1980 Idaho Vandals football team

Transfer quarterback Ken Hobart from Kamiah was a four-year starter. He quickly adjusted from an option quarterback in the veer under Davitch to a prolific passer under new head coach Dennis Erickson in 1982. He led the Vandals to a 9–4 record in 1982 and an 8–3 record in 1983 as a fifth-year senior, when he was a Division I-AA All-American. Hobart played a season in the USFL with Jacksonville in 1984 and several in the CFL.

Sophomore linebacker Sam Merriman from Tucson, Arizona,{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fKhfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=hTIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3251%2C3985985 |newspaper=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho)|title=Lucky Sam Merriman |last=Ramsdell|first=Paul |date=November 27, 1982|page=1C}} was selected in the seventh round (177th overall) of the 1983 NFL draft by the Seattle Seahawks. A four-year starter for the Vandals, he played five seasons with Seattle, primarily on special teams.{{cite web|url=http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=MERRISAM01 |work=Database Football |title=Sam Merriman |accessdate=September 9, 2016 |url-status=usurped |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010003915/http://databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=MERRISAM01 |archivedate=October 10, 2016 }}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YFhWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=--4DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6619%2C1254133 |newspaper=Spokesman-Review |location=Spokane, Washington |last=Weaver |first=Dan |title=Low in the draft, high on the team |date=July 18, 1984 |page=15}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=gZUrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B9EFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2173%2C2658686 |newspaper=Idahonian |location=(Moscow) |last=Jacobson |first=Bryan |title=Like riding a bike |date=December 20, 1986 |page=25}} He was a probable starter in 1988, but a serious knee injury in a preseason game (on a punt return in overtime) ended his {{nowrap|playing career.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hllWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0e8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=3294%2C7137755 |newspaper=Spokesman-Review |location=Spokane, Washington |agency=Associated Press |title=Seahawks lose Merriman for year |date=August 13, 1988 |page=B1}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=55MrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=x9AFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6095%2C1460297 |newspaper=Idahonian |location=(Moscow) |last=Pierce |first=Oliver |title=Merriman isn't merry on sidelines |date=September 14, 1988 |page=9A}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=g7syAAAAIBAJ&sjid=zu8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=1477%2C2091417 |newspaper=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |agency=Associated Press |title=Seahawks cut Merriman, two others |date=April 18, 1989 |page=C3}}}}

Glen White was the Vandals' leading rusher during his junior season in 1979,{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fcpeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=hjIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4811%2C5470630|newspaper=Lewiston Morning Tribune|location=Idaho|last=Killen|first=John|title=Prodigal son: Glen White came back to Idaho and everybody's happy he did|date=November 14, 1979|page=1C}} the best season by a UI running back in the 1970s. {{nowrap|He missed}} the {{nowrap|opener,{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TP1jAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LvkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2334%2C3988019 |work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington) |title=White leads Vandals against Boise State |last=Stewart |first=Chuck|date=October 12, 1979 |page=25}}}} but gained 889 yards and averaged 5.0 yards per carry in the final ten games as the team finished at 4–7.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7r1eAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DzEMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3305%2C2527812|newspaper=Lewiston Morning Tribune|location=Idaho|title=Peaks and valleys|date=November 22, 1979|page=1B}}

While in off-season training in February, White felt weakness and was sent to Seattle for further testing.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LK0SAAAAIBAJ&sjid=KfkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7008%2C1556616|newspaper=Spokane Daily Chronicle|location=(Washington) |title=Idaho back stricken|date=February 21, 1980|page=23}} Diagnosed with aplastic anemia, he battled it for several months until his death from complications on August 9 at an Oklahoma City hospital, near his parents' home {{nowrap|at Fort Sill.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PaVfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=SDIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3075%2C3277851|newspaper=Lewiston Morning Tribune|location=(Idaho)|title=UI running back dies|date=August 10, 1980|page=2B}}}} White, age 22, was posthumously designated an honorary team captain for all eleven games,{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=e8heAAAAIBAJ&sjid=XDIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6178%2C1138967|newspaper=Lewiston Morning Tribune|location=(Idaho)|title=Vandals|date=September 18, 1980|page=4C}} and the Vandals wore his number 32 on the left side of their helmets during the {{nowrap|1980 season.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Z2VOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=S_kDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3898%2C4453273|newspaper=Spokane Daily Chronicle|location=(Washington)|title=White memory spurs Vandals to big victory|date=November 18, 1980|page=30}}{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rbZeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=RzAMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5501,3672989|newspaper=Lewiston Morning Tribune|location=(Idaho)|title= '96 Vandals will sport new look |date=April 28, 1996|page=6B}}}}

