Related links
• Complete preseason notes in pdf format
• The Viking Blog: Updated August 3, 2012

The Portland State football program opens its highly-anticipated 2012 campaign on Sunday with its first football practice at Stott Community Field. The Vikings will practice from 3-5:30 p.m. to begin the four-week lead-up to the 2012 opener.

Third-year Head Coach Nigel Burton welcomes back 51 letterwinners and 13 starters from the most improved team in the Big Sky Conference in 2011. The Vikings were 7-4 in 2011, 5-3 and third place in the Big Sky. Portland State went into the 2011 season finale entertaining hopes of an NCAA playoff bid, but fell short, losing to Weber State and finishing 7-4.

PSU will practice from 3-5:30 p.m. every day between Aug. 5-9. Doubles begin on Aug. 10 when the Vikings start at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The Vikings will hold scrimmages on Aug. 11 and Aug. 18, beginning at 10 a.m. each day. Football practice and scrimmages are open to the public.

The Vikings will host Carroll College in a season-opening game on Sept. 1 at JELD-WEN Field. Kickoff is 5:05 p.m. After two non-conference road games (at North Dakota on Sept. 8 and Washington on Sept. 15), PSU begins its' new-look Big Sky Conference schedule at home against Southern Utah (Sept. 22, 5:05 p.m.). The Vikings also host Idaho State (Oct. 6), Northern Colorado (Nov. 3) and Eastern Washington (Nov. 17) in league games. Big Sky road games include Northern Arizona (Sept. 29), Cal Poly (Oct. 20), UC Davis (Oct. 27) and Montana State (Nov. 10).

PORTLAND STATE PRESEASON PRACTICE SCHEDULE
First week: Aug. 5-9    3-5:30 p.m.
Doubles: Aug. 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22    10:30-12:30 and 5:30-8 p.m.
Singles: Aug. 14, 16, 21, 23, 24, 27-31    3-5:30 p.m.
Scrimmages: Aug. 11, 18     10 a.m.
Off Days: Aug. 12, 19, 26

MORE EYES ON THE VIKINGS
With an expanded home television schedule and the addition of Root Sports as a Big Sky Conference partner, Portland State football will have at least eight games televised in the Portland area. PSU Athletics, in partnership with Comcast SportsNet Northwest, will have four home games televised in 2012. CSNNW will also pick up a televised road game with Cal Poly on Oct. 20. In addition, PSU's game at Washington will be nationally televised on the FX network, the game at Northern Arizona on Sept. 29 will be available on Fox Sports Arizona and the Nov. 10 game at Montana State will be one of the Root Sports games of the week.
    
Details on the CSNNW television package will be released soon. Previously, the most Viking football games televised locally in Portland in one season was five, in both 2001 and 2011.

A BIGGER BIG SKY
The Big Sky Conference has expanded to 13 teams in 2012, giving Portland State's schedule a decidedly different look from past seasons. Southern Utah (6-5 in 2011), Cal Poly (6-5), UC Davis (4-7) and North Dakota (8-3) all join the league (though CP and UCD are football-only members) and the Vikings will face all four schools in the coming season - three as conference opponents and one as a non-conference opponent. All four schools are former members of the now-defunct Great West Football Conference.
    
The Thunderbirds, Aggies and Mustangs all appear on the Vikings' schedule, replacing Montana, Weber State and Sacramento State (whom the Vikings had played in conference games each of the last 16 years). PSU will eventually play all 12 schools in an annual rotating schedule, however just eight of 12 each year.
    
The Vikings will also play North Dakota in a non-conference game in 2012. Since the Big Sky Conference is now home to virtually every NCAA I FCS program in the west region, there will be regular occasions in which Big Sky schools meet one another outside of the conference schedule - like the Vikings and UND on Sept. 8.

VIKINGS PICKED FOURTH IN THE PRESEASON POLLS
The Portland State Vikings were a consensus number-four selection in preseason polling of the newly-expanded Big Sky Conference. The Vikings, who tied for third in 2011 at 7-4/5-3, were picked to place fourth in 2012 in polls of Big Sky Coaches and Big Sky Media. The preseason polls were released on July 18 by the Big Sky Conference.
    
PSU's number-four position is the highest it has been in preseason polls since the Vikings were a consensus number-two pick in 2007. Portland State was the most improved team in the Big Sky in 2011, increasing its' win total by five games.
    
Defending Big Sky Conference Champion Montana State was picked first in both the Coaches and Media Polls. MSU received seven of 13 first-place votes from the coaches. The Bobcats had 30 of 40 first-place votes from the media. Eastern Washington was picked second in both polls, getting three first-place votes from the media and four from the coaches. Montana was third in both polls, with five media first-place votes and one coaches first-place vote. The Griz were then followed by the Vikings, who did not receive a first-place vote.
    
