Idaho practice — Aug. 25 report

Fall camp is in the rear-view mirror and “game-week” preparations have begun for the Idaho Vandals. The Sept. 3 opener vs. Ohio won’t be the first game played in the Grand Land of Kibbie this fall, though. The Dome will play host to seven prep games between Thursday and Sunday due to hazardous air conditions. And the rumors are flying that Palouse neighbor Washington State could reserve the facility for its opener vs. Portland State, though that still seems to be a longshot from a logistical standpoint.

Nonetheless, Idaho was there Tuesday. This post won’t be too heavy on depth chart notes, as I plan on releasing one tomorrow.

- But in depth-chart related notes, linebacker Marc Millan was a participant Tuesday and will challenge Kaden for the starting job at the WILL position. Here’s what coach Paul Petrino had to say about what looks to be a good problem at linebacker: “Marc’s got to win his way back, though. Right now, Kaden’s there with all of those practices, but it’s great to see Marc back out there, no question. … Broc’s the MIKE, there’s no doubt, Broc is the MIKE and Chris is playing SAM. Marc can play both WILL and SAM, Tony can play both MIKE and WILL, so you move guys around. Kaden can play both SAM and WILL so you move them all around just to get the best guys on the field.”

- Elliss, who’s drawn praise from coaches throughout camp, stuck an arm out to up Matt Linehan’s throw during the first play of a skeleton period. Elliss’ length, which resembles that of a safety, will be a nice weapon for UI in defending the pass.

- Later on during a team period, it was corner Jayshawn Jordan getting in Deon Watson’s grill on a deep route. Jordan, 5 inches shorter, leapt up to knock the ball down from Idaho’s biggest pass-catcher.

- In other DB-flavored action, Jordan Grabski returned as a full participant and nearly snagged Linehan’s missile to tight end Khalin Smith during the team period.

- Running back Aaron Duckworth and safety Jordan Grabski were also full participants, as was offensive lineman Jordan Rose. Smith, who joined the team last week, donned full pads for the first time. Here’s what Watson said about him: “He’s doing good. He’s coming down with the rock a lot. He’s got good hands. He’s got good technique and I think he’ll be up with us in no time.”

- Kareem Coles, who appears to be Idaho’s third option behind center, is mimicking Ohio gunslinger Derrius Vick on the scout team offense. Vick gained 86 yards on the ground when Idaho and Ohio met last season, and Coles has the best legs of the QB group, it appears.

- On the defensive scout team, Ed Hall and Chris Edwards are playing the role of Bobcats LB Jovon Johnson, a run-plugging specialist who poses a threat to opposing backs.

- It’s down to David Ungerer and Dezmon Epps in the punt return game. As consistent as Ungerer is, I’d think the coaching staff will want to get Epps on the field in as many roles as they can.

- In his attempt to pop a hole in the Dome ceiling, Austin Rehkow came close on a few occasions Tuesday. He nearly hit the black dividers hung at the top of the structure. In a vague estimate, a few of us decided that one of his punts traveled 70 yards in the air.