The Idaho Vandal linebacker room lost veteran starter Fa’Avae Fa’Avae to graduation and Second-Team All-Big Sky performer Paul Moala to transfer. The losses left the Vandals with new faces at both inside linebacker positions. A few key transfers and accelerated grow of young players has given Defensive Coordinator and linebackers coach Rob Aurich confidence heading into the season.
The key to improving the linebacking corps, and the defense as a whole, is stopping the run. It was the single-biggest indicator of wins and losses for the Vandals in 2022 and will again be vitally important.
“The key role for our linebackers this season is going to be controlling the box and eliminating the run game,” Aurich said.