MOSCOW - Day three of fall camp for the Idaho Vandal football team featured their first day in shoulder pads with full gear on the schedule for tonight's evening practice.

On Wednesday, though, it was a continuation of the progress coach Paul Petrino has seen since spring ball - a progression that has been enhanced by the newcomers in the program.

"There are some good football players out here," Petrino said. "They're just going to keep getting better and better. It's exciting. We just have to keep improving."

Notes from Wednesday's practice:

* Running back turned receiver Richard Montgomery continues to impress. "We just want to get him on the field and find as many ways to get the ball in his hands as we can. You want your playmakers involved as many ways as you can."

* On Russell Siavii, younger brother of former Vandal Robert Siavii: "He had a great spring. It was like a light came on. If you gave out a most improved player in spring ball, it probably would be him. He's just kept improving."

* On dual sport Roberto Asencio, a forward on the basketball team working on the defensive line - much like two former Vandals (Marvin Washington and Mao Tosi) who were successful with the double duty. "You love having him around because he's such a great kid and he works so hard."

* On newcomer Chris Edwards, a safety: "He's playing a big role back there. I think he'll have a chance to be an intimidator. It helps everyone play better if you have someone like him back there."

Practices continue tonight and Friday at 6 p.m. with the first fall scrimmage at 10 a.m., on Saturday.