BarnyBall 2.0 will commence spring practice this Wednesday as the Portland State Football program begins preparation for the 2016 season. For the second year in a row, the Vikings' spring game will take place at Stott Community Field, on Apr. 23.
 
PSU will continue its morning practice schedule, with three or four practices each week during the four-week span leading up to the spring game.
 
Second-year Head Coach Bruce Barnum will lead a group of 50 returning letterwinners, and 20 returning redshirts. There will also be six 2016 signees in attendance and a handful of walk-ons. Fifteen starters are back including eight on offense, five on defense and two on special teams.
 
Portland State comes off a 9-3 season in 2015, its best record as an FCS member. The Vikings were ranked 10th in the nation at the conclusion of the season. Barnum was named the FCS National Coach of the Year in 2015.
 
The Portland State Football Spring Schedule
Wed., Mar. 30, 8-9:45 a.m.
Thurs., Mar. 31, 8-9:45 a.m.
Fri., Apr. 1, 8-9:45 a.m.
Tues., Apr. 5, 8-9:45 a.m.
Wed., Apr. 6, 8-9:45 a.m.
Thurs., Apr. 7, 8-9:45 a.m.
Fri., Apr. 8, 2-5 p.m., scrimmage
Tues., Apr. 12, 8-9:45 a.m.
Wed., Apr. 13, 8-9:45 a.m.
Thurs., Apr. 14, 8-9:45 a.m.
Fri., Apr. 15, 2-5 p.m., scrimmage
Tues., Apr. 19, 8-9:45 a.m.
Wed., Apr. 20, 8-9:45 a.m.
Thurs., Apr. 21, 8-9:45 a.m.
 
Sat., Apr. 23, Spring Game, 2 p.m.
 
All practices at Stott Community Field

Defense, Special Teams Preview - 3/29/16
Complete Spring prospectus in pdf
 
PORTLAND STATE FOOTBALL SPRING PREVIEW – THE OFFENSE
 
What will BarnyBall do for an encore in 2016?
     
That is the question that so many are asking following the dream season of 2015 that revitalized a previously moribund Portland State Football Program.
     
Led by second-year Head Coach Bruce Barnum, Portland State has a lot to live up to in order to simply match last season's achievements. The Vikings went 9-3, reaching the FCS playoffs, finished the year ranked 10th in the nation and were 5-1 against nationally-ranked programs. Barnum was named both Big Sky Conference and FCS National Coach of the Year.
     
Not a bad opening act for BarnyBall - the tough, blue-collar, fundamental style that Barnum brought to the program. Now comes time to validate those accomplishments.
     
Among the goals for 2016? A first-ever Big Sky Conference Championship (PSU finished second in the Big Sky at 6-2 in 2015), a return trip to the FCS Playoffs and the continued growth and interest of Viking football in the city of Portland's conciousness.
     
"It's a different puzzle," said Barnum, in reference to the 2016 season. "When you look at the things that got us into the win column; turnover margin, simplifying the defense that allowed the kids to react, and having a trigger man (QB) who is a very savvy football player. Those are simple things, but they made all the difference.
     
"The best thing that happened to this group - and I can't let it die - this team was shocked when it lost football games last year. They were surprised, and that mindset has to continue; that if we do the right thing, practice the right way, buy into the system, we will have a great opportunity to win the football game. That changing of mentality was the most important thing."
 
FACTS AND FIGURES
• Portland State has 50 returning letterwinners and 25 returning redshirts. There should also be six 2016 signees participating in spring football and a handful of walk-ons.
• Fifteen starters are back from 2015, including eight on offense, five on defense and two on special teams.
• The Viking coaching staff signed 17 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. Thirteen are high school signees with four transfers.
• PSU has 39 players from the state of Oregon on the roster, 29 of whom are from the Portland metro area. There are 60 players from the Pacific Northwest.
 
THE OFFENSE
Portland State produced one of the most efficient offenses in the Big Sky Conference in 2015. PSU totaled 419.6 yards and 34.2 points per game. The Vikings emphasized the run with a host of talented backs, averaging 250.6 yards on the ground. When they passed, they were dangerous. Quarterback Alex Kuresa averaged 16.0 yards per completion, ranking fourth in the nation.
     
In addition, the Vikings cut their number of turnovers by 11 over the previous season, had a Big Sky-leading conversion rate of 46% on third down (12th-best in the nation) and played ball control, possessing the football an average of 31:49 per game.
     
