Idaho State football continued its spring training on April 1, with the fourth practice session taking place at the ICCU Practice Field. Inside receivers coach Buddy Blevins said the new group of receivers is already making progress as they adjust to changes in personnel and offensive strategy.
The Bengals’ receiver lineup has seen significant turnover since last season, with two players transferring to Football Bowl Subdivision programs and two others graduating. Despite these departures, Blevins said that newcomers are adapting quickly and that the team’s offensive approach may shift as a result.
“They’re good, man. Lots of new people, lots of new faces. They’re making plays, they’re learning the offense and really they’re just really trying to get in sync with the quarterbacks,” Blevins said.
Returning inside receivers Adam Watts, Josh Ball, and Dominic Ruiz are helping guide newer players through schematic details. Watts serves as a veteran presence after converting from quarterback last year. “Those guys just really bring a wealth of knowledge of what we want schematically going on and that allows us to kind of help the new guys,” Blevins said.
Chedon James has rejoined Idaho State after time away from the program. “Chedon James is semi new, but he is explosive. He has some great plays today,” Blevins said. “He also has a really good insight into the offense…”
James described his return by saying: “Just trying to get back into it, learning, same offense, but just trying to perfect it. I’m just grateful to be back and back with the guys.” Newcomer Jimmy Triller was also singled out for consistent playmaking during practices.
Watts commented on how this year’s transfers have integrated more smoothly than in previous years: “These transfers are a lot more social… Starting better integration in spring, we’re gonna be a much closer team in the fall.” Both Watts and James credited Blevins for emphasizing technical details throughout their development process.
Blevins highlighted ongoing efforts by both staff and players to achieve alignment within coaching points under Idaho State’s run-and-shoot offense system: “A lot of these guys have the skill, but it’s the detail within the skill… outsides and insides all together.” The Bengals also welcomed Josh Thompson as outside receivers coach this offseason; Blevins described their partnership as seamless due to prior experience working together at UC Davis.
Looking ahead, Idaho State will continue its open morning practices leading up to events such as Junior Day on April 11 at 2 p.m., aiming for further improvement across all receiver positions.
