Idaho State released its initial two-deep roster before its first practice of the fall Wednesday.
Any surprises were hard to find, especially on the offensive side of the ball where ISU returns nine starters.
But there were a few interesting wrinkles. Sophomore Zak Johnson is listed as the starting kicker and punter. As a freshman, Johnson made 14 of his 19 field-goal attempts and connected on 52 of 55 extra points.
The Meridian native also handled kickoff duties last season. Now he’ll have another major role as ISU’s starting roll punter.
Idaho State’s receivers were unchanged from the spring. Madison Magnum, KW Williams, Josh Cook and Broc Malcom are all listed as front-line starters.
Junior Michael Sanders, the transfer from Scottsdale Community College, is the first-team quarterback. Freshman Tanner Gueller is the second-team QB.
Along the offensive line, one of ISU’s perceived strengths, Terrence Carey is slated to start at left tackle, Wesley Wingrove is the left guard, Christian Diehm, an all-conference preseason pick, is at center, Thomas Vazorka is at right guard and Skyler Phillips is the first-team right tackle.
Senior Xavier Finney, who led the Big Sky Conference in rushing with 1,495 yards last season, is back as the starting running back and junior Jakori Ford is his backup.
One notable exemption from the offensive two-deep is Colorado State tight end Jordan White. The 6-foot-3, 221-pound junior is expected to play major minutes for the Bengals. But his absence from the two-deep hints at the depth of ISU’s receiving corps.
On defense, the starters up front are Tyler Kuder at defensive end, Chris Edwards at nose guard and Drew Sharkey opposite of Kuder at the other defensive end position.
Other than Kuder, each of those starting spots is likely to fluctuate throughout the fall as ISU sifts through several newcomers and returning Bengal veterans.
Kurt Karstetter, a senior who had a breakout spring, is the first-team rush linebacker. He’s joined by CJ Langlow at outside linebacker, and Hayden Stout and Mario Jenkins are the starting inside linebackers.
“The two inside linebackers are two of the most outstanding linebackers I’ve ever had,” said Idaho State coach Mike Kramer.
In the starting defensive backfield are Taison Manu and Cody Sorensen, two seniors who form the Big Sky’s top safety duo, and cornerbacks Khary Livingston-Coleman and Erik Collins.
Rounding out the starters are long snapper Andrew Burtenshaw, a former Pocatello High standout, and sophomore Hagen Graves is the starting punt returner.
IDAHO STATE TWO-DEEP ROSTER
Offense
WR (L): Madison Mangum (backup = CJ Hatchett)
WR (slot): KW Williams (Trae Pilster)
LT: Terrence Carey (Brian Fineanganofo)
LG: Wesley Wingrove (Chris Miedema)
C: Christian Diehm (Travis Namohala)
RG: Thomas Vazorka (Colin Prestesater)
RT: Skyler Phillips (Chase Collins)
TE: Josh Cook (Tyler Wright)
WR (R): Broc Malcom (Hagen Graves)
QB: Michael Sanders (Tanner Gueller)
RB: Xavier Finney (Jakori Ford)
Defense
LE: Tyler Kuder (Nikko Taylor)
N: Chris Edwards (Matt Lewis)
RE: Drew Sharkey (Spencer Hoff)
Rush: Kurt Karstetter (Jake Pettit)
Sam: CJ Langlow (James Madison)
Mac: Hayden Stout (Micah Breland)
Will: Mario Jenkins (Joe Martin)
SS: Taison Manu (Jeremy Bittle)
FS: Cody Sorensen (Kamino Ward)
RCB: Khary Livingston-Coleman (Cory Hollowell)
LCB: Erik Collins (Tavonte Jackson)
Kick specialists
K: Zak Johnson
P: Zak Johnson
LS: Andrew Burtenshaw
PR: Hagen Graves