MOSCOW - Robb Akey and his University of Idaho football staff are looking for answers to some questions as the Vandals head into their first scrimmage of the spring today at 10 a.m. at the Kibbie Dome.

One set of questions involves the defense where a host of experienced, talented players return. Another set involves determining which of the two comparatively inexperienced quarterbacks will earn the starting nod when the Vandals kick off the 2012 season at home against Eastern Washington on Aug. 30.

As might be expected, answers are going to come much more quickly for the defense.

"I'm seeing some comfort with each other," Akey said as he assessed the first five spring practice sessions for the defense. "Assignment-wise they're really doing things pretty well. There are some technique things we need to get cleaned up."

Defensively, Idaho welcomes back players with at least some starting experience at every position along with a strong contingent of newcomers.

"We're finding out how big a pool of guys we're going to have to work with," Akey said.

He knows the pool at quarterback - juniors Dominique Blackman and Taylor Davis, and senior Logan Bushnell. Determining the starter is in the works.

"I've seen good and not-so-good in both of them," said Akey, who narrowed the likely starter's battle to one between Blackman and Davis. "They're both learning a lot of things at this point in time. They're both getting a lot of opportunity.

"Some things are coming together well. There are some things both would like to have back. That's part of the learning experience."

Part of what has impressed Akey is his encounters with them off the field.

"What I like is the way the learning sessions are going in the meeting rooms," Akey said. "They're learning how to drive the truck. It's making sense. I know we're going to see consistent improvement as time goes on."

The learning curve for the quarterbacks is much like that of the offensive line where only two starters - Mike Marboe and A.J. Jones - return. There is good size to fill the gaps but limited experience. The tight end group has experience and depth with the return of Mike LaGrone, Taylor Elmo and Clayton Homme, while there is a mix of veterans (Mike Scott and Justin Veltung) with a host of newcomers at receiver. The backfield returns Ryan Bass with newcomers James Baker and Todd Handley in the mix along with Moscow native Justin Parkins, who drew praise from Akey for his efforts during the offseason.

The Vandals also scrimmage April 7 and 14 with the Silver and Gold game set for 6 p.m. April 20.