Cal Poly, which received one first place vote from the media, was picked fifth in both polls. After that, the polls were jumbled on down to the 13th position. Weber State, picked seventh in the media poll, had one first-place vote from the media. Southern Utah, picked eighth in both polls, had one first-place vote from a coach.
    
Picking the preseason poll was particularly challenging this year for the coaches and media as four new schools have joined the league - Cal Poly, North Dakota, UC Davis and Southern Utah. Making it even more difficult is teams play only eight of 12 potential opponents in the Big Sky.
    
Future Big Sky schedules will rotate so all schools face one another at least every three years. Each school has two “rival” opponents that it is guaranteed to play every season. PSU's rival opponents are Eastern Washington and Idaho State.
    
Of this year's top three teams, the Vikings play Montana State and Eastern Washington. PSU also plays Southern Utah (8 coaches/8 media), Northern Arizona (9/7), Idaho State (12/11), Cal Poly (5/5), UC Davis (11/12) and Northern Colorado (13/13). The Vikings also play North Dakota (6/10) in a non-conference game.

Media Poll
1. Montana State (30)    502
2. Eastern Washington (3)    453
3. Montana (5)    442
4. Portland State    334
5. Cal Poly (1)     323
6. North Dakota    295
7. Weber State (1)    284
8. Southern Utah    258
9. Northern Arizona    242
10. Sacramento State    191
11. UC Davis    135
12. Idaho State    115
13. Northern Colorado    63
 
Coaches' Poll
1. Montana State (7)    136
2. Eastern Washington (4)    131
3. Montana (1)    126
4. Portland State    90
5. Cal Poly     86
6. Weber State     81
7. Northern Arizona    75
8. Southern Utah (1)    74
9. Sacramento State    71
10.  North Dakota     68
11. Idaho State    31
12. UC Davis    30
13. Northern Colorado    14

THREE VIKINGS NAMED PRESEASON ALL-BIG SKY CONFERENCE
Three senior Viking football players were named to the 2012 Big Sky Preseason All-Conference Team in a release from the league on July 16. All-American kicker Zach Brown, linebacker Ian Sluss and special teams star Nevin Lewis have all been recognized in a preseason vote of Big Sky media.
    
Being named to the team this year is a more prestigious honor than in the past as the Big Sky Conference has expanded to 13 member schools from the previous nine. There were 31 total players named from the 13-team league.
    
Brown, a 2011 consensus All-American, has already been named by The Sports Network as a preseason first team All-American for 2012. Brown, from Keizer's McNary High School, led the nation by making 24-27 field goals last season. He holds 10 PSU kicking records.
    
Sluss was a second team All-Big Sky Conference selection in 2011 for the Vikings. A native of Vista, CA, Sluss had 55 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles last season.
    
Lewis, a talented wide receiver from Culver, OR, made an even bigger splash as a special teams performer. Last season, he averaged 23.7 yards on kick returns, blocked three punts, stopped a fake punt and made three special teams tackles. He was a first team All-Big Sky selection at the special teams position.

VIKING PRESEASON HONORS
Zach Brown, K
1st team All-American, The Sports Network
1st team All-American, College Sporting News
1st team All-American, Beyond Sports
Players to Watch, College Football Performance Awards
Preseason All-Big Sky Conference
Fred Mitchell Award nominee (kicking excellence and service to the community)

Marquis Jackson, DE
2nd team All-American, College Sporting News

Ian Sluss, LB
Players to Watch, College Football Performance Awards
Preseason All-Big Sky Conference

Nevin Lewis, WR/KR
Preseason All-Big Sky Conference

Kalua Noa, TE
Players to Watch, College Football Performance Awards

Justin Monahan, WR
Players to Watch, College Football Performance Awards

Thomas Duyndam, P
Players to Watch, College Football Performance Awards

QUICK VIKING NOTES FOR 2012

IMPROVED? YUP: Portland State improved by five wins from 2010 to 2011 (2-9 to 7-4), making it one of the most improved teams in the country. PSU also appeared in the national rankings for the first time since early in the 2007 season, earning a number 25 rank on Nov. 14… Head Coach Nigel Burton was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award for engineering the turnaround. He finished 14th in the balloting.

