MOSCOW — Idaho football coach Paul Petrino met with the media Friday, the same day the Vandals reported for fall camp. The team’s first practice is today at 6 p.m.

“I can’t wait to get out on the field with them tomorrow,” Petrino said. “I’m really excited about the unity of the team. We have good leadership.”

Nowhere is the mix of veterans and newcomers more prevalent than in the trenches. Idaho returns seven offensive linemen with starting experience, including All-American Noah Johnson and 2018 freshman All-American Logan Floyd. The defensive line is flush with new faces, including Kayode Rufai from Boise State, junior college transfer Vei Tomasi and highly-touted newcomer Noah Elliss to complement Charles Akanno and Rahsaan Crawford who return after breakout seasons.

“Any time you can have this experience back on the offensive line, that’s where it starts,” Petrino said. “With the guys we brought in, there’s a lot more competition on the defensive line. Everything starts at the offensive and defensive lines. I’m excited to think that we’ll be a lot better at both positions this year.”

As the Vandals enter their second season in the Big Sky Conference, Petrino said the stability has provided clarity for the coaches and student-athletes, and is helping to create a positive atmosphere within the program.

“We are where we are and I feel good about it,” Petrino said. “I’m as excited going to this year as I’ve ever been. I’m going to stay that way. Nobody is going to get me in a bad mood this year. I’m going to be excited and happy and coach every day with great passion and our team’s going to play that way. And we’re going to improve.”

The 2019 season kicks off Aug. 31, at Penn State. The Vandals will open the upcoming home slate Sept. 7, against Central Washington.