CALDWELL, Idaho – Success for The College of Idaho during the upcoming 2021 spring season may hinge on the back end of the defense. Luckily for the Coyotes, the secondary returns four of the five starters from last season and 13 players who have seen game action – with C of I looking to parlay that experience to stop teams in the pass-happy Frontier Conference.
The Yotes return five of their top-6 cornerbacks from last season, including both starters from a unit that held opponents to 215 passing yards a game – including four games with their foes throwing for less than 100 yards.
The duo of
Isaiah Abdul and
Dorian Hardin did a great job locking down the opponents top receiving threats – including limiting Grand View's first-team All-American Anthony Turner to just two catches in the 2019 NAIA national quarterfinals. As a sophomore, Abdul had 43 tackles and a team-best 10 pass break-ups, with Hardin adding 39 tackles and eight break-ups as a true freshman – with both players recording an interception.
"Both Isaiah and Dorian had great practices in both the spring and the fall," said defensive coordinator,
Chris Jewell. "Isaiah is a lock down guy in coverage and Dorian can do it all – blitz, play the run, lock down the edge and play physical."
The Yotes also return seniors
Cameron Dawson and
Moses Nyirakomini, along with sophomore
Bridger Marboe – all who have seen extensive playing time. Dawson has been a key contributor on special teams throughout his career and looks for a big senior season, while Nyirakomini has been a factor on the defense when he has been healthy – having missed the 2019 season. Marboe makes the move from safety back to corner after seeing action in eight games as a true freshman.
"Cam has really developed into a complete player and had a great spring and fall," Jewell said. "Moses is a great athlete, but injuries have plagued his career and he will compete to make an impact. Bridger moves back to his natural position and had an impressive fall camp – he has a great motor and is great stopping the run game."
Two redshirts will look for playing time this spring, as
Grant Miller was one of the scout team corner backs last season and
Austin Steblay makes the move to the outside after playing safety last season. Adding depth will be true freshman
Koali'i Harriet from Emmett High.
Though the Yotes have to replace All-Frontier Conference safety Tristen Alesi, three players with extensive starting experience will anchor the secondary.
All-Conference strong safety
Taeson Hardin is coming off a breakout sophomore season, where he a team-high and league-best four interceptions and added 49 tackles
"I expect Taeson to have a big year," said Jewell. "He is a big problem for offenses blitzing off the edge and can go be physical in the box."
Also back are seniors
Josh Elsberry and
David Ford, who have combined to start 31 games in their careers. Elsberry led all Coyote defensive backs with 63 tackles and added an interception for a touchdown against Montana Western, while Ford heads into the season with 124 career stops.
"Both Elsberry and Ford can play all three safety positions," Jewell said. "Elsberry is like a coach on the field and had a great fall camp, while Ford is a physical free safety that is a force against the run."
The Yotes are excited for a trio of second-year players who are expected to be in the regular rotation in the secondary.
Robbie Johnson made four tackles as a true freshman in the 2019 season opener vs. Eastern Oregon, but missed the rest of the season due to injury. Both
Will Janney and
Jacob Batubenga were instrumental on the Yotes special team units – combining for 13 tackles.
"Robbie had a great spring and will be in the mix at free safety," Jewell said. "He is a big safety that can go play great man-to-man and is great against the run. Jacob is a smart, athletic player and is a true student of the game, while Janney can play all five positions in the secondary and is a big, athletic safety."
Senior
Jae Vitin and sophomore
Jack Molesworth both return after seeing time in 2019 on special teams, while redshirts
Cody Nixon and
Hayden Ruiz-Dondero both look to see the field for the first time this spring.
"All of the players have made big strides in learning the defense in the spring and fall," said Jewell.
Five true freshmen had the benefit of the unique fall practice – with
Charlie Faraimo and
Dane Presto leading the young group. Faraimo was a standout at Centennial High, while Presto had an outstanding prep career in Texas, where he was an All-District selection in the 6A ranks.
"Charlie can do it all – play man-to-man, blitz and stop the run," Jewell said. "Dane has all the tools to play either safety or corner. Both are physical players who are continuing to learn the defense and have the chance to be impact guys for us in the future."
Jewell also points to
Cooper Leaf,
Riley Lizama and
Austin Schmidt as newcomers to the program who will provide depth. Leaf led Capital High in tackles as a senior in 2019, Lizama earned 4A All-State honors in 2019 as a senior at Bishop Kelly High, with Schmidt an All-Inland Empire League pick at Post Falls High.
C of I will open their spring practice schedule at the end of the month in preparation for the season opener, tentatively set for Feb. 27 at home against Montana State-Northern.
