Portland State Offensive Line Coach Brad Davis has been given the added responsibility of Run Game Coordinator for the 2012 season. Davis, who is beginning his fourth year at PSU, has been very successful
in developing PSU's offensive line into one of the best in the Big Sky.

The Run Game Coordinator plays a vital role in the Vikings' Pistol Offense, which is run-based. Davis will offer increased assistance to Offensive Coordinator Bruce Barnum on the Vikings' staff.

"The first season we ran (the Pistol), we came within 15 yards of a school rushing record. The second year we easily broke that record based on Brad's outstanding work with the offensive line," said Viking Head Coach Nigel Burton. "Keep in mind, a lot of these guys were not recruited for a run-based offense, so it was an amazing job by Brad.

"It is a good thing to increase his responsibility, and it allows Bruce to focus a little more on the pass as well as lean on Brad in terms of game-planning and play-calling."

Davis has done a remarkable job over the previous three seasons of maintaining quality and consistency from his players up front. Over the past two seasons, Davis' line has led the Viking running game as a two-time Big Sky Conference leader in rushing yards. In 2011, the Vikings also had the fewest sacks allowed in the league - just 11 despite nearly 300 pass attempts - ranking as 13th-best in the nation.

His work with long-time starter Dustin Waldron has made the graduating left tackle an NFL prospect who recently participated at the NFL Combine.

Once again, in 2012, Davis will have a solid group of veteran linemen to work around. Senior Kyle Ritt (OT, Aloha) and junior Mitch Gaulke (C, West Linn) were honorable mention All-Big Sky Conference in 2011, while junior Mitchell Van Dyk (Paso Robles, CA) had a good season at right tackle. Those three started every game, while returning senior guard Joey Esposito (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA) started the last six in row.

Davis was a starter and Most Valuable Offensive Lineman on a national title team at Oklahoma under Bob Stoops. His coaching credits include time at North Carolina, Texas A&M, Doane College and Wayne State.