Complete Release On Portland State's Signing Class

2010 NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT SIGNEES

HIGH SCHOOL
Jamil Austin, RB, 5-9, 180, FR, HS, Los Angeles, CA (Colony HS)
DeVaunte Bolton, RB, 5-10, 195, FR, HS, Roseville, CA (Granite Bay HS)
Chad Dashnaw, QB, 6-4, 230, FR, HS, Agua Dulce, CA (Narbonne HS)
Major Harris, DE, 6-3, 210, FR, HS, Salem, OR (McKay HS)
Andrew Jackson, WR/DE, 6-3, 225, FR, HS, Norwalk, CA (Santa Fe HS)
Vincent Johnson, DE, 6-2, 265, FR, HS, Fort Worth, TX (North Crowley HS)
Coleton Langdon, OL, 6-3, 275, FR, HS, Renton, WA (Liberty HS)
Taylor Meyrick, TE, 6-5, 275, FR, HS, Oregon City, OR (Oregon City HS)
Josh Milhollin, QB, 6-4, 190, FR, HS, Medford, OR (South Medford HS)
AJ Powell, ATH, 5-8, 165, FR, HS, Pasadena, CA (Charter Oaks HS)
James Seuma'ala, DL, 6-3, 240, FR, HS, Federal Way, WA (Federal Way HS)
Roston Tatum, WR, 6-2, 200, FR, HS, Fort Worth, TX (North Crowley HS)
Brandon Tobias, DE, 6-2, 210, FR, HS, Torrance, CA (North HS)
Jarron Williams, CB, 5-10, 170, FR, HS, Pasadena, CA (John Muir HS)

JUNIOR COLLEGE SIGNEES
Dionte Brooks, LB, 6-2, 220, JR, JC, Compton, CA (Compton HS/El Camino JC)
*Joey Esposito, OL, 6-4, 315, JR, JC, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (Palos Verdes HS/El Camino JC)
*Jack Forbes, DE, 6-3, 225, JR, JC, Pacific, CA (Terra Nova HS/C. of San Mateo)
*Kyle McMillin, TE, 6-2, 240, JR, JC, Merced, CA (Golden Valley HS/Merced JC)
Bruce Seumanutafa, OL, 6-5, 350, JR, JC, Stockton, CA (Franklin HS/Mt. SAC)
*Manoa Latu, SS, 6-1, 205, JR, JC, Kapahulu, HI (Saint Louis HS/Mt. SAC)
(Latu signed in early January during the JC signing period)

* will compete in spring football

 

The first National Letter of Intent Signing Day has come for Portland State's first-year Head Football Coach Nigel Burton and he is thrilled with the versatility his group of 20 signees will bring to the Viking football program.

The Vikings have added 14 high school recruits and six junior college transfers to a team that has 52 returning letterwinners and 14 returning starters in 2010.

Ten of the signees are slated for the offensive side of the ball, eight for the defensive side, one could play on either side and another was recruited as an all-around athlete.

Burton, who has just completed his coaching staff, will transition the Vikings to the Pistol offense and a 4-3 scheme on defense in 2010. As a result, he needed to add depth in a few areas.

“We knew first and foremost we had to recruit for the changes in the system, so we had to have tight ends who could come in and play right away and also provide ourselves a nice future at that position,” said Burton, “In addition, the running back position's responsibilities in the Pistol are different than what they were in the Run-and-Shoot, so we had to bring in some guys we felt filled those responsibilities better.

“Those were probably the first two things offensively we needed to address in addition to a lack of depth and experience at the offensive line position, and to bring in a few more playmakers and receivers.”

On the offensive line, JC transfers Joey Esposito (6-4, 315) and Bruce Seumanutafa (6-5, 350) as well as tight end Kyle McMillin (6-2, 240) should have an impact.

“You don't recruit JC guys for depth, you recruit them to push to start right away, that way they are happy and that is the only way we will be happy in that kind of investment,” said Burton.

