One thing we're hoping to do with the blog this year is open it up to some of the other writers around here.

We're negotiating with sports editor and Top 25 voter Mike Prater about bringing some national stuff onto the Turf. Prater, as a first-round pick, is holding out.

But we had no such problems convincing Idaho writer Nick Jezierny to contribute. Jezierny, having been through his rookie hazing, is raring to go.

He just filed this report after speaking with Idaho football coach Robb Akey after the Vandals finished their third practice of fall camp at around noon MDT.

Akey's biggest concern remains the receiving corps as Idaho runs a three-receiver package and has yet to find players who consistently can run the right route, get open and catch the ball.

"That's my challenge to that crew, and I walked into their meeting room the other night and told them, 'I am challenging you all,'" Akey said. "I've had some guys do it at times, but at this point in time, I haven't seen anyone who has made me happy yet."

The leading candidates are junior Max Komar, sophomore Maurice Shaw and sophomore Steven Brown. Akey also said freshmen Marsel Posey and Preston Davis have had their moments.

"That door is open for anyone who wants to go grab it, and obviously we need more than one to go do it," Akey said. "Max did some great things today. Steven Brown made a good catch yesterday, and Marsel Posey made a good deep ball catch over coverage in practice. Preston Davis and Maurice Shaw had some nice catches.

"But I need to be able to say this after every practice and comment on more than just one play. That's what our battle and challenge is right now."

ON THE SHELF: Three players who underwent surgery in the offseason haven't returned to contact drills yet -- guard Mike Iupati (shoulder), cornerback T.J. Taylor (shoulder) and tight end Rick Harrison (back). Iupati and Taylor are participating in conditioning drills, while Harrison isn't practicing.

Senior wide receiver Lee Smith injured his hamstring and will miss several practices to help the rehabilitation. Tight end Jim Reuber and walk-on defensive tackle Alex Toailoa also sustained slight hamstring pulls, Akey said.

WHO'S HERE, WHO'S NOT: Two players from last year's team aren't back this fall because of academics. Safety Cary Jensen-Madison is ineligible, but he will remain with the program. Linebacker Adam Shamion isn't with the program, but Akey said he could return next year if his academic work returns to expected levels.

All of Idaho's 2008 signees have reported to camp with the exception of three -- defensive end Hank Bryant, kicker Trey Farquhar and defensive tackle Larry Dugan.

Bryant is waiting to be cleared by the NCAA clearinghouse and will report once he is cleared to begin practice.

Farquhar and Dugan are grayshirting, meaning they won't join the program until January.

The Vandals return to practice at 10 a.m. MDT Friday.

12:30 p.m. -- Watched the first episode of HBO's "Hard Knocks" last night. HBO is back with the Dallas Cowboys for an inside look at training camp.

First impression: Wow, the Cowboys have a lot of talent — Terrell Owens, Tony Romo, Marion Barber III, Jason Witten, Adam Jones, Roy Williams, Tank Johnson, Felix Jones. If the ’Boys don't go deep in the playoffs, then Wade Phillips probably won't have a job.

Former Boise State cornerback Orlando Scandrick, a fifth-round draft pick after leaving school early, made it into the show. The coaches had some positive things to say about him, one even asking if injured starter Terence Newman knew who Wally Pipp was?

Pipp was out of the lineup one day, Lou Gehrig took his spot and the rest is history.

Scandrick didn't speak on camera.

Later in the show, defensive backs coach Dave Campo was shown giving Scandrick some tips.

As much as BSU fans complained about Scandrick, he'd look pretty good in the Broncos' lineup this year.

• ESPN has unveiled a new network of college football bloggers with one assigned to all the non-BCS conferences and independents. The rest simply have one conference. So Graham Watson has a tough job. But I have to disagree with her ranking of the Top 10 Non-BCS coaches.

Bronco Mendenhall over Chris Petersen? Sure, BYU has won 11 games in back-to-back seasons, but Petersen should still be getting credit from 2006's 13-0 season and Fiesta Bowl title. Until Mendenhall leads BYU into the top 5 (or if the Broncos stumble this season), Petersen has got to be atop that list.

Also, no Charlie Weis? Really? I know Notre Dame hasn't had the success that the Irish are used to, but the guy won several Super Bowls, has brought in great recruiting classes and is considered one of the top offensive minds in football. There's no room for him in the top 10?