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The second day in pads wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great.
The cold and snow may have gotten to the Vandals, but coach Robb Akey reminded everyone that when they go to Boise on Nov. 14, the weather could be the same, and they’d better be ready and not play with excuses.
Akey did have praise for his squad, saying they are gaining ground and perfecting their technique.
“I’ve seen some good improvement from the kids,” he said. “And that’s the thing, to keep improving, to keep getting better with technique.
Akey spent a fair amount of time on Wednesday looking at the offensive and defensive lines.
“I think we’re progressing,” Akey said.  “I think we’ve got some guys who have done a good job in the weight room and put themselves in position to fight to get into some of those jobs. I think they’re competing well with each other.”
On the offensive line, Akey has been impressed with Big Mike Iupati, who according to Akey is “obviously playing his tail off. He’s doing a really good job.”
Akey also praised Irvin Stevens III, who’s working to fill the center spot vacated by Adam Korby, and Matt Cleveland, who missed all of the 2008 season with a broken leg.
“It’s good to have him back,” Akey said about Cleveland. “He’s doing a nice job.”
On the defensive side of the ball, Akey praised Bryce Sinclair and Jonah Sataraka who according to Akey “has a nice motor going in there.”
Aaron Lavarias has been moved to the defensive end slot, and Akey said the junior is making the change from an interior lineman to an end well.
“This is only our second days in pads,’ Akey said. “Now we’ve hit each other a couple days and we can start improving, and that’s where we want to see the growth in.
Idaho will practice again today (Thursday), take Friday off and then hold the first spring scrimmage at 10 a.m. on Saturday.