On the defensive line, Jack Forbes (6-3, 225) out of College of San Mateo will be counted on as well.

“How fast Jack comes along will allow us to do some things with our defensive line, shifting from a 3-4 to a 4-3.”

Strong safety Manoa Latu (6-1, 205) signed during the early junior college signing period and should be another player competing for a starting job.

“Manoa was my number one-rated safety when I was at Nevada going into this recruiting year,” said Burton. “The relationship we established paid off.”

Portland State has signed two freshman running backs and anticipates more help at the position to come during the spring. Jamil Austin (5-9, 180) and DeVaunte Bolton (5-10, 195) both will have a chance to play as true freshmen.

“I think they give you the ability to be every-down backs. They are guys who have the ability to make moves in the open field, give you long runs and explosive plays,” said Burton.

Along with those two, the versatility of the other freshmen is the most notably aspect of the group.

Said Burton: “The big thing is we wanted to recruit athletes. We wanted to recruit guys that when you see them, you know they can play two, three, four positions.

“I feel great about guys like Major Harris (DE, 6-3, 210), Brandon Tobias (DE, 6-2, 210), Andrew Jackson (WR/DE, 6-3, 225), Jarron Williams (CB, 5-10, 170). You look at Taylor Meyrick (TE, 6-5, 275) and Bolton and Austin and Tatum (WR, 6-2, 200) and Powell (ATH, 5-8, 165). Every single one of those guys, when you watch them on film - especially the first three guys I mentioned - they could be wide receivers, they could H-backs, they could be tight ends, they could be defensive ends and possibly outside linebackers.”

“Andrew Jackson was a 6-3, 225-pound safety this year (in high school) after playing defensive end last year,” said Burton. That is how athletic the guy is. So, that's exciting.

“You watch Jarron Williams, who will start off a corner because of his speed and coverage ability, but he'll knock your head off. So, he could be a safety one day.

“You look at guys like Bolton and Austin - we anticipate them being great running backs - but they are athletic enough that they could always play outside linebacker or strong safety.

“Taylor Meyrick, who has the catching ability and athleticism we need to play tight end, could also grow into being an offensive tackle.

“AJ Powell can do anything you want. He was even a punter in high school. It's exciting.”

As a result, a few of the true freshmen should play right away. “I would say that at least one of the defensive ends will play,” said Burton, referencing Harris, Jackson and Johnson.

“I would say Tatum and Meyrick both have a chance to play this year. And Powell, because of the fact that he is a great returner, has a chance to help us.

“One of the running backs has to play and physically those guys are ready to go. It is just going to be the mental maturity process for them in transitioning to the college game. They are great kids.”

Looking to the future, Burton has added two quarterbacks he sees an excellent fits for the Pistol Offense, Chad Dashnaw (6-4, 230) and Josh Milhollin (6-4, 190).

“Danshaw received interest form every school in the WAC and was offered by San Jose State and Nevada. He has a rocket for an arm, and we witnessed on film that he is fast enough to outrun linebackers and big enough to run over them.

“Milhollin has a great future. He has a nice arm, he's athletic and most important he was dying to become a Portland State Viking.”

Burton maintains a few scholarships for more signings this spring. He anticipates getting a player or two who may drop down after being recruited by a BCS school. The Vikings already expect a few four-year transfers to enter school in the spring for spring football.

PLAYER BIOS

Jamil Austin, RB, 5-9, 180, FR, HS, Los Angeles, CA (Colony HS)
Was a letterwinner in football, basketball and track at Colony High School... rushed for 2,080 yards and was Mt. Baldy League Offensive Player of the Year as a senior... had 199 carries for a school-record 2,080 yards, an average of 10.5 yards per carry and 173.3 yards per game... scored 23 touchdowns.... also caught 10 passes for 88 yards... had a 13 carry, 311-yard, six touchdown game in a win over Ontario HS, setting school records for yards and TDs... rushed 18 times for 278 yards and three scores in a win over Don Lugo HS... in all, had five 200+ rushing yard games, and 10 100+ rushing yard games on the season... his team was 10-2 in 2009... competed on the league champion team as a sophomore and senior.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Sylvester and Zoe Austin... born November 13, 1991... plans to major in Business... hobbies are video games, computers, reading and flying.