{{CFB schedule

| rankyear = 1980

| rankdivision = NCAA Division I-AA

| poll = AP

| timezone = Pacific

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 13

| time = 7:30 pm

| w/l = l

| nonconf = y

| away = y

| opponent = Pacific (CA)

| site_stadium = Pacific Memorial Stadium

| site_cityst = Stockton CA

| score = 13–24

| attend = 15,000

| source = {{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DRczAAAAIBAJ&sjid=WjIHAAAAIBAJ&pg=6772%2C1548965|work=Lodi News-Sentinel |location=(California) |agency=UPI |title=Idaho to go against UOP tonight |date=September 13, 1980 |page=6}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=G1tOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wu4DAAAAIBAJ&pg=1938%2C4959865 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |last=Missildine |first=Harry |title=Leaping lizards! Hold those Tigers! |date=September 13, 1980 |page=19}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DRczAAAAIBAJ&sjid=WjIHAAAAIBAJ&pg=6909%2C1725819 |work=Lodi News-Sentinel |location=(California) |agency=UPI |title=UOP wins home opener over Idaho 24-13 |date=September 15, 1980 |page=19}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rkFYAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QvkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5128%2C4028700 |work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington)|last=Stewart |first=Chuck|title=Some things good for losing UI |date=September 15, 1980 |page=24}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 20

| time = 7:30 pm

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| opponent = {{cfb link|year=1980|team=Simon Fraser Clan|title=Simon Fraser}}

| site_stadium = Kibbie Dome

| site_cityst = Moscow, ID

| score = 56–16

| attend = 11,500

| source = {{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fcheAAAAIBAJ&sjid=XDIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4175%2C1907392 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |last=Barrows |first=Bob |title=Idaho, Simon Fraser to collide in Kibbie Dome tonight |date=September 20, 1980 |page=1C}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fsheAAAAIBAJ&sjid=XDIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3486%2C2200044 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |last=Barrows |first=Bob |title=Vandals rip Simon Fraser, 56-16 |date=September 21, 1980 |page=3C}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 27

| time = 12:30 pm

| w/l = w

| away = y

| opponent = Montana

| site_stadium = Dornblaser Field

| site_cityst = Missoula, Montana

| gamename = Little Brown Stein

| score = 42–0

| attend = 8,535

| source = {{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hMheAAAAIBAJ&sjid=XDIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6281%2C4608083 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho)|title=Montana prepares 'razzle dazzle' offense for Vandals today |date=September 27, 1980 |page=3C}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hcheAAAAIBAJ&sjid=XDIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2808%2C4852148 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |last=Katsilometes |first=George |title=Idaho shellacks Montana 42-0 |date=September 28, 1980 |page=2C}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 4

| time = 7:30 pm

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| opponent = Portland State

| site_stadium = Kibbie Dome

| site_cityst = Moscow, ID

| score = 37–27

| attend = 13,000

| source = {{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=i0FYAAAAIBAJ&sjid=PvkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6082%2C1212148 |work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington)|last=Stewart |first=Chuck |title=Vandals concerned with Portland run |date=October 4, 1980 |page=13}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jEFYAAAAIBAJ&sjid=PvkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2012%2C1547741|work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington)|last=Stewart |first=Chuck |title=Vandals outscore Portland State |date=October 6, 1980 |page=17}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 11

| time = 6:30 pm

| w/l = l

| away = y

| rank = 9

| opponent = Boise State

| site_stadium = Bronco Stadium

| site_cityst = Boise, ID

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 21–44

| attend = 21,812

| source= {{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=kUFYAAAAIBAJ&sjid=PvkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1513%2C3170831 |work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington)|last=Stewart |first=Chuck |title=Emotional Idaho, Boise await kickoff |date=October 11, 1980 |page=12}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=kUFYAAAAIBAJ&sjid=PvkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7002%2C3373376 |work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington)|last=Stewart |first=Chuck |title=Minter paces Boise State past Vandals |date=October 13, 1980 |page=26}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 18

| time = 1:30 pm

| w/l = w

| homecoming = y

| opponent = Montana State

| site_stadium = Kibbie Dome

| site_cityst = Moscow, ID

| score = 14–6

| attend = 15,000

| source = {{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PHtfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0i8MAAAAIBAJ&pg=4318%2C1024891 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |last=Barrows |first=Bob |title=Vandals, Bobcats face 'must win' situation in homecoming tilt |date=October 18, 1980 |page=1C}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PXtfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0i8MAAAAIBAJ&pg=3671%2C1244349 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |last=Barrows |first=Bob |title=Idaho defense shuts down Bobcats |date=October 19, 1980 |page=3C}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3UFYAAAAIBAJ&sjid=SvkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6990%2C1064074 |work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington)|last=Stewart |first=Chuck |title=Idaho throttles Bobcats |date=October 20, 1980 |page=16}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 25

