Vandal football holds pro day

Six former Idaho players participated in the 2023 pro day

James Taurman-Aldrich ARGONAUT

Six total Vandals took part in Idaho’s pro day on Monday. Roshaun Johnson, Fa’avae Fa’avae, Juliano Falaniko, Jeremiah Salaam and Leo Tamba finished their collegiate careers this season while Caleb Lightbourn graduated in 2021.

Johnson was the sole offensive player to take part in drills. He ended the day with the second most bench reps with 20 reps, and third highest vertical, jumping 29.5 inches.

Fa’avae has been one of Idaho’s top defensive players since transferring from Washington State in 2020. He put up 18 bench reps and jumped 28 inches in the vertical. His 20-meter split and shuttle times were the best of anyone at 2.75 and 4.43 seconds, respectively.

Falaniko had a short pro day as he only took part in bench reps and vertical jump. He put up 16 225-pound bench reps and jumped 25.5 inches.

Salaam started his day out hot with a 34-inch vertical and a 9-foot-10-inch broad jump. He also ran a 4.64-second 40, the fastest of anyone.

Tamba showed off his strength in the morning with 22 bench reps, the most of anyone, and a 32-inch vertical.

Lightbourn didn’t take part in the numbers side of things, but he kicked in front of all the scouts. While his official numbers aren’t available, he had a few good punt and kick attempts.

Scouts from both the NFL and Canadian Football League were in attendance. All five players were showing out for scouts from the owners of the number two pick in the draft, the Houston Texans, to the Super Bowl winning Chiefs. Coming from the CFL was a scout for the British Columbia Lions.

Every team that showed up has at least one hole on defense. From New England to Seattle, teams are in need of defensive backs and linemen, both of which Idaho has. The two teams in attendance that the NFL says need a running back are the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos.

Johnson spent six seasons at Idaho, racking up 1,407 yards over 47 games. His dedication and passion for football culminated with his pro day.

“All the hard work and all the training came to fruition,” Johnson said. “I just put it all out there on the table, and hopefully I get an opportunity and get to put on for the Vandals.”

Almost every college player’s dream is to get that phone call either during or after the draft. Although Johnson’s college career is over, and his pro day has passed, he’s still going to put the work in to get that call.

“I got to get my name out there,” Johnson said. “The Vandal Nation knows me, but hopefully all of America can know me.”

James Taurman-Aldrich can be reached at arg-sports@uidaho.edu or on Twitter @jamesaldrichs25

Recapping the 2022-23 women’s basketball season

The Vandals finished below .500 for the first time since the 2014-15 season

Jayden Barfuss ARGONAUT

After a 14-18 record and Big Sky Tournament semifinal appearance last season, Idaho looked to continue its success this year. To start the path towards potential success, the Vandals went on the recruiting trail. Head coach Jon Newlee was able to sign guards Rosa Smith from Kirkland, Washington, and Jaiden Bea from Washougal, Washington.

The Vandals continued landing reinforcements with forward Sarah Brans from Dublin, California. After Brans, Idaho brought in guard Asha Phillips from North Nowra, Australia. The Vandals finished the offseason with a surprising move, signing a player from bitter rival Idaho State. Brook Malone hails from Perth, Australia, and gave the Vandals some key depth at forward.

Idaho began the season by traveling to Salt Lake City, for a game against the Utah Utes. The Vandals were on the wrong side of the Utes as they were defeated 88-63.

The Vandals got their first win of the season in the Navy Classic. After losing the first game of the tournament 80-49, Idaho defeated Navy 90-84 to snap a three-game losing streak. The Vandals finished the non-conference schedule 4-7, winning a huge game over Grand Canyon University.

With non-conference play out of the way, the Vandals moved onto the games that really mattered. They opened the conference slate with a game against the defending champion, and the team who defeated them in the semifinals the year before, Montana State.

Since students were on break, ICCU Arena was nowhere near full. Despite low attendance the Vandals came prepared as they defeated the Bobcats 72-53. Idaho followed that game up by beating Montana. However, their win

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