DeVaunte Bolton, RB, 5-10, 195, FR, HS, Roseville, CA (Granite Bay HS)
A three-time letterwinner in football and two-time letterwinner in track at Granite Bay High School... rushed 132 times for 869 yards as a senior... scored nine touchdowns... rushed 17 times for 192 yards and three scores against Vacaville in his best game of the season... earned All-League honors... tested as the “strongest man” in weight room on his high school team... ran the fastest 200 meters in his league as a junior... earned All-Section honors in the 100 meters.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Elizabeth Bolton and Rob Walker... born August 14, 1992... has one brother, Brad... plans to major in Sociology... hobby is cars.

 

Dionte Brooks, LB, 6-2, 220, JR, JC, Compton, CA (Compton HS/El Camino JC)
A two-time All-Conference linebacker at El Camino Junior College.

Named to the All-California Dream Team at Compton High School.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Jean Godden... born January 6, 1989... plans to major in Construction Management.. would like to coach and own a sports bar when he is done playing football.

 

Chad Dashnaw, QB, 6-4, 230, FR, HS, Agua Dulce, CA (Narbonne HS)
A two-time team Most Valuable Player in football competing at Narbonne High School (senior year) and Vasquez High School (freshman through junior year)... two-time All-League player... Marine League Offensive Most Valuable Player... made the Southbay All-Area team... earned third team All-State honors as well... played in the CIF LA City Section Championship as a senior... completed 235 of 325 passes for 3,475 yards and 31 touchdowns with 12 interceptions... rushed 82 times for 400 yards and nine touchdowns... leader in passing and total offense in the LA City section... ranked seventh in the state and 36th in the nation in passing... lettered in baseball, rodeo and golf... was the All-Around Cowboy and first-place calf roper in 2006 for the California High School Rodeo Association... a three-year scholar-athlete

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Jeff and Tracy Dashnaw... born April 16, 1992... has three brothers, Nick, Jake and Jeffrey, and one sister, Jessica... undecided major... hobbies are Motocross, wakeboarding, snowboarding, surfing and hunting... has worked in the movies doing stunts in Spy Kids 1, 2 and 3, Pay It Forward and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.

Joey Esposito, OL, 6-4, 315, JR, JC, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (Palos Verdes HS/El Camino JC)
Played the past two years at El Camino Junior College... earned first team All-Conference and All-State honors... his team went 8-3 in 2009.

Lettered in football three times and basketball once at Palos Verdes High School... twice named first time All-League... first team All-CIF as a senior.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Joe and Teri Esposito... born October 18, 1989... has one brother, Vinnie, and one sister, Ashlie... wants to get into veterinary medicine... hopes to play in the NFL.

Jack Forbes, DE, 6-3, 225, JR, JC, Pacific, CA (Terra Nova HS/College of San Mateo)
Named first team All-Conference as a linebacker at College of San Mateo... had 40 tackles, six sacks, two pass breakups and an interception... his team reached the California Junior College State Championship game.

As a senior at Terra Nova High School he was named the Athlete of the Year... earned first team All-County honors on defense... basketball team most valuable player.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Jack and Cindy Forbes... born May 1, 1989... has one brother, Chris, and two sisters, Kelly and Patricia... majoring in Business... would like to become a fireman when his football career is over.


Major Harris, DE, 6-3, 210, FR, HS, Salem, OR (McKay HS)
An All-League defensive lineman at McKay High School... had 29 tackles, two sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery... on offense, he rushed 23 times for 175 yards and three touchdowns, and caught 11 passes for 222 yards and a score.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Howard and Claira Harris... born February 23, 1991... has three brothers, Howard Jr., Lucious and Quentin, and one sister, Monique... plans to major in Business.

