations about what's in the news. Some comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate but ask that you remain on topic. Comments that are profane, personal attacks or otherwise inappropriate are subject to removal.
@Nyx.CommentBody@