In 2016, the Vikings have eight starters and 25 letterwinners back on offense. Kuresa returns for his senior season, but the Vikings will have to fill in for the loss of leading rusher David Jones (1,127 yards, 9 TDs).
     
Four of five starters are back on the offensive line as is top receiver Darnell Adams (22-478-6).
     
The Viking offense also brings the element of surprise for which Barnum is known. In 2015, the Vikings often had two, three and even four quarterbacks on the field in different roles, all providing a unique threat.
     
"Offensively, we are in pretty good shape heading into the season. But guys who were backups need to be ready to go when they are called upon," Barnum said.
     
"Having the same quarterback is exciting. He knows the system, the personnel, the Big Sky, and he knows how to win."
 
QUARTERBACK
For the first time in many years, there should be no question as to the starter at quarterback entering fall camp. SR Alex Kuresa returns after a campaign that earned him Big Sky Conference Newcomer of the Year honors. Kuresa completed 126-226 passes for 1,975 yards, 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 755 yards and seven touchdowns to rank second on the team.
     
More significant than Kuresa's numbers though, was his ability to lead the Vikings in 2015, as well create positive plays out of broken plays.
     
"Alex Kuresa is our quarterback, because of who he is and what he has done," Barnum said. "Now we have a had a year to study him and see what he is best at. The system has changed a little bit and we have let him take over a little, because he is a smart kid and he knows how to make plays when stuff breaks down."
     
Alongside Kuresa, just like in 2015, will be utility quarterback SR Paris Penn. Now in his fourth season, Penn has become a Swiss Army Knife for the Vikings on offense, filling a variety of roles not just during the season or a game, but in a single offensive series. Penn took a number of snaps behind center in 2015, but also lined up as a running back, slot back and wide receiver. He is expected to expand his role as a slot receiver, but will still be part of the quarterback mix.
     
Penn rushed 47 times for 209 yards and four touchdowns in 2015. He also caught 11 passes for 184 yards and a touchdown. Like Kuresa, Penn produced outside the numbers as well, creating confusion and diversion on the opposite of the ball because of his big play threat.
     
Also returning at quarterback is RS FR Thomas Hamilton. A talented athlete with great physical attributes that Barnum is high on: "I really like what I have seen in the development of Thomas through the year."
     
FR QB Davis Alexander signed with the Vikings in February out of Gig Harbor High School as a player with the potential to lead the program in the future. Possessing similar size and traits to Kuresa, Alexander has a strong arm and running ability.
 
RUNNING BACK
Portland State has produced the top five rushing seasons in school history over the past five years under Bruce Barnum. The Vikings have had over 2,000 yards each season, averaging over 200 yards per game each year. PSU rushed for 3,007 yards in 2015, the second-most in school history.
     
The Viking running game has been effective no matter the personnel and Barnum hopes that continues in 2016. Gone is leading rusher David Jones (1,127 yards, 9 TDs) to graduation. But the Vikings return the rest of the backfield corps, including SR QB Alex Kuresa (755 yards, 7 TDs), SR RB Nate Tago (421 yards, 6 TDs), JR RB Steven Long (297 yards, 5 TDs) and SR UQ Paris Penn (209 yards, 4 TDs).
     
The question for this season is, "will it be a 'by-committee' run game, or will someone step forward in the likes of Jones, or past stars DJ Adams and Cory McCaffrey?"
     
"That position is like a Transformer toy. You have four blocks, you put them together and you have a monster. That's how we are. We don't have a superstar there. They are all different in their running styles," said Barnum.
     
Certainly Tago (5-11, 215) and Long (5-7, 180) have shown the ability to be a feature back at times in past seasons.
     
"Nate Tago and Steven Long should be at a point in their careers where they can take over a game," Barnum said. "They have experience, they should be durable enough and they understand what we are doing."
     
Those two will be challenged by up-and-comers RS JR Za'Quan Summers (5-9, 175), and RS FR Carlos Martin (5-11, 200). Another RS FR, Chase Morrison (5-10, 190), will miss 2016 after suffering an achilles injury.
     
The Vikings also return experienced players in JR Mitchell Thompson (5-7, 170) and SR Zack Dwyer (5-10, 200) at running back.
 
WIDE RECEIVER
Wide receiver is likely the most experienced position on the Viking roster. PSU returns eight players that have lettered at the position and are juniors or seniors.
     