Andrew Jackson, WR/DE, 6-3, 225, FR, HS, Norwalk, CA (Santa Fe HS)
A two-time letterwinner in football and basketball... named first team All-CIF and All-Area.... selected as his team's Defensive MVP... led the team in tackles and named Player of the Week nine times... his team made two trips to the playoffs... won a Scholar-Athlete Award.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Andrew and Emma Jackson... born December 13, 1991... has three brothers, Aaron, Andrew and Eddie, and two sisters, Ellen and Keisha... plans to major in Business... hobbies are sports and video games... would like to own a restaurant or construction business after his playing career.

 

Vincent Johnson, DE, 6-2, 265, FR, HS, Fort Worth, TX (North Crowley HS)
A three-year letterwinner in football at North Crowley High School... named first team All-District 3 at the 5A level as a junior and a senior... named his team's Lineman of the Year... a team captain... also lettered in basketball and track.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Born May, 11, 1992... has one brother, DeShawn, and two sisters, Jocelyn and Monica... majoring in Communications... hobbies are video games and hanging out with friends.

 

Coleton Langdon, OL, 6-3, 275, FR, HS, Renton, WA (Liberty HS)
Lettered in football and wrestling twice each at Liberty High School... named first team All-League the last two seasons... named his team's Defensive Lineman of the Year... team went to the state championship game.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Richard and Teri Langdon... born November 28, 1991... has one brother, Josh... undecided major.

Manoa Latu, SS, 6-1, 205, JR, JC, Kapahulu, HI (Saint Louis HS/Mt. SAC)
Played two seasons at Mt. San Antonio Junior College for a team that compiled a 25-3 record over those two seasons... twice played for the California Junior College State Championship. Mt. SAC won the title in 2009 and was also national champion... a national runner-up in 2008... as a freshman in 2008, Latu played in 14 games, making 68 tackles, six interceptions, broke up six passes, had three tackles for loss and one sack... in 2009, he played in 13 games, making 49 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception and three pass breakups... named first team All-Conference.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Hola and Kaivai Latu... born June 17, 1990... has four brothers, Paula, Una, George and Kapeta, and one sister, Talahiva... majoring in Kinesiology... hobby is reading the Book of Mormon.

 

Kyle McMillin, TE, 6-2, 240, JR, JC, Merced, CA (Golden Valley HS/Merced JC)
Lettered two years in football at Merced Junior College... named two times All-Golden Gate Conference... honorable mention All-State... a team captain.

Lettered in football three times, and also competed in basketball and track at Golden Valley High School... a three-time All-Central California Conference selection... also earned All-District honors... three-time Academic All-Conference as well... his team won the Central California Conference in his junior year... earned second team All-League honors in basketball.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Mike and Toni McMillin... born November 5, 1988... has three brothers, Paul, Kirk and Chase, and one sister, Shannon... majoring in Accounting... hobbies are golf and fishing.

Taylor Meyrick, TE, 6-5, 265, FR, HS, Oregon City, OR (Oregon City HS)
Named first team All-Three Rivers League as a tight end and defensive lineman as a senior at Oregon City High School... combined for six letters in football and basketball... selected as his team's Most Dominating Lineman.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Anna and Wade Meyrick... born February 5, 1992... has one sister, Kira... plans to major in Psychology... hobbies are reading, camping, fishing, sports, and fundraising for AIDS for Africa for underprivileged villages.

 

Josh Milhollin, QB, 6-4, 190, FR, HS, Medford, OR (South Medford HS)
Lettered in football three times and track four times at South Medford High School... a starter at quarterback the last two seasons, throwing 34 touchdown passes against just nine interceptions... as a junior, completed 93 of 169 passes for 1,419 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions... also averaged 35.4 yards as a punter... team was 10-2 on the season.... as a senior he completed 144 of 236 passes for 1,907 yards, 19 touchdowns and three interceptions... also rushed for five touchdowns.... averaged 37.4 yards per punt... he was named first team All-Conference as a punter and second team All-Conference as a quarterback... also earned All-State honors as a punter... as a high jumper holds the school record and placed third in state as a junior.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Mike and Sharon Milhollin... born January 23, 1991... has one brother, John, and one sister, Sarah... plans to major in Business... would like to get into coaching after college... enjoys working at youth football camps... a four-year member of the high school honor roll.