THE RUSH: The Vikings have led the Big Sky Conference in rushing each of the last two seasons. In 2011, the Vikings averaged a school record 247.8 yards rushing per game to lead the Big Sky and rank eighth in the nation. This, despite losing the nation's leading rusher (Cory McCaffrey) and scorer after week six. SR QB Connor Kavanaugh finished third in the league in rushing (1,060 yards). McCaffrey would have finished fourth (731) despite playing just five games... PSU also set a school record for rushing in a single game (436 vs. Idaho State, Oct. 1).

NATION'S BEST: Any way you slice it, Viking Zach Brown was the nation's top kicker in 2011. He was a consensus first team All-American, earning honors from Associated Press, The Sports Network, the AFCA, and Walter Camp, while being named the nation's top kicker by the College Football Performance Awards and College Sporting News… Brown was also a finalist for the Fred Mitchell Award, recognizing kickers for excellence on the field and community service… in addition, Brown led the nation in field goals made with 24-27. He broke his own Portland State record for field goals made (18), and now owns 10 school records… he is a six-time Big Sky Conference Player of the Week.

ZACH BROWN's PORTLAND STATE KICKING RECORDS
Field Goals, Season: 24
Field Goals, Career: 60
Field Goals, Consecutive: 16
Field Goal Percentage, Season: 24-27 (.889)
Field Goal Percentage, Career: 60-78 (.769)
Field Goals, 50+ yards, Career: 6
PATs, Consecutive: 44 (tied)
PAT Percentage, Career: .973 (71-73)
Scoring, Season by a Kicker: 99 points (101 points total with 2-pt conversion)
Scoring, Career by a Kicker: 251 points (255 total with two two-point conversions)

VETERANS: SR OL Kyle Ritt is one of 12 fourth-year seniors on the roster for 2012, but he is the only offensive player to compete in all 33 games over the past three years. He has the most starts of all offensive players with 32… third-year SR WR Justin Monahan has started every game the past two years… SR K Zach Brown has also played in all 33 games, earning the start in every game. SR P Thomas Duyndam has played in 32 career games, with his only miss due to the Vikings not punting in a win at UC Davis in 2010. Duyndam has 31 starts… on defense, Mike Williams has played in the most games with 32 appearances. SR LB Joel Sisler (31) and SR DT Dereck Jester (30) follow close behind. Sisler has the most starts on defense (27), followed by Williams (22).

NEW STAFF: Portland State had three staff changes in the off-season. Former Special Teams Coordinator Stacy Collins was named the new head coach at South Dakota School of Mines. He was replaced by Ikaika Malloe, a collegiate coaching veteran and former teammate of Nigel Burton's at Washington. Malloe has specialized in coaching defense and special teams over the years. Most recently, he was the defensive coordinator at Yale. For the Vikings, Malloe is special teams coordinator and defensive tackles coach... Lester Towns took over as the new linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator, replacing Ahmed Zarrugh, who left to enter private business. Towns came to PSU after working four seasons at Alabama and being part of two national championship teams. He was also a collegiate teammate of Nigel Burton... defensive line coach Malik Roberson left to take the defensive coordinator job at Central Washington. Mike Scheper was hired to replace Roberson and is in charge of the Vikings' defensive ends.

SMARTER THAN THE AVERAGE CENTER: JR C Mitch Gaulke was named Academic All-District 8 for Division I football for his performance on the field and high academic standing in 2011. He also won the team's Mike Schrunk Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award. Gaulke maintains a 3.76 GPA in Business Administration: Accounting…. Gaulke led a group of eight Vikings named to the Academic All-Big Sky Conference team for maintaining a GPA of 3.20 or higher while competing in at least half of the games.

RECRUITING BONANZA: Portland State's 2012 signing class was perhaps the most locally-based since Portland State joined the Big Sky Conference in 1996, and likely since Mouse Davis trod the sidelines for the Vikings in the late 1970s. Of the 24 signees in 2012, 16 are high schoolers from the Pacific Northwest, 13 are from Oregon, 10 from the metro area. Portland State got lots of help in the offensive and defensive backfield as well as on both lines, and Burton feels they came up with remarkable young talent at the linebacker position. Better yet, from The Sports Network's columnist Craig Haley: ”With their high number of two- and three-star commits, it can be argued that James Madison and Portland State are putting together the best recruiting classes in the FCS.”…  among all the players on the roster entering camp, 20 of the freshmen are from the Oregon/Vancouver, WA area. Fourteen of those are specifically from the metro area. In the original 24 player signing class of 2012, 16 were high schoolers from the Pacific Northwest, 13 are from Oregon, and 10 from the metro area… PSU has 40 Oregonians on the roster.

