Without fail, the start of the college football practice schedule is called "fall camp". So why does it always begin in the heat of summer? And in this case for the Portland State Vikings, on an earliest ever start date of July 31st?

It was 90 degrees at the start of practice on Monday evening at Stott Community Field. The Vikings will be fortunate to miss the heat of the day for the remainder of the week. While Portland's forecast weather includes 100+degree temperatures through Friday, PSU will practice from 8-10 a.m. for the remainder of the week.

"The team periods of our practices will be in heat, not the heat of the day, but hot enough. They don't need it the whole time, because I need to keep their legs fresh for that first game," said third-year Head Coach Bruce Barnum. "I don't see it as too much of a burden. We have talked about it, planned for it, and we are set."

Speaking of fresh legs, one thing that was apparent on opening day was the stable of running backs working out for the Vikings. No less than eight players are listed on the roster at that position. And why not? PSU lost its top three ground-gainers from a season ago: QB Alex Kuresa (858 yards, 10  TDs), RB Nate Tago (774 yards, 10 TDs) and RB Paris Penn (653 yards, 10 TDs). That is 2,285 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns the Vikings must replace in 2017. 

Za'Quan Summers, a senior, figures to see a lot of action this season as the staff hopes injury issues are behind him. In brief action last year, he had 29 carries for 212 yards and a score. 

Freshman Jason Talley, a big man at 6-2, 230 pounds, had a big spring practice session and earned a scholarship. Sophomores Carlos Martin and Chase Morrison are looking to break through, while senior Mitch Thompson, also a key special teams guy, will have a role. 

The interesting part will be to see whether one of the other three freshmen, including Bishop Mitchell, Antwone "Turbo" Williams and Amon Milliner, will break through and earn playing time. All are lightning fast and Barnum knows depth is vital at the position.

"They are all different. I've got a big one; one that can run the edge on you; and another that can jitterbug you and make fall on your knees. I like the entire crew. We are running back by committee and we can't run out of talent at that position." 

COMING ON TUESDAY: VIDEO - VIKING FOOTBALL WITH BRUCE BARNUM

VIKINGS IN THE MEDIA
Bounce-Back Season For BarnyBall - Portland Tribune

There are also six quarterbacks on the roster - the top three of whom, Josh Kraght, Davis Alexander and Cade Smith - all have reputations as runners as well as throwers. They too, will be important to the running game as Alex Kuresa was the past two seasons with over 1,600 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns.

The Vikings have 14 wide receivers and six tight ends to round out the offensive skill positions, and show the balanced depth Barnum is now building with his two recruiting classes.

"We needed to fix some things (on offense)," said Barnum. "I want to be unstoppable and more tight end-oriented. We were weak last year at wide receiver, not because of the type of kids we had, but because we had injuries, we didn't have many veterans and we needed more numbers there. We are glad to have (senior) Darnell Adams back from injury."

And perhaps the highlight of the seven-on-seven period that closed out practice was a one-handed sideline grab by redshirt freshman tight end Daniel Giannosa.

Giannosa, along with newcomers Cameron Loos and AJ Ruffin should factor into the offense behind Charlie Taumoepeau and Cole Ford.

Adams is joined on the outside by newcomers Andre Petties-Wilson (TCU transfer) and De'Sean Parsons (a former Viking basketball player) as well as six freshmen and redshirt freshmen. Veterans Trent Riley and Kahlil Dawson should be key contributors as well.

NEW VIKINGS ON THE ROSTER: Portland State has added four new players to the roster in the past month. The Vikings signed Hayden Cowden, a freshman punter/kicker from Twin Falls, ID, to bolster their special teams unit… also joining the roster are three walk-ons, freshmen Terrell West, Jeffrey Ward and Tanner Sallee.

PORTLAND STATE PRESEASON PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Aug. 1-5, 8-10 a.m.
Aug. 7-12, 8-10 a.m. (scrimmage Aug. 9)
Aug. 14-19, 8-10 a.m. (scrimmage Aug. 16)
Aug. 21-24, 8-10 a.m.
Aug. 25, Travel Day
Aug. 26, Game at BYU

SEASON PREVIEW INFORMATION
2017 Offensive Preview
2017 Defense and Special Teams Preview
2017 Preseason Notes and Trivia
COMPLETE PRESEASON NOTES IN PDF