Following Wednesday's final major scrimmage of preseason camp, the Portland State Football staff went about the business of refining its depth chart for the opener against BYU on Aug. 26.

Perhaps the biggest news coming out of those meetings was the naming of true freshman Jalani Eason as the Vikings' starting quarterback. Eason is a 5-11, 185-pounder from Junipero Serra High School in Gardena, CA who signed with the Vikings last February. He won a tight competition that came down to senior Josh Kraght and redshirt freshman Davis Alexander as well.

Eason was the Mission League Most Valuable Player last year at Junipero Serra. He completed 188-327 passes for 2,290 yards, 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Eason also rushed 121 times for 1,003 yards and 10 scores, making him a prototype for the Viking offense. Upon his signing last February, Head Coach Bruce Barnum said of Eason, "He is a perfect fit for our offense, as far as the run-pass aspect. He will be fun to watch."

Then on Thursday, Barnum said: "Jalani's production, poise, mobility and playmaking ability have all been there throughout camp."

Meanwhile, Kraght who played quarterback as a freshman in 2014, then moved to wide receiver in 2015 and 2016, is expected to play a dual role as a backup QB and a slot receiver. He led the Vikings in receptions last year with 36 for 518 yards and one touchdown. In his career, he has been a multiple threat, accounting for 1,822 yards and eight touchdowns passing, rushing, receiving and on punt returns.

In addition to the naming of Eason as the starting quarterback, Barnum gave recognition to a number of players - not necessarily veterans or starters - who have had outstanding preseason camps so far.

Barnum on SR RB Za'Quan Summers: "He showed great resolve to be the man (at running back) in camp. He came back stronger than we expected and has really run well."

RS FR DL Noah Yunker and SO DL Kenton Bartlett: "Noah has shown a great first step and has been playing with a fire that has gotten him noticed. Kenton has been one of the great surprises in camp. He, along with Noah, have proven they will be impact guys on the line. I expect them to see plenty of playing time and both are versatile players who can move between defensive end and tackle."

RS FR OL Korbin Sorensen: "Korbin has stepped into a role in the most competitive group on our team. He is making a real run at a starting spot."

SR WR Justin Calo: "Kudo's to Justin. He is the greatest kid I've ever met, but I didn't really think he would play here. All he has done is prove me wrong. I am more proud of him than anyone on the team."

FR TE AJ Ruffin: "I thought AJ would probably end up as a redshirt in his first season, but he has made it so we have to play him."

A number of true freshmen appear to have made the travel squad along with Eason. One of those players is RB Antwone Williams. The running back nicknamed "Turbo" impressed with his speed and elusiveness, and will add to the running game and possibly special teams. Other true freshmen with a chance to play are DT Semise Kofe, LB Tanner Sallee and S Anthony Adams and Ryan Swanson. Ruffin and RB Jason Talley are both gray shirts (entered school in winter 2017 after finishing high school in 2016) who are considered true freshmen as well. 

TRUE FRESHMAN QUARTERBACK? IT'S BEEN DONE
The last time a true freshman started at quarterback for the Vikings was not so long ago. And, it was under Bruce Barnum while he was Portland State's offensive coordinator.

In 2012, Kieran McDonough won a similar four-man competition to be the starter at PSU. He went on to have a solid season, completing 171-314 passes for 2,187 yards, 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. McDonough, a 6-2, 240-pounder, also rushed 89 times for 406 yards and nine touchdowns. 

In his first start as a Viking, he completed 8-16 passes for 192 yards and two scores in a win over Carroll College. In McDonough's only matchup against an FBS program (Washington), he was 18-32 for 178 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions while rushing for 61 yards and a score on 10 carries.

PRACTICE DURING THE ECLIPSE: SHARE A PAIR WITH THE VIKINGS: Portland State football welcomes everyone to a Share A Pair Party on Monday as they witness the solar eclipse. The team will share their special Eclipse Glasses with all that attend. In the Portland area, the eclipse will begin at 9:06 a.m. with the full eclipse at 10:19 a.m. The Viking football team practices from 8-10 a.m.

UPCOMING PRACTICE TIMES
Aug. 21-24, 8-10 a.m.
Aug. 25, Travel Day
Aug. 26, Game at BYU