WINS AND LOSSES: Portland State finished the 2011 season 7-4, its best record since going 7-4 in 2006. PSU went 3-2 on the road - its first winning road record since going 4-3 in 2006... PSU's 3-1 Big Sky road record matched its best ever (also 2000 and 2006)... with seven wins, PSU had more than the previous two years combined (4-18)... the Vikings were 4-2 at home... at 7-4, the Vikings have eight winning records in 16 years as a member of the Big Sky Conference... PSU is 55-31 in home games since moving to the NCAA I level, 28-62 on the road... PSU is 55-68 all-time in Big Sky Conference games in its' 16th season as a member. The Vikings are 34-28 at home, 21-40 on the road in BSC games.

HE CAN DO IT ALL: JR WR Nevin Lewis has made his name as a do-it-all Viking and earned first team All-Big Sky Conference at the special teams position. He was brilliant on special teams, blocking three punts, snuffing out a fake punt with a tackle for loss and making three tackles in all. He also had 29 kick returns for an average of 23.7 per return... as a receiver, Lewis had 22 catches for 337 yards and two touchdowns. He had one rush for seven yards and, at Eastern Washington, completed a 14-yard touchdown pass on a reverse play... Lewis ranks fourth all-time in career kickoff return yards (1,117) and fourth in season kickoff return yards (686) at PSU... He did all this despite sitting out two games with injury.

NEW ATTITUDE AT HOME: Portland State brought a new attitude to JELD-WEN Field. After going 35-9 at home over Tim Walsh's final eight seasons, 1999-2006 (including two 5-0 marks), the Vikings were just 7-13 at home from 2007-10 (which included 1-3 at Hillsboro Stadium in 2010). The Vikings were 4-2 in their return to JELD-WEN in 2011... Head Coach Nigel Burton now has a 5-5 home record.

PORTLAND STATE AND THE BIG SKY CONFERENCE: Portland State begins its 17th season as a member of the Big Sky Conference and Division I football. The Vikings are 55-68 all-time in Big Sky games, 34-28 at home and 21-40 on the road.
    Former coach Tim Walsh (42-41 in Big Sky games) led the Vikings through the first 11 years, and Jerry Glanville (7-17) was the head coach for three seasons. Nigel Burton is 6-10 in Big Sky play in two seasons as head coach.
    The Vikings have never won a Big Sky title, but tied for second four times, tied for third two times, and tied for fourth twice under Walsh. The Vikings finished sixth, sixth and eighth under Glanville. Burton has placed in a tie for eighth and third.
    PSU has made one NCAA I playoff appearance (2000) after placing second in the Big Sky.

POSITION BATTLES: The Vikings appear to have strong returning position groups at linebacker, offensive line, wide receiver and tight end. The interesting position battles will be in the offensive backfield, defensive backfield and defensive line… SO Josh Milhollin (Medford, OR), JR Collin Ramirez (Red Bluff, CA) and SR Nick Green (Ridgefield, WA) are the likely favorites to compete for the starting quarterback job. SO Shaquille Richard (Hawthorne, CA), JR DJ Adams (Atlanta, GA), JR Justin Lilley (Thousand Oaks, CA) and SR Denzel Davis (Garland, TX) are the top candidates at running back entering fall camp… PSU has restocked the defensive line with four transfers who will battle a handful of returners for starting roles, including: SR Marquis Jackson (Texas Southern), and JRs Nick Alexander (Boise State), Tomasi Molesi (Arizona Western JC) and Zack Ka'ahanui (Northern Arizona).

2012 SEASON PREVIEW
    The challenge of the 2012 season for Portland State Head Coach Nigel Burton and his Viking team is to maintain the progression that has occurred the past two years and finally break through at the top of the Big Sky Conference and into the NCAA playoffs. The Vikings climbed to third place in the Big Sky in 2011, teased with a late-season appearance in the top 25 poll, and got into the conversation for a post-season berth before losing the season finale. Still, at 7-4 overall, 5-3 in the Big Sky Conference, Portland State has inspired further optimism and enthusiasm for itself and fans alike in 2012.
    “We talk to our guys about continuing to set the culture here and taking the next step,” said Burton, who will begin his third season as Head Coach in the fall. “We feel like we are a good football team right now, but we want to be a great football team. So, we need to continue to develop habits that help us go from good to great.”
    Portland State has become renowned for its run-based Pistol Offense the past two years, leading the Big Sky Conference in rushing both times. However, the Vikings' backfield is making a significant transition as record-setting quarterback Connor Kavanaugh and dynamic running back Cory McCaffrey are gone. Meanwhile, most of a very talented group of receivers return… hmmmm.
    On defense, the Vikings lost seven starters, in particular three key defensive linemen and the three top safeties. On the other hand, the linebacking corps may be the deepest, most talented position on the field coming into 2012. The Vikings come off a season of dramatic improvement on defense, cutting opponent production by 113 yards and 12 points per game from 2010 to 2011.
    PSU had brilliant special teams performances in 2011 with the nation's top kicker, the Big Sky's best kick return game, and an attacking approach that resulted in nine blocked kicks for the season.
    With all that in mind, Burton's move from “good to great” will entail some refinements:
    OFFENSE: “We have to improve on third- and fourth-and-short. The biggest thing that has to improve is the passing game. We felt like we recruited to that and all of our receivers are back, so their experience will help.
    DEFENSE: “Really, the two big things we have to do are to continue to reduce the number of big plays - which we were better at last year, but nowhere near satisfactory - and create more turnovers.”
    SPECIAL TEAMS: “We need to continue to develop on the momentum we started in terms of big plays, blocking kicks. I think in particular we have to improve on punt return.”

