Fall camp begins next week for the Idaho Vandals and coach Robb Akey is itching to see how his football players developed over the summer - a summer during which a majority of the players stayed in Moscow to develop as players and teammates.

"I'm very excited about getting this season kicked off," said Akey at the Western Athletic Conference's annual media day event at Las Vegas. "I think we have a chance to be a very good football team."

While both coaches and the media voted the Vandals sixth in the preseason polls, Akey and his players have much higher visions and aspirations. Throughout the morning interview sessions, quarterback Brian Reader and linebacker Tre`Shawn Robinson talked about the energy and excitement of their 2009 Humanitarian Bowl run and their thirst to make it back to the postseason.

Akey believes they can do it with a blend of experience and newcomers filling the depth chart.

Reader takes over for Nate Enderle, now a Chicago Bear, but he isn't without experience and knowledge of the system. He has game experience, led a comeback victory and his two years in the system. A backfield with experience and savvy returns behind an offensive line that also has time in the system and on the playing field. The group at tight end has shown promise, while Akey likes what he's seeing in the receiving corps - but he'd like to see more.

Defensively, Akey finally has in place the size upfront he believes will be a difference maker. The linebackers have experience and he's looking to an improved secondary.

Kicker Trey Farquhar and punter Bobby Cowan, two of the best in school history, both return as well.

"If we stay healthy," Akey said, "we have a chance to do a lot of things this year. I'm excited about what I believe we can do."

Players report next Wednesday with their first practice next Thursday at 3:30 p.m. They have daily practices at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 5-7 with their first fully padded session Aug. 8 at 9 a.m. The first scrimmage is Aug. 10 at 2:30 p.m.

The coach and media polls were the same with Hawaii the No. 1 choice followed by Fresno State, Nevada, Louisiana Tech, Utah State, Idaho, San Jose State and New Mexico State.

The Vandals open the 2011 season with a rematch with 2009 Humanitarian Bowl opponent Bowling Green State Sept. 1 at 6 p.m.

The unveiling of the Kibbie Dome enhancements is Aug. 19 at 4:30 p.m.