 

AJ Powell, ATH, 5-8, 165, FR, HS, Pasadena, CA (Charter Oaks HS)
A three-time letterwinner in football, as well as basketball and track at Charter Oaks High School... his team won four straight conference titles and back-to-back state championships... earned All-Area, All-Valley and League MVP honors as a junior... was first team All-CIF, All-Area and All-Valley as a senior... won team MVP honors and the Coaches Award.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Trina and Allen Powell... born July 22, 1991... full first name is Allen... has three brothers, Adam, Alex and Andrew, and one sister, Eurasia... plans to major in Business and Marketing... hobbies are video games, hanging with family and friends... part of the Best Buddies Program, working with autistic children... participates in Black Student Union... a member of the 3.0 Club... hopes to start his own business one day.

James Seuma'ala, DL, 6-3, 240, FR, HS, Federal Way, WA (Federal Way HS)
A three-year letterwinner at Federal Way High School... named first team offensive and defensive lineman in the South Puget Sound League as a senior... selected as his team's Defensive Lineman of the Year... his team won the South Puget Sound League Championship.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of James and Tepe Seuma'ala... born December 14, 1991... has three sisters, Nelle, Angelina and Adrienne... involved in Habitat for Humanity.

 

Bruce Seumanutafa, OL, 6-5, 350, JR, JC, Stockton, CA (Franklin HS/Mt. SAC)
Played the last two seasons at Mt. San Antonio Junior College... member of the national champion team in 2009, and national runnerup in 2008.

Originally from Naumati, American Samoa, he attended Franklin High School in Stockton, CA.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Faau and Florita Seumanutafa... born August 6, 1990... has three brothers, John, Leonard and Richard, and three sisters, Kathy, Christine and Laura... will major in Criminal Justice... hobbies are swimming, watching movies and working out... would like to get into law enforcement and be a probation officer.

Roston Tatum, WR, 6-2, 200, FR, HS, Fort Worth, TX (North Crowley HS)
Earned two letters in football at North Crowley High School... was named first team All-District 3 at the 5A level... also selected as team offensive MVP after making 38 catches for 700 yards and seven touchdowns... a team captain... also lettered in track and won the 200 meter district championship and advancing to the state meet.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Lisa and Roscoe Tatum... born July 22, 1991... has one sister, Oshika... plans to major in Business or pre-Law... hobbies are lifting weights and watching movies... hopes to be a lawyer one day after his football career.


Brandon Tobias, DE, 6-2, 210, FR, HS, Torrance, CA (North HS)
Lettered in football, basketball and baseball at North High School... has been the Defensive Player of the Year each of the last two seasons in his league... second team All-League as a sophomore... first team All-Area as a junior... first team All-League and All-CIF as a senior.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Blanca and Robert Tobias... born March 26, 1992... has one brother, Ryan, and one sister, Tristin... wants to get into Communications and Broadcast Journalism... hobbies are playing the piano, high school student council, water skiing and hiking.

Jarron Williams, CB, 5-10, 170, FR, HS, Pasadena, CA (John Muir HS)
A twelve-time letterwinner in football, basketball, track and baseball... named first team All-Pacific League as a senior...  selected as team MVP... had 87 tackles, seven interceptions, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries as a senior... a quarterback on offense, he rushed for 13 touchdowns and passed for 12 touchdowns... first team All-Area and honorable mention All-State as junior.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Ken Perry and Chantal Vonwell... born March 3, 1992... has one sister, Jalisa... would like to major in Engineering... hobbies are sports, traveling and spending time with his family... would like to own his own business after his football career.