| time = 7:30 pm

| w/l = l

| nonconf = y

| away = y

| opponent = San Jose State

| site_stadium = Spartan Stadium

| site_cityst = San Jose, CA

| score = 10–32

| attend = 7,263

| source = {{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Q3tfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0i8MAAAAIBAJ&pg=3255%2C3767973 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |title=Idaho faces tough road contest at San Jose |date=October 25, 1980 |page=2B}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RHtfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0i8MAAAAIBAJ&pg=3567%2C4248494 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |title=San Jose strikes early, bombs Idaho 32-10 |date=October 26, 1980 |page=2D}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 1

| time = 7:30 pm

| w/l = w

| opponent = Weber State

| site_stadium = Kibbie Dome

| site_cityst = Moscow, ID

| score = 31–6

| attend = 11,000

| source = {{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=V61fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0DIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4260%2C137679 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |last=Barrows |first=Bob |title=Idaho, Weber State hope to stay in thick of Big Sky title race |date=November 1, 1980 |page=1C}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qcUSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=S_kDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5283%2C76285 |work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington)|last=Stewart |first=Chuck |title=UI hoping to move ball vs. Weber |date=November 1, 1980 |page=14}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WK1fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0DIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2928%2C421987 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |last=Barrows |first=Bob |title=Vandals are still high in the Big Sky |date=November 2, 1980 |page=2B}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qsUSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=S_kDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3002%2C308282|work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington)|last=Stewart |first=Chuck |title=Bubak burns Weber defense as Idaho smashes Wildcats |date=November 3, 1980 |page=25}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 8

| time = 7:30 pm

| w/l = l

| opponent = Idaho State

| site_stadium = Kibbie Dome

| site_cityst = Moscow, ID

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 21–28

| attend = 12,000

| source = {{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Xa1fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0DIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4192%2C3294202 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |last=Barrows |first=Bob |title=Vandals in key game with rival |date=November 8, 1980 |page=1C}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=X2VOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=S_kDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4625%2C2064764|work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington)|last=Stewart |first=Chuck |title=Idaho can assure itself winning year |date=November 8, 1980 |page=12}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Xq1fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0DIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3439%2C3544191|work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |last=Barrows |first=Bob |title=Bengals dash Idaho's Big Sky title hopes |date=November 9, 1980 |page=2C}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YGVOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=S_kDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7058%2C2336516|work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington)|last=Stewart |first=Chuck |title=Idaho sickened by loss |date=November 10, 1980 |page=19}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 15

| time = 7:30 pm

| w/l = w

| opponent = Northern Arizona

| site_stadium = Kibbie Dome

| site_cityst = Moscow, ID

| score = 14–7

| attend = 10,000

| source = {{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZK1fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0DIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4337%2C6272242 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |last=Barrows |first=Bob |title=Idaho Vandals seek to have winning season by beating Northern Arizona |date=November 15, 1980 |page=1C}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZWVOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=S_kDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4150%2C3944613 |work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington) |last=Stewart |first=Chuck |title=UI seniors in final home title |date=November 15, 1980 |page=12}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HnVhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=S_kDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6971%2C4126132 |work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington) |last=Stewart |first=Chuck |title=Idler 'accepts' offer |date=November 17, 1980 |page=18}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 22

| time = 12:00 pm

| w/l = l

| away = y

| opponent = Nevada

| site_stadium = Mackay Stadium

| site_cityst = Reno, NV

| score = 7–38

| attend = 9,000

| source = {{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=amVOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=S_kDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3076%2C5521742|newspaper=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington) |last=Stewart |first=Chuck |title=Vandals play at UNR |date=November 21, 1980 |page=21}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bGVOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=S_kDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6968%2C5994521 |newspaper=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington) |last=Stewart |first=Chuck |title=Nevada-Reno's 'Hawk' rips Vandals |date=November 24, 1980 |page=18 }}