Portland State passed the ball only about one out of every three plays in recent seasons, but when the Vikings do pass, they are dangerous. PSU players averaged nearly 16 yards per reception and caught 19 touchdown passes in 2015.
     
"We don't have a superstar, but those guys made critical plays in big games, every one of them. They are reliable and all are pretty good at something," said Barnum. "The magic of that is - when you have a superstar, the quarterback always looks to that guy first. Our receiving corps allows our quarterback to go through his reads, which is more productive than just throwing to the five-star guy. They know Alex now, and they know how to play scramble drill. They are a sandlot group, because of the trigger guy and the way he plays."
     
The Vikings' top receiver from last season returns in SR Darnell Adams (6-2, 195). Adams caught 22 passes for 478 yards and six touchdowns - all team bests. His 21.7 yard reception average also led the team and was a testament to his deep threat status. Adams has great size and strength as an outside receiver as he begin his fourth year in the program.
     
Other receivers who saw significant playing time and return are JR WRs Josh Kraght (16-227-1, 6-0, 195) and Trent Riley (11-223-2, 6-1, 200). SR Paris Penn (11-184-1, 4 starts, 6-1, 215) also had starts and should see his role expand at the slot position.
     
"Paris Penn has been added to that group even more as a slot, because he has to touch the football," said Barnum in reference to a player who has been responsible for nearly 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns, rushing, receiving and passing in 22 career games. "His emphasis will be learning how to run routes and get off the ball and how to use his body. He will have a busy spring."
     
JR Stevie Coury (5-53-0, 5-10, 160) and SR Jamarr Graves (1-6-0, 6-3, 205) are also veterans with significant experience. Coury is a downfield threat while Graves has great size to his advantage.
     
That group of six should get the bulk of the playing time again in 2016, but there are others who may contribute. SR Blair Cavanaugh (5-9, 185) has played both receiver and special teams for the Vikings. RS FR Jonathan Boland (5-11, 190) is a dynamic athlete expected to get into the mix right away.
     
JRs Justin Calo (6-0, 185) and Nick Moran (5-11, 170) round out the list of returning Vikings. JR Austin Holman (6-1, 185) and FR Austin Benton (6-4, 195) are redshirts that add depth to the position.
 
TIGHT END
At tight end, the Vikings' return fourth-year man Cam Sommer (6-3, 240, 6-72-1), a starter for most of the past two seasons.
     
The other returnees are SR Jon Buffington (6-5, 245), who saw action in only two games, and SO Scott Hitner (6-3, 220), who was on the scout team in 2015. FR Charlie Taumoepeau (6-3, 265), a 2015 signee, also steps into the mix.
     
"There are some young guys there that Cam needs to bring along. Charlie is probably the most athletic guy there, he is special," Barnum said.
     
"This is a position that has youth, so Cam has to come to play. This is his year to take that position over."
     
Barnum is looking for more depth and blocking at the position. Fortunately, help is on the way in a pair of big, strong freshman signees, AJ Ruffin (6-5, 250) and Daniel Giannosa (6-8, 250). How quickly they can develop will determine whether they see action in 2016.
 
OFFENSIVE LINE
Offensive line play has been a strength at Portland State year in and year out. 2016 should be no different. Portland State has had a fearsome running game that has accumulated over 2,000 yards in each of the last six years (3,007 in 2015). The Vikings have given up only 56 sacks over 58 games in the last five seasons.
     
In 2016, PSU starts with an experienced group up front that combined to start 48 games last season in SR LT Kyle Smith (6-5, 310, 2nd team All-Big Sky Conference), SR C Cam Keizur (6-4, 320, 3rd team All-Big Sky Conference), JR OG Chad Bach (6-3, 290) and JR OGs Randin Crecelius (6-5, 295) and Desmoun Thompson (6-7, 305).
     
That group should be the core of the offensive line in 2016. However, the Vikings will look for a permanent replacement at right tackle for the graduated Mike Davis, a two-year starter at the position. Among the candidates will be Boise State transfer SO Troy Bacon (6-4, 295), SR Josh Hanson (6-7, 290) and SO Josh Brown (6-5, 270).
     
Other letterwinners returning include SO Peter Fisherkeller (6-5, 280) and JR Justin Outslay (6-5, 305).
     
"I like our depth. We have some guys who are going to need to compete for the starting roles and we brought in Troy Bacon, because we needed another guy who can step into that competition," Barnum said.
     