Offense
    Quarterback play is always the key in football, which means there will be an intriguing transition made at the position for Portland State in 2012. The Vikings graduated three senior quarterbacks, including the aforementioned Kavanaugh, and do not return a signal caller that has taken a game snap at Portland State. But the Vikings have some interesting young players at the position, including sophomore Josh Milhollin (6-4, 195), redshirt freshmen Thomas Carter (5-10, 185), and a pair of highly touted freshman signees in Paris Penn (6-0, 205) and Kieran McDonagh (6-2, 240). Also new is much-publicized signee Collin Ramirez (6-2, 200), from Butte Junior College, and - don't look now - the return of senior Nick Green (6-2, 200) to the quarterback spot after two years at safety and on special teams.
    To say the competition for playing time is crowded is no understatement.
    Third-year Head Coach Nigel Burton has said in the past that he does not recruit junior college players unless he feels they can make a serious run at a starting role, and that is where Ramirez comes in. The junior from Red Bluff, CA became renowned for breaking the touchdown pass record of Aaron Rodgers at Butte (30 in 2011). He has good size, athleticism and a very accurate arm. But, he still has to perform. One thinks if he can learn the offense quickly enough and execute, he will be the man.
    Among the returners, Milhollin would be the likely challenger to start. His game is a little different from Ramirez in that he is not as accomplished a passer, but is a tremendous athlete and brilliant runner. Green would figure to be somewhere between the two in terms of running and passing skills.
    If those three rise and battle it out for playing time, the younger players, including the two signees would have ample time to develop their games.
    What makes the quarterback choice all the more interesting is that, although PSU appears to be a run-first team (in 2011, it was a 66/34 ratio of run/pass), it will have one of the best and deepest groups of receivers in the league in 2012. And with offensive coordinator Bruce Barnum building strong passing attacks at previous stops, the passing game may become more prominent in 2012.
    Senior wide receiver Justin Monahan (52-707-6 in 2011) was simply one of Portland State's top performers on the team in 2011. He had one-third of the Vikings receptions, more than a third of the yards and half of the touchdown receptions. Thought of as more of a possession receiver, Monahan has proven to have the ability to get downfield and make big plays. He is joined at wideout by one of Portland State's top all-around players, Nevin Lewis (22-337-2). Also a senior, Lewis blossomed into a go-to deep threat for the Vikings while being the team's top special teams player as a kick returner and punt blocker. Those two, at 6-2, 200+ pounds each, have the size that Burton likes from his outside receivers.
    Other veterans that figure to play big roles are another senior in Keitrell Anderson (5-9, 170, 6-108-1 in five games), junior AJ Powell (5-8, 165, 9-104-0) and sophomores Roston Tatum (6-2, 205, 4-98-0) and Alex Toureen (6-0, 180, 2-6-0 in three games). Anderson has 25 catches in 22 career games. Tatum is another big receiver who has only scratched the surface of his abilities. A key signee in 2011, Toureen was on his way to being a contributing possession receiver before injuries short-circuited his season. Powell has played sporadically at receiver and also offers a role as a return man.
    Redshirt freshman David Jones' (6-1, 205) exceptional athleticism will have him breaking into the mix in the coming season, while 2012 signee Jamarr Graves (6-3, 195) may have something to say about it as well.
    Burton loves the athleticism and talent of his returning receivers, and is just as excited with his young players. “You throw a healthy Alex Toureen in the mix and that makes a difference,” he said. “And David Jones can really stretch the field. He's pretty good, and the thing that really impresses me is his work ethic. As physically gifted as he is, his work ethic is phenomenal.”
