2015 Bengal Football Theme: Us We US

 
POCATELLO, Idaho- The Idaho State football team is playing for a greater cause in 2015. This year the team is not only playing for themselves and for the team but the success of the program also extends to the support staff and community. To play along with that theme, the team has the motto; "Us We Us."

"This is not about Mike Kramer or our coaching staff or our individual players," Idaho State coach Mike Kramer said. "It is about all of us. I don't just mean the players on the field. I mean the support staff, trainers, radio guys and everybody that has been involved get to go on this ride with us for a long time. I want to be consistent as long as possible for the people who have been so loyal. That is why it is about "us we us."

From a players' perspective, the motto is reminder of the importance of each individual fulfilling their role on the team.

"It is the whole team all together," senior Tyler Kuder said. "Our freshmen won't get treated any different than our seniors. They are going to pour their hearts out at practice for us to win games."

Sophomore linebacker Mario Jenkins added, "We are all in this together. It is not just one individual person. Us is a reminder for us to take ownership of our team. When we play we want to bring out a lot of people. When we play as a team we are bringing us in and everyone is in together."

The Bengals appreciate the support from the community and are looking forward to playing in front of the fans on September 5 vs. Black Hills State. ISU went undefeated at home in 2014 and will look to replicate the same success in 2015.

"We found out how to play well in front of our home crowd," Kramer said om 2014. "Physically we are as good as we have ever been. Now as a coaching staff we have to manage that physicality where success is just going to come."

Camp Notes: Friday night the Bengals put on the shoulder pads for the first time and Sunday will be the first practice in full-pads.

- The Bengals have a fourth quarterback in the program Zach Larsen is a walk on transfer from Weber State. Larsen will sit out the 2015 season and have three years of eligibility after the 2015 campaign. On all four quarterbacks in the program, Kramer said, "I am impressed with our quarterback play at this point. Every one of those guys has become what we thought."

- At the corner back position, Kramer and his staff have been pleased with the play of Erik Collins, Khary Livingston-Coleman and Tavonte Jackson. Kramer said they are looking for that fourth person to step up into the rotation at the position. Anthony Ricks and Cory Hollowell are two vying for playing time.

On Ricks, Kramer said, "I like his size. He is extremely confident. I like the way he carries himself and he is open minded. He will have a tremendous future in front of him."

- Matt Lewis has moved back to the offensive line. He will play as a backup guard. "He is really smart and will be backup along with Colin Prestesater and Cody Abbott," Kramer said.

- Following the second practice on Thursday night, Kramer called Josh Cook and KW Williams the most mature, tough, hard minded and competitive dues we have had. "I am blessed to have them in our program as only juniors to be."  

- Fondereaux Wilson has been moved from defensive back to wide receiver.
- Nikko Hayes has been moved from running back to safety.
- Saturday's practice has been moved back to 3 p.m.
- The team will now practice twice on Monday at 8:30 and 3 p.m. and only practice once on Tuesday.