An old Portland State football coach once said, "You've got to have great quarterbacks and great cornerbacks if you want to have a great team." You would get little argument from anyone on that point.

In 2011, the Vikings feel very confident with their returning quarterbacking crew. But what about the cornerbacks and secondary? Head Coach Nigel Burton really likes what he sees.

In the cover positions, senior David Ross (11 starts) and Mike Williams (2 starts) return, while erstwhile cornerback DeShawn Shead has moved to strong safety. That means a pair of new players are being looked upon to step forward at corner; JC transfer Aaron Kincy and redshirt freshman Karrington Jones.

"With their development, Aaron and Karrington will push for starting spots, or add a lot of depth," said Burton. "We feel good about (the position), if something were to happen, those guys can come in and win games for us. That's why we felt good about moving DeShawn to safety.

"Aaron is a natural playmaker and does some things you can't really teach. Karrington's length is such that he can get himself out of a lot of trouble because of his athleticism and length. He is pretty fun to watch.

"I think Davonte Manning has got a chance to play as a true freshman. Had Demetrius Jackson not gotten hurt he might have had a chance to play too, so the future is pretty bright at the position."

"There is a lot of talent back there," said Shead. "And with the depth, anyone of them can come in and the talent won't drop. It is going to be a big factor for our defense. Aaron brings life to the team. He is always energetic, outgoing… he brings a lot of energy. And Karrington gets better every day."

Jones (6-2), Kincy (6-1) and Ross (6-0) also bring pretty good size to the position, which will be important when the Vikings face taller receivers. Williams, at 5-9, must use his quickness to make plays.

"Sometimes you trade off quickness and top speed for length, so we are constantly talking to those guys about, 'I know you are 6-1, but you have got to play 5-9 and move like you are 5-9 with the length of a 6-1 guy,'" said Burton.

Meanwhile, Shead feels like he making the adjustment at safety. After starting the first 31 games of his career at cornerback, Shead got a taste of the position, starting the final two games of 2010 at safety.

"I'm getting my eyes right, seeing different formations, reading run and pass, reading the QB boot… anticipating different formations and routes. I feel like every day I get better," said the Viking senior.

Burton knows where his most talented defender resides, as do a lot of NFL scouts. The Viking coach pointed out what he felt was Shead's route to The League.

"He has to improve his tackling ability. Everyone knows he can cover. Everyone knows he can make plays. Everyone knows he is a hard worker. Those skills will translate to the NFL, but he has got to become a great tackler to be an NFL safety."

Running at safety with Shead this season will be returning starter Manoa Latu.

"Latu has been night and day from last fall. He made some plays for us last year, but he is much more disciplined and understands the defense a lot better now," said Burton. "That is a tough deal for a JC guy to come and master that position (last year) because of all the calls you have to make. Right now he is doing an outstanding job."

Burton also mentioned returners at safety Nick Green and Donte Almond are vastly improved, and that Andrew Godinet has moved to safety to have a better chance to get on the field.

DID YOU KNOW?: SR SS DeShawn Shead is the only Viking to start every game (33) for the past three years… unless you count SR Braedyn Eagle who has also played in every game for the Vikings, exclusively as the long snapper… next on the list for games played are SR LB Ryan Rau (32) and SR OT Dustin Waldron (30)... Waldron (24), JR K Zach Brown (22), Rau (21), JR OL Kyle Ritt (21), SR QB Drew Hubel (20) and JR P Thomas Duyndam (20) are next on the most games started list.

VIDEO PREVIEWS UPCOMING: Look for video previews of the Vikings' offense, defense and special teams coming to GoViks.com in the next two days.

SATURDAY SCRIMMAGE: Portland State will have its second live scrimmage Saturday at Stott Community Field. Practice begins at 10:30 a.m. The Vikings will do live special teams beginning at approximately 11:20, then live scrimmaging following that. Following that scrimmage will be a Viking Football Alumni Club barbecue from 1-2 p.m. All Club members may take part in the barbecue for free. Non-club members may join the barbecue for $10.

For details, contact Director of Football Operations Jim Fiscella at 503-725-4700 or fiscella@pdx.edu.

UPCOMING PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Aug. 18    3-5:30 p.m.
Aug. 19    10:30-12:30    5:30-8 p.m.
Aug. 20    Scrimmage 10:30 a.m.
Aug. 21    Off Day
Aug. 22    10:30-12:30    5:30-8 p.m.
Aug. 23    3-5:30 p.m.
Aug. 24    10:30-12:30    5:30-8 p.m.
Aug. 25    3-5:30 p.m.
Aug. 26    3-5:30 p.m.
Aug. 27    3-5:30 p.m.
Aug. 28    Off Day
Aug. 29    3-5:30 p.m.
Aug. 30    3-5:30 p.m.
Aug. 31    3-5:30 p.m.
Sept. 1    3-5:30 p.m.
Sept. 2    3-5:30 p.m.