    The tight end position is also manned by a pair of talented and complementary seniors with Kalua Noa (6-1, 230, 17-217-2) and Gage Loftin (6-4, 245, 5-86-0). Noa, a converted wide receiver, is more of a receiving tight end, while the bigger Loftin is more of a blocking tight end. Another returner, Greylin James (6-1, 230), also offers a key blocker for the running game.
    The Vikings added Adam Futter (6-4, 235) and Cam Sommer (6-3, 220) in its 2012 signing class, and also return redshirt Cameron Thompson (6-5, 240), as well as Taylor Martinek (6-3, 220).
    Like the quarterback position, at running back the Vikings will have a number of options from which to choose - and even more likely share - the role in 2012. Sophomore Shaquille Richard (5-8, 175) is the most experienced returnee to fill the absence created by McCaffrey's graduation. He had some good moments, including two starts, 384 rushing yards and a 90-yard performance against TCU as a freshman. Despite his relatively small stature, Richard also proved to be a tough runner. A few late season injuries cut down his effectiveness, but he should be good to go in the coming year.
    Newcomers DJ Adams (5-10, 220) and Steven Long (5-7, 175) are key additions for 2012, although Long, a true freshman, is expected to gray shirt. Adams should combine with Richard and a handful of other returners to give Portland State its deepest running attack since Burton brought the Pistol Offense to the Park Blocks. Why? Because right behind them are Denzel Davis (a converted cornerback, 5-9, 170), who passed a one-game tryout at running back at the end of 2011, and Justin Lilley (5-11, 205) who has shown running, but more significantly, blocking abilities over the past two seasons. Another guy with experience, senior Ben Bowen (5-10, 200), and two redshirts who impressed in spring ball, Jordan Lewis (5-8, 175) and Julian Cruell (5-8, 190), give the Vikings a long list of backs.
    Adams, a transfer from Maryland, fits in the Ramirez mold in that he is expected to be a primary candidate to start. He has the size to take the punishment at running back. Two years ago, as a freshman, Adams rushed for 239 yards and a team-high 11 touchdowns for the Terps.
    “We have a system that ensures that the best guy plays,” said Burton. “We don't necessarily have a question of who, but a question of when is someone going to establish themselves as the guy.”
    “Shaq has some qualities that Cory McCaffrey had. What is scary for our opponents is, he is faster than Cory. But now we have a guy who is a more physical back in DJ and we didn't necessarily have that (last year). I'm going to be really excited to see what Denzel Davis can do, in addition to Julian Cruell and having some young guys who are going to come up.”
    Run-Game Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach Brad Davis, now starting his fourth season at Portland State, has molded his unit into one of the team's most consistent and productive over the years. Davis' group has blocked for the Big Sky's top rushing attack in the past two seasons, setting records along the way. And though Dustin Waldron may be gone to an NFL career, four starters return from the 2011 line. Honorable mention performers Kyle Ritt (6-3, 305) and Mitch Gaulke (6-2, 285) return, as do Mitchell Van Dyk (6-9, 290) and Joey Esposito (6-4, 300, and a remarkable story himself as a cancer survivor).
    Other experienced returnees are sophomore Cornelius Edison (6-3, 285), seniors Dalton Jasso (6-2, 280) and Anthony Moxley (6-6, 315), and juniors Thomas Robertson (6-4, 275) and John Wall (6-2, 275). There are redshirt freshmen John Wolfe (6-3, 290) and Angelo Tupper (6-3, 270) as well.
    The signing class of 2012 was extremely prosperous on the offensive line, with the addition of freshmen Josh Hanson (6-7, 255), Kyle Smith (6-5, 295) and Dalton Milburn (6-6, 280). The Vikings also picked up Fresno State transfer John Archuleta (6-4, 280) late in the spring.
    What it all adds up to is heated competition again for playing time on the offensive line - a major factor in what has made it a top performing group under Davis. Edison and Moxley are top candidates to break through for playing time at a deep position.

