Every college football coach looks at spring practice pretty much the same way - 15 chances to get better.

More specifically, in the Idaho Vandals' case, it's a chance for a defense that went from porous two seasons ago, to leaky last year, to potential difference-makers this season.

And that starts today, when Idaho begins spring practice at 3:30 p.m.

"I'm excited about our (defensive) front," said Paul Petrino, preparing for his third season as Vandals coach. "We have a lot of experience back at linebacker, and just a lot more speed in the secondary."

The defensive front is expected to be anchored by senior Quinton Bradley, junior Tueni Lupeamanu and senior Ryan Edwards. Junior Glen Antoine redshirted last year, as did sophomore Zach Cable. Junior Kevin Shelton was moved from fullback to defensive line, and junior college transfers Leonard Hazewood and Kevin White figure to be in the mix as well, Petrino said.

Seniors Marc Millan and Broc Westlake return at linebacker, and senior Chris Edwards was moved from safety to linebacker. A newcomer who could make an impact, Petrino said, is freshman Kaden Elliss from Judge Memorial in Salt Lake City, who is listed as an "athlete" on the Vandals roster. Elliss grayshirted last fall, and enrolled in January.

"If he can look out there in pads like he looks in the weight room, and runs around on the field doing (agility drills), he's going to be a big-time star for years to come," Petrino said. "He's very talented ... I think he's going to do a lot of great things for us."

Though he and Millan have been working at the same "Will" linebacker spot, Petrino said there could be times when both are on the field.

In the secondary, the Vandals brought in three JC guys - Kendrick Trotter, Isaiah Taylor and D.J. Hampton - to battle returnees Jayshawn Jordan, a senior, and Dorian Clark, a sophomore - for the two cornerback jobs.

At safety, junior Russell Siavii and sophomore Jordan Grabski return, and junior Desmond Banks is back after missing last year to injury. Also, senior Jordan Frysinger was moved from receiver to safety.

Petrino wasn't divulging any secrets, but said "we'll definitely look different on the defensive side of the ball than we have."

Offensively, sophomore Matt Linehan returns as the incumbent starter at quarterback. Jake Luton comes off his redshirt year to challenge him as a freshman, and former Coeur d'Alene High standout Gunnar Amos, a freshman who grayshirted last year, could be in the mix if he doesn't eventually redshirt.

"Matt has a really good handle on the offense," Petrino said. "Jake has been around it for a year and understands it a lot better and Gunnar is learning it."

Senior Dezmon Epps, who was kicked off the team last summer for violation of team rules, has been reinstated, and could help fill the void left by the departure of running back/receiver Richard Montgomery, who left the program after two seasons.

Petrino said Epps did everything he was asked in an effort to earn a spot back on the team - including improving his grades.

"He just basically had to keep his nose clean, and stay out of trouble, and do things right," Petrino said. "He's always been a hard worker; he's one of the hardest-working guys at practice."

In explaining Montgomery's departure, "I didn't feel he was doing the things that I wanted him to do," Petrino said. Montgomery did not accompany the Vandals to last year's season finale at Appalachian State.

"I think some of the freshmen that are coming in can do what he did," Petrino said. "And I think Reuben (Mwehla, a sophomore wide receiver) can do some of the things that he did."

With four-year starter Mike Marboe gone, junior Steven Matlock will move over to center. Other returnees on the offensive line are senior Dallas Sandberg, sophomore Jordan Rose and junior Mason Woods.

Petrino confirmed former Washington State defensive coordinator Mike Breske will be the Vandals' new DC. Breske has been working as a volunteer assistant with the Vandals.

Other spring practice dates for the Vandals are March 27 (3:30 p.m.), March 28 (10 a.m.), March 30 (3:30 p.m.), April 1 (3:30 p.m.), April 4 (10 a.m.), April 6 (3:30 p.m.), April 8 (3:30 p.m.), April 11 (10 a.m.), April 13 (3:30 p.m.), April 15 (3:30 p.m.), April 17 (4 p.m.), April 20 (3:30 p.m.), April 22 (3:30 p.m.), and April 24 (Spring game, 6 p.m.).