Redshirts and scout team members that are back are JRs Alex Sirois and Austin Powell, SO Garrett Stauffer and FR Isaac Ennis and Glenn Whearty.
     
The Vikings also have a great start on the future at offensive line with the signings of FR Tommy Laverde (6-5, 285), Korbin Sorensen (6-6, 275) and Moustapha Toure (6-6, 310).

QUICK SNAPS

WINS, LOSSES, AND THE BIG SKY
• Portland State was 9-3 in 2015, 4-2 at home, 5-1 on the road. It was PSU's best record ever at the FCS level (1978-80, 1996-2016).\
• Portland State's three losses came by a total of 17 points.
• PSU will go after back-to-back winning seasons in 2016 for the first time since 2005 and 2006 (6-5, 7-4).
• Portland State has played 23 seasons at the NCAA I FCS level (1978-80 (1-AA), 1996-2015). PSU is 123-134 in all games at the FCS level. 
• In 20 seasons since moving back to FCS and the Big Sky Conference (1996-2015), PSU is 104-120, 67-41 in home games, 37-79 on the road.
• As a member of the Big Sky Conference (1996-2015) PSU is 68-87 all-time in league games, 41-37 at home, 27-50 on the road.
• With a winning season in 2015, the Vikings have nine winning records in 20 years as a member of the Big Sky Conference.
• Bruce Barnum is the Vikings fourth Head Coach in the Big Sky Conference era. Previous coaches were: Tim Walsh (1993-2006, 42-41, 90-68 all-time); Jerry Glanville (2007-09, 7-17, 9-24); and Nigel Burton (2010-15, 13-27, 21-36).
• The Vikings have never won a Big Sky title, but have tied for second five times (four under Walsh and in 2015 under Barnum). PSU made its second NCAA FCS playoff appearance (also 2000).

PORTLAND STATE'S LEAST FAVORITE DIRECTION IN 2015: The Vikings lost only three games in 2015. All three losses came against teams with one thing in common - the word "North" in their name. PSU lost to North Dakota (19-17), Northern Colorado (35-32)  and Northern Iowa (29-17). However, the Vikings did beat North Texas, 66-7.

FIVE POINTS FROM PERFECT: Portland State had a pretty successful 2015 season. But the Vikings did not accomplish everything they hoped to. One milestone PSU did not reach was winning a Big Sky Conference Championship. The Vikings matched their best Big Sky record (6-2) in 20 seasons as a member, and they did defeat the 2015 league champion Southern Utah (7-1). In fact, the Vikings were only five points from a perfect 8-0 Big Sky record. PSU lost to North Dakota, 19-17, on a fourth-quarter field goal by the Fighting Hawks. The Vikings other loss was 35-32 at Northern Colorado when the Bears scored a touchdown with 23 seconds remaining.

VIKINGS ARE UP ON THIRD DOWN: Portland State made a dramatic improvement in turnover margin in 2015, cutting their giveaways by 11 and increasing their takeaways by 14 over 2014. That had them ranked at fifth in the nation in turnover margin. But, another key area to PSU's success was its play on third downs. The Vikings led the Big Sky Conference in third-down conversions at 46% (12th-best in the nation) and in third-down conversion defense at 30% (11th-best in the nation). 

SPEAKING OF CLOSE GAMES: Portland State had five games decided by three points or less in 2015. They went 3-2 in those games. The two losses are mentioned above in FIVE POINTS FROM PERFECT. The three wins included: a 38-35 victory at Cal Poly as JR K Jonathan Gonzales kicked a 27-yard field goal with 33 seconds left in the game; a 24-23 victory over Southern Utah as the Vikings stopped a two-point attempt by the Thunderbirds with 1:18 to play; and a 34-31 win at Eastern Washington as PSU ran 12 plays for 63 yards in the final 5:48 of the game to run out the clock and preserve a win.

REMEMBERING AJ: Portland State will dedicate its 2016 season to AJ Schlatter, a fallen brother in arms. Schlatter passed away tragically on Jan. 17 following complications from a tonsilectomy. The Viking linebacker had just completed his redshirt freshman season, starting 10 games. He had 62 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, two fumble recoveries and an interception. Schlatter was the Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Week following PSU's Nov. 21 win over Eastern Washington. Viking players will wear a number-31 decal on their uniforms to remember AJ. His 31 jersey number will not be issued to anyone in 2016.