Defense
    Talk about a much-improved defense has to begin with Portland State's linebackers.
    “The linebacking corps is the strength of the defense, the heart and soul,” said Defensive Coordinator Eric Jackson. “We have some savvy veterans.
    “To continue to get better we need to be more devoted as a team to doing everything the right way. We have got goals everyday. Accountability, making plays, running to the football and attacking non-stop.”
    The 2011 Vikings allowed 113 yards less and 12 points fewer per game than in 2010. The central figure in that effort was middle linebacker Ryan Rau, PSU's leading tackler. His eligibility has expired and he recently signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, but the Vikings return a host of talented LBs, led by second team All-Conference performer Ian Sluss (6-0, 225). Big play guy and a starter for nearly three seasons, Joel Sisler (6-2, 230), also returns giving the Vikings two excellent outside linebackers. The talent does not stop there, though.
    Senior Khalil Bass (6-2, 230), who was fourth in tackles for the Vikings, should contend for the middle linebacker spot. Also returning with quality experience are senior Dionte Brooks (6-2, 220) and junior Jaycob Shoemaker (6-0, 230), who comes back from an injury redshirt season.
    The Vikings have some young linebackers ready to have an impact as well. Sophomore Corey Crowder (6-1, 205) got on the field in 2011, though mainly on special teams. Redshirt freshmen Dennis Taylor (6-0, 230) and Kawika Stant (5-11, 220) are also ready to get into the mix.
    However, the prize of Burton's 2012 signing class may be his three freshman linebackers, Daniel Halverson (6-1, 240), Zach Walen (6-3, 200) and Brandon Brody-Heim (5-11, 220). He expects all three to have a chance to play, and perhaps a lot, in their first year.
    On the defensive line, the Vikings are looking to fill some holes after the losses of defensive tackles Myles Wade and Alika Vaiese and defensive ends Jack Forbes and Carl Sommer. Defensive linemen Julious Moore (6-0, 290) and Bryant Long (6-3, 245), both juniors, are the most experienced returners, along with tackle Dereck Jester (6-4, 250). Those three have a combined 22 career starts, but they need some help.
    First on the list to provide that help is junior college signee Tomasi Molesi (6-1, 280) from Arizona Western Junior College. Originally a signee at Oregon State, Molesi is a fearsome defensive tackle who is likely to start for the Vikings. Another transfer, Zack Ka'ahanui (6-1, 265), brings depth to the defensive line and should contribute as well.
    The Vikings picked up two transfers after spring practice that expect to compete for playing time right away; Marquis Jackson (SR, DE, 6-5, 260) an All-Conference player from Texas Southern, and Nick Alexander (JR, DE, 6-4, 250) from Boise State.
    Brandon Tobias (6-2, 220), James Seuma'ala (6-3, 240), and Vincent Johnson (6-2, 265) are returning sophomores with limited experience. The coaching staff is looking for those three to step up and provide quality downs for the defense.         
    Redshirt Mike Davis (6-4, 235) is back looking for a role, as is Jeremy Boone (6-4, 260). The Vikings also have grayshirt Sadat Sulleyman (6-2, 240), who was part of the 2011 signing class in that group.
    Freshman signee Jacob Nall (6-4, 240) rounds out the defensive line corps.
    Safety is perhaps the biggest question mark for the Vikings in 2012. All-Conference star DeShawn Shead, an anchor in the defensive backfield the last four seasons, is gone to the Seattle Seahawks. So too are Donte Almond and Manoa Latu, who got most of the plays at the position the last two years.
    The Vikings return junior Nathan Snow (5-11 190), who has 11 career starts but sat out 2011 with an injury. He and Dean Faddis (5-11, 205) - one game played in 2011 before being injured - have the bulk of the experience at the position for the Vikings. So, Burton picked up two players he expects to be key to the role in 2012 in his signing class, junior David Edgerson (5-11, 205) from Grossmont Junior College, and freshman Nick Rothstein (5-11, 205) from Jesuit (OR) High School.
    In addition, due to the depth at linebacker, Burton is considering moving Sisler over from OLB to strong safety. He speed and nose for the ball make him adaptable to the spot.
    PSU has redshirt freshmen Tyler Turituri (6-2, 220) and Walter Santiago  (5-11, 185), part of the 2011 signing class, also looking to step into playing time. Andrew Godinet (5-8, 170), Michael Plummer (6-2, 210) and Henry Organ (5-10, 180) all have experience, but mainly on special teams.
    Mike Williams (5-9, 165) is the most experienced of three veteran cornerbacks for the Vikings. Williams is a senior whose game has evolved over the years. He has played in 32 games, including 22 starts. Aaron Kincy (6-1, 190) and Jones (6-2, 175) saw a fair amount of playing time as backups in 2011 and will vie to start in 2012.
    Redshirt freshman Demetrius Jackson (5-10, 180) comes off an injury in 2011, but is ready to play and contribute. Dennis Fite (6-5, 190) may be the tallest cornerback ever at Portland State. The JC transfer was a key signing for Burton in the off-season. He should compete to start as well, while freshmen Chevy Walker (6-0, 180) and Aaron Sibley, both 2012 signees, are talented athletes. Walker will get a look as a kick returner and maybe even at running back.

