Pads On, Tempo Up: Bengals Ramp Up Physicality in First Day of Contact
POCATELLO, Idaho – The Idaho State Bengals turned up the intensity Thursday afternoon, putting on full pads for the first time this fall. Practice No. 3 brought a noticeable shift in energy as the team moved from install mode into full-contact drills, culminating in live team periods inside the ICCU Dome.
Practice Overview
The session opened with a special teams focus, emphasizing punt mechanics — from holding and blocking fundamentals to escaping pressure and shedding blocks.
Offensively, the first full segment centered on ball security. Players held tight to the football while coaches swung boxing gloves and foam bats in attempts to knock it loose. On the defensive side, players worked on speed and burst, dialing in explosive first steps and reaction timing.
The second period cranked up physicality. Defenders emphasized proper tackling form while offensive linemen drilled double-team blocks on the move. Halfway through, units swapped responsibilities, keeping the energy high and repetitions crisp as players leaned into contact.
In the third block, quarterbacks linked up with running backs while the defense executed pursuit drills at full tempo. Elsewhere, receivers and offensive linemen sharpened footwork, and defensive players split into position groups for coverage and technique work. Later, quarterbacks and receivers rejoined for route and timing drills.
The fourth segment shifted to teaching. Both offensive and defensive units separated for walk-throughs and whiteboard-style installation, while specialists took the field for work on kickoffs and technique.
Next came a special teams-intensive period, where the team transitioned into live kickoff coverage and return drills — laying the groundwork for situational execution.
Finally, the Bengals went full 11-on-11 for the first time in 2025. The offensive and defensive lines operated at full speed in the trenches, while the skill players competed under controlled contact rules. After split sessions focused on passing coverage and line technique, the team reconvened for live situational drives with the offense attempting to move the ball against the defense.
Voices from the Field
"It was exciting," said Co-Offensive Coordinator Buddy Blevins.
"They were fired up and flying around. Like Coach Hawk said, they were salivating for contact. All the summer stuff and helmet work is great, but this is football — it's about hitting someone in the mouth."
Blevins, who works closely with the inside receivers, praised the group's growth and competition.
"We've had some great groups here in the past, and this is another really good one. Not only have the new guys added talent, but they've added culture. Last year, a lot of them were young. Now they're back, plus some older transfers. I'm just looking for them to be more aggressive and attack the ball."
Player Perspective
Safety Mason Young emphasized the mindset shift that comes with the first padded practice.
"We're coming out ready to compete, and we're trying to keep that same energy all fall camp."
As a defensive back, Young said the group is focused on the little things:
"Whether it's disguises, our leverage, or assignments — just all the minute details that really make the difference in the game."
On the offensive side, wide receiver Jonah Burton noted the deliberate work the inside receivers have put in this summer.
"We've been putting in a lot of work — routes with the quarterbacks, routes on air, and even work against the DBs," said Burton. "Just trying to perfect our craft."
Both players echoed a team-first focus heading into the grind of fall camp.
"At the end of the day, it's about us," said Young. "As long as we're doing what we need to do, it doesn't matter who we play against."
Burton added that the coaching staff and campus community were big factors in his transfer to Pocatello.
"It just felt like home," he said. "The coaches and the culture here — they made it easy to buy in."
Young agreed:
"It's a lot more than just football on their end, and I really appreciate the way they go about things."
Next Up
The Bengals will practice outdoors on the ICCU Practice Field Saturday at 11 a.m. for what is expected to be a higher-intensity padded session. The practice will close out the opening week, after which Idaho State will assess early position battles and begin installing more situational schemes.
Idaho State Football Practice
(times tentative, media availability following practices)
7/26 - 11:00 AM
7/27 - OFF
7/28 - 11:00 AM
7/29 - 10:00 AM
7/30 - 4:00 PM - Scrimmage
7/30 - OFF
