BIG SKY FOOTBALL KICKOFF: Vandals, Eagles place three on preseason all-conference team

From news services

Three Idaho Vandals — offensive lineman Nate Azzopardi, linebacker Isiah King and defensive lineman Zach Krotzer — were named to the 2025 Big Sky Football Preseason All-Conference Team, as announced by the conference office. 

Azzopardi, a fifth-year senior from Pacifica, Calif., has appeared in 26 games for Idaho over the last two seasons, was named a team captain prior to the 2023 season, and has become a vocal leader for the Vandals. In 2024, he had an elite 87.7 pass block grade from Pro Football Focus. 

Idaho’s top-returning tackler from last season, King established himself as a big-time defensive playmaker in 2024. In 13 games, King recorded 48 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, snagged two interceptions, and broke up two passes, while also recording a sack and recovering a fumble.  

From Shadle Park High in Spokane, Krotzer returns to the Vandals for his fifth year and has become a leader on the defensive side of the ball for Idaho. He’s appeared in 26 games since 2023 and has racked up 55 tackles, two sacks, and an interception over that same time span.  

Eastern Washington football placed three players on the preseason list — cornerback DaJean Wells, defensive end Tylin Jackson and Trevor Thurman.  

Wells stepped up in the secondary last season, recording 32.0 tackles — with 22.0 solo — to tie for eighth on the team. The Seattle native recorded 12 pass breakups placing him second in the conference and 16th in the FCS. Going into his senior season, Wells played in 38 games with 10 starts in the ‘24 season. He has 55 career tackles.  

Jackson stepped into a starting role last season on the defensive line, making 10 starts and playing in all 12 games. Playing at defensive end, the Atlanta native posted 24.0 tackles with 2.5 for a loss.  

Thurman is also preparing for his last season in Cheney and looks to make an impact on special teams for the Eagles. Thuman played in nine games in 2024, making 16.0 tackles, with 11.0 solo.  

The preseason all-conference team is voted on by coaches and media.

2025 Big Sky Football Preseason All-Conference Team 

OFFENSE 

QB: Ty Pennington, Northern Arizona 

RB: Adam Jones, Montana State 

RB: Eli Gillman, Montana 

FB: Colter May, Weber State 

WR: Sam Gbatu, Jr., UC Davis 

WR: Taco Dowler, Montana State 

WR: Michael Briscoe, Cal Poly 

TE: Winston Williams, UC Davis 

TE: Tanner Beaman, Portland State 

OL: Titan Fleischmann, Montana State 

OL: Gavin Ortega, Weber State 

OL: Stryker Rashid, Idaho State 

OL: Nate Azzopardi, Idaho 

OL: Ernesto Nava, UC Davis 

OL: Eli Simonson, UC Davis 

DEFENSE 

DL: Paul Brott, Montana State 

DL: Kenneth Eiden IV, Montana State 

DL: Ethan Rodriguez, Cal Poly 

DL: Micah Carreon, Northern Arizona 

DL: Tylin Jackson, Eastern Washington 

DL: Zach Krotzer, Idaho 

LB: Peyton Wing, Montana 

LB: Porter Connors, UC Davis 

LB: Isiah King, Idaho 

LB: Brandon Wong, Northern Arizona 

LB: Nathan Reynolds, Idaho State 

DB: Rex Connors, UC Davis 

DB: Mason Rivera, Cal Poly 

DB: Cam Chapa, Northern Colorado 

DB: DaJean Wells, Eastern Washington  

DB: Isaiah Green, Portland State 

DB: Mason Young, Idaho State 

SPECIALISTS 

PK: Hunter Ridley, UC Davis 

P: Ben D’Aquila, Northern Arizona 

KR: Michael Wortham, Montana 

PR: Taco Dowler, Montana State 

LS: Grayson Pibal, Montana 

ST: Trevor Thurman, Eastern Washington 

AP: Michael Wortham, Montana