He played arena football for the Los Angeles Avengers.The only time he’d ever lived anywhere else was in 2002 when he went to the Philadelphia Eagles’ training camp. 244 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, and he had no idea there were so many connections to the Gem State down in the Pelican State.On one of Elliss’ first days at the facility, Johnson passed him in the hall and said “We’re the Vandals” in passing.Thomas said his first interaction with Elliss was immediately talking about Moscow and the Palouse.“You've got an immediate brotherhood that any school should have when you've got someone from the same spot,” Thomas said.Thomas and Elliss bookended Idaho’s time at the FBS (or Division 1-A) level.The Vandals program moved up from Division I-AA to Division I-A in 1996.Idaho won its first bowl game in 1998 — Thomas’ last season. In addition, he had 14 kickoff returns for 348 net yards for a 24.86 average.In March 2020, the Saints placed a first-round restricted free agent tender on Hill worth $4.641 million.Hill is the youngest of four children of Doug and Natalie Hill.
“Isn’t that crazy?”Linebacker Kaden Elliss found Idaho after former tight ends coach Al Pupunu (2010-16) recruited him to the Palouse.Pupunu knew Elliss’ father, Luther Elliss, from their days in the NFL together (they overlapped in Detroit in 2000). Idaho went 4-7 in its return to the Big Sky.“It’s a small, small town, small university,” said Johnson, who played his entire career at the I-AA level. “He would, in pass protection, he would just destroy people. I'm so grateful for my time there. They also both played college football in Utah, as Luther Elliss went to Utah and Pupunu attended Weber State.In high school, Elliss played a variety of positions for his smaller Class 3A high school, lining up at quarterback and safety.Idaho recruited him to play linebacker, though Pupunu thought Elliss could still line up at tight end. It's a regional division for the fans. When he ran with the ball, he (would) run them over, run through them, run by them.”His name still appears 62 times in the Idaho record book.Thomas’ 765 career carries, 966 career touches and 3,929 yards rushing still stand as program records. Taysom Hill and Josh Hill aren’t related, though they share the same last name and the same home state. He returned to coach the Vandals’ wideouts from 1987-88.Even though Petrino never overlapped with Johnson, he said he’s admired Johnson from afar.And Johnson, like Thomas, credits his time at Idaho for helping him get back to New Orleans.“It’s a place where you learn how to do certain things,” Johnson said. Related Links Taysom Hill documentary, photo series released by New Orleans Saints Taysom Hill has developed a rather unorthodox role with the Saints over the last few seasons as the athletic backup passer sees snaps at a variety of positions on offense and special teams. One thing is for sure with Hill in the lineup. He was named after Taysom Rotary Park located in his hometown of Pocatello, Idaho. He played college football for the BYU Cougars. He went to USC. “There's a huge coaching tree from the University of Idaho, period, but having that whole group at the Saints is pretty cool.”Taysom Hill and Josh Hill aren’t related, though they share the same last name and the same home state. He also notched 289 career total tackles, ranking 13th all time. News of Dexter’s death rocked Hill watchers across the country. It was spring 2004. Gems from the Gem State: For these 6 Saints, the road to New Orleans began in Idaho “But then however many years later, here we are.”Become a Saints insider and have the latest Saints news sent to your e-mail inbox. Create, renew some of those rivalries they've had in the past.“I mean, I've been to Montana before.