Special Teams
    What more can be said about the Vikings 2011 special teams performance? The Vikings had the nation's top kicker in consensus first team All-American Zach Brown (6-1, 200), two of the Big Sky's top three kick returners, a veteran punter skilled in both directional and pro punting, and a special teams unit that blocked a total of nine kicks (7 punt, 2 FG) to rank second in the nation. You want more? The Vikings also recovered four kickoffs, both onside and pooch, snuffed out two fake punt attempts, and converted two fake punts of their own.
    PSU won four Big Sky Special Teams Player of the Week honors and had the Big Sky's first team kicker (Brown) and special teams performer (Nevin Lewis).
    Brown returns for his senior season after making 24-27 field goals in 2011. He should be a key part of the Viking offense as well as a top NFL prospect. Punter Thomas Duyndam (6-4, 215) also returns for his senior year, as does Lewis.
    The Vikings have added a new long snapper in freshman Kameron Canaday (6-4, 245), who ranked fifth in the nation among all long snappers recruits.
    New special teams coordinator Ikaika Malloe will be charged with continuing the vital role that PSU's “third unit” has played in its program turnaround.

2011 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
• Portland State had its first winning season and best record since 2006 (7-4). The Vikings, picked seventh in preseason polling, finished third in the Big Sky Conference (5-3)... PSU made its first appearance in the national polls since the first week of the 2007 season (25th on Nov. 14)... second-year Head Coach Nigel Burton was named a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award for engineering the Vikings' turnaround. He placed 14th in the final balloting.
• PSU led the Big Sky Conference and finished eighth in the nation in rushing with 247.8 yards per game. The Vikings set a new school record for total rushing yards (2,726). This, despite losing the nation's leading rusher (Cory McCaffrey) and scorer after week six. SR QB Connor Kavanaugh finished third in the league in rushing (1,060 yards). McCaffrey would have finished fourth (731) despite playing just five games... PSU also set a record for rushing in a single game (436 vs. Idaho State, Oct. 1).
• SR QB Connor Kavanaugh finished the season with 1,060 yards, setting new PSU and Big Sky records for quarterback rushing for a single season and a career (1,965).
• The Viking defense improved dramatically by cutting more than 110 yards and 12 points per game by opponents.
• JR K Zach Brown ended up as the nation's top field goal kicker, making 24 of 27 kicks (2.18 per game), and breaking his on Portland State record. Brown has 60 field goals in three seasons and currently holds 10 school records. He finished the year by making eight straight field goals. Brown was a consensus first team All-American - earning honors from AP, AFCA, The Sports Network and Walter Camp - 1st team All-Big Sky Conference and a finalist for the Fred Mitchell Award for kicking excellence.
• Portland State's overall special teams were among the best in the nation, blocking nine kicks (seven punts, two field goals). PSU also ranked among the best in kick returns, recovered four of their own kickoffs during the season, and of course, had the nation's top kicker. SR SS DeShawn Shead also led the Big Sky Conference with a 26.1 kick return average.
• The Vikings won eight Big Sky Conference Player of the Week Awards. Only one time has PSU won more Big Sky Player of the Week honors in a single season (9, 2000). JR K Zach Brown won two Special Teams Player of the Week Awards and now has six in his career. SR QB Connor Kavanaugh won an Offensive Award and was also named National Offensive Player of the Week after the win at Idaho State. Kavanaugh rushed 12 times for 212 yards and four touchdowns. He also completed six of 11 passes for 102 yards. Also winning POTW Awards were SR RB Cory McCaffrey, JR LB Joel Sisler, SR SS DeShawn Shead, JR WR Nevin Lewis and SR DT Myles Wade.
• Portland State had four players earn first team All-Big Sky Conference (SR RB Cory McCaffrey, JR K Zach Brown, JR ST Nevin Lewis, SR SS DeShawn Shead), three players earn second team All-Big Sky Conference (SR OL Dustin Waldron, SR DT Myles Wade, JR LB Ian Sluss), and nine others be named honorable mention All-Big Sky (SR QB Connor Kavanaugh, SO C Mitch Gaulke, JR OL Kyle Ritt, JR WR Justin Monahan, SR LB Ryan Rau, SR KR DeShawn Shead, SR DE Jack Forbes, JR LB Joel Sisler, JR P Thomas Duyndam).
• SO C Mitch Gaulke was named Academic All-District 8 for Division I football for his performance on the field and high academic standing.
• Eight Vikings were named to the Academic All-Big Sky Conference team for maintaining a GPA of 3.20 or higher while competing in at least half of the games. They were:  GR DT Myles Wade, GR WR Antwun Baker, SR QB Drew Hubel, SO OL Mitch Gaulke, SR QB Justin Engstrom, JR S Nick Green, FR WR Ronnie Simmons, SR OL Adam Kleffner, and SR SS DeShawn Shead.