Posted by bambi2godzilla on 8/13/2007, 10:42 am The redshirt freshman quarterback has made great strides since being named the Vandals starter. Editor's note: This is the beginning of the Idaho Statesman's daily series previewing WAC football teams, in reverse order of predicted finish. Redshirt freshman Nathan Enderle has done everything in his power to impress his Idaho teammates and coaches since being named the team's starting quarterback after spring practice. He also prepared himself for the vocal abuse that many starting quarterbacks endure by working as an umpire for youth sporting events this summer in Moscow. "You just have to take it with a grain of salt," Enderle said. But if the 6-foot-5 Enderle keeps progressing, he might not hear too many jeers or complaints. "I think he's handling it very well," said center Adam Korby, the team's offensive captain. "He's becoming a very good football player. He picks things up very fast, he's a smart player. He's speaking up. He's a leader on our team, and we're counting on him. We're behind him and support him all the way." Enderle won the job in a four-man race in the spring, beating out senior Brian Nooy, junior Chris Joseph and walk-on Luke Tracy, who since has left the program. Since the end of spring, Enderle has tightened his grip on the starting position. In addition to umpiring, Enderle spent his summer in Moscow running seven-on-seven passing drills twice a week. On other days, he and a few receivers got together and worked out. "I think we improved this summer," Enderle said. That work ethic and leadership definitely impressed first-year head coach Robb Akey. "Those are the things that I'm looking at," Akey said. "He's pushing himself and he's making good choices and good decisions. I think he's made himself more comfortable in the package and has progressed so far in fall camp." It's quite a change from last year when Enderle was running the scout team and the fourth or fifth quarterback on the depth chart. Now he's in the huddle with the first team as the Vandals prepare for their season-opener Sept. 1 at top-ranked USC. Enderle's biggest challenge before the opening game? "Just being consistent is probably the toughest thing," Enderle said. "When you're the starting guy, you can't have those off days. That's one of the hardest things. And also not making that big mistake, throwing that interception or dropping the snap, something that could really change the game."Enderle is working with a mostly unproven receiving corps and behind an offensive line that is trying to replace two starters. "Our offense as a whole is coming together," said receiver Max Komar, a former walk-on who was put on scholarship this season. "We've built on what we did in the spring, and each day we're getting better. "Nate's shown a lot of poise. He knows the offense really good. He knows his keys and where to go on every play. He throws a nice ball. He's ready to go." That's also Enderle's goal — be ready for the season-opener and the upcoming season. "It really excites me that coaches have enough confidence in me to put me in this position this early in my career," said Enderle, who is from North Platte, Neb. "It's a lot of responsibility that I really need to take and run with, but I'm confident in myself that I can take that leadership role." ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Returning starters: Five offense, seven defense, two specialists Players to watch: CB Stanley Franks, LB David Vobora, S Shiloh Keo, C Adam Korby, WR Max Komar, RB Brian Flowers. Coach: Robb Akey, first season Season opener: Sept. 1 at USC First WAC game: Sept. 29 vs. Hawaii Scheduling fact: Idaho has six games in the Kibbie Dome this season, the most since 1994. Scary statistic: Starting quarterback Nathan Enderle never has thrown a pass in a college
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WAC Football Preview: Enderle growing into role at Idaho
Nick Jezierny
The Idaho Statesman
8/11/07
Idaho at a glance
Last season: 4-8, 3-5 WAC
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