}}

}}

{{American football roster/Header

| year = 1980

| team = Idaho Vandals

| teamcolors = f

| offensive_players=

{{American football roster/Player|num=7|class=Jr|first=Jack|last=Klein|pos=SE}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=9|class=Fr|first=Ken|last=Hobart|pos=QB|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=11|class=Fr|first=Mark|last=Vigil|pos=QB}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=3|class=Jr|first=Russell|last=Davis|pos=RB}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=35|class=So|first=Wally|last=Jones|pos=RB}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=33|class=So|first=Terry|last=Idler|pos=RB}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=So|first=Tim|last=Payne|pos=RB}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=Jr|first=Ben|last=Bubak|pos=QB, SE}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=So|first=Curtis|last=Johnson|pos=FL}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=Sr|first=John|last=Palumbo|pos=SE}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=Jr|first=Tom|last=Coombs|pos=TE}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=62|class=So|first=Steve|last=Seman|pos=LT}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=Sr|first=Dave Monico|last=|pos=LG}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=Sr|first=Pat|last=Hills|pos=C}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=Sr|first=John|last=Girnt|pos=RG}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=74|class=Jr|first=Bruce|last=Fery|pos=RT}}

| defensive_players=

{{American football roster/Player|num=41|class=Jr|first=Greg|last=Jennings|pos=CB}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=Sr|first=Ray McCanna|last=|pos=FS}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=25|class=Jr|first=Kelly|last=Miller|pos=SS}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=Sr|first=Carlton|last=McBride|pos=CB}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=52|class=So|first=Sam|last=Merriman|pos=LB|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=Fr|first=Larry|last=White|pos=LB}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=Jr|first=Jay|last=Hayes|pos=DE}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=63|class=Jr|first=Dave|last=Frohnen|pos=DT}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=Jr|first=Steve|last=Nelson|pos=NG}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=75|class=Sr|first=Monty|last=Elder|pos=DT}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=44|class=Fr|first=Frank|last=Moreno|pos=DE}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=43|class=Sr|first=Larry|last=Barker|pos=DE}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=90|class=So|first=Lloyd|last=Williamson|pos=DE}}

| special_teams_players=

{{American football roster/Player|num=6|class=Jr|first=Pete|last=O'Brien|pos=PK}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=Sr|first=Chris|last=Brockman|pos=P}}

}}

{{American football roster/Footer

| head_coach = *Jerry Davitch (3rd year)

| asst_coach =

• Bill Tripp (OC)
• Leland Kendall (DC)
• Ray Groth (OB)

| accessdate=

}}

:{{small|Source:}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qkFYAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QvkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5821%2C2432547 |work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington) |last=Stewart |first=Chuck |title=Consistency said key for Vandals |date=September 9, 1980 |page=19}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=G1tOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wu4DAAAAIBAJ&pg=1938%2C4959865 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |title=Probable starting lineups |date=September 13, 1980 |page=19}}{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fcheAAAAIBAJ&sjid=XDIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4175%2C1907392 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |title=Probable starters |date=September 20, 1980 |page=1C}}{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZK1fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0DIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4806%2C6296488 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |title=Probable starters |date=November 15, 1980 |page=1C}}

Tackle Bruce Fery was the only Vandal on the first team;{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=iIIwAAAAIBAJ&sjid=RvkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3465%2C912168 |work=Spokane Daily Chronicle |location=(Washington) |title=Vandal tackle gains Big Sky star spot |date=December 3, 1980 |page=22}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=q4NfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=szAMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5601%2C1572687 |work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |agency=Associated Press |title=Vandals' Fery makes all-conference team |date=December 4, 1980 |page=4C}} second team selections were running back Russell Davis, defensive end Larry Barker, linebacker Sam Merriman, cornerback Carlton McBride, and placekicker Pete O'Brien.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rYNfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=szAMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4172%2C2340238|work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |agency=Associated Press |title=Weber, Boise, Reno each land three on Big Sky defensive team all-conference team |date=December 6, 1980 |page=2B}} Honorable mention picks included quarterback Ken Hobart, tight end Tom Coombs, defensive end Jay Hayes, safety Kelly Miller, and punter Chris Brockman.

No Vandals were selected in the 1981 NFL draft, which lasted twelve rounds (332 selections). Two Vandal juniors were later selected in the 1982 NFL draft,{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xPhLAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ie4DAAAAIBAJ&pg=4526%2C6419724 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |agency=Associated Press|title=NFL teams grab best local talent |date=April 29, 1981 |page=27}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=iQNMAAAAIBAJ&sjid=W_kDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5708%2C3762477 |work=Spokane Chronicle |location=(Washington) |title=Four Cougars, two Vandals picked |date=April 29, 1982 |page=35}}{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2steAAAAIBAJ&sjid=pjIMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3053%2C5670076|work=Lewiston Morning Tribune |location=(Idaho) |title=NFL teams add Idaho players in late rounds |date=April 29, 1982 |page=1C}} also twelve rounds (334 selections).

{{Reflist}}

• [http://issuu.com/uidahodigital/docs/gem1981/70 Gem of the Mountains: 1981 University of Idaho yearbook] – 1980 football season
• [http://www.lib.uidaho.edu/digital/argonaut/years/1980.html Idaho Argonaut] – student newspaper – 1980 editions

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