The Portland State Vikings football program has signed 15 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent for the 2018 season. Coach
Bruce Barnum's team was looking specifically in three position groups and came up with the majority of their players there.
The positions with the most players leaving as seniors were defensive back, wide receiver and offensive line. Among the 15 signed, PSU's coaching staff brought in six defensive backs, four receivers and three offensive linemen. Barnum also noted there is more on the horizon for the 2018 class.
"We aren't done yet," he said. "We will sign some more, but we addressed our immediate needs to get us back to where we want to be right now.
"Our staff did an excellent job of finding outstanding high school and transfer student-athletes to put us back on track right away.
"This group has experience, leadership and talent, and they will impact the 2018 season."
Notable among the newcomers are a pair of transfers from the University of Washington. Wide receiver
Isaiah Woods (6-1, 210) played as a true freshman at UW in 2015, but left the program. He is returning to football in 2018 as a junior.
Brayden Dickey (6-5, 245), also a receiver, had three solid seasons with the Huskies, played in 40 games and making 42 receptions. He is a graduate transfer with one year of eligibility remaining.
The other two receivers that have signed are tall and athletic, giving the Vikings excellent size at the position.
Jordan Hill (6-4, 180) was a star at local Lincoln (OR) High School while
Emmanuel Daigbe (6-1, 200) has been competing in wrestling at Highline Community College following a decorated high school football career.
Three defensive back transfers,
Ryan Lesch (6-1, 200),
Romeo Gunt (5-10, 190) and
Deon Crayon (6-2, 175), are extremely athletic and will impact the defense right away. Behind them are freshmen
Zavion Avery (6-1, 190),
Dawson Carr (6-4, 185) and
David Joseph (6-0, 195).
Spencer Reed (6-3, 265) signed in December as the first of three offensive linemen to join a group that graduated three starters.
John Schulte (6-6, 235) and
Shiloh Ta'ase (6-3, 275) are coming out of high school.
Alex Sanchez (6-1, 260) was another early signee from South Salem High School. He will play defensive tackle.
And, addressing some special teams issues, the Vikings have signed kicker
Cody Williams (5-10, 180) out of Murrietta, CA.
Portland State has gone hard after high schoolers the past two years in trying to build even classes throughout the roster. PSU returns 39 letterwinners and 25 redshirts. A still relatively young roster includes 20 redshirt freshmen, 23 sophomores, 11 juniors and 10 seniors among those 64. The Vikings had 23 seniors this past year.
"The 2018 class also addresses a need of filling out our classes equally. Next year's class should completely even out the roster. You won't see big dips in the roster as seniors leave each year," said Barnum.
2018 NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT SIGNEES
| Letter of Intent Bio |
POS |
YR |
HGT • WGT |
Hometown (Schools) |
Video |
| Jordan Hill* |
WR |
FR |
6-4 • 180 |
Houston, TX (Lincoln (OR) HS) |
Highlights |
| Alex Sanchez* |
DT |
FR |
6-1 • 260 |
Salem, OR (South Salem HS) |
Highlights |
| Spencer Reed*# |
OL |
JR |
6-3 • 265 |
Thousand Oaks, CA (Thousand Oaks HS/Moorpark College) |
Highlights |
| John Schulte |
OL |
FR |
6-6 • 235 |
Las Vegas, NV (Faith Lutheran HS) |
Highlights |
| Shiloh Ta'ase |
OL |
FR |
6-3 • 275 |
Seattle, WA (Ballard HS) |
Highlights |
| Romeo Gunt |
DB |
JR |
5-10 • 190 |
Philadelphia, PA (Imhotep Charter/LA Valley JC) |
Highlights |
| Cody Williams |
K/P |
FR |
5-10 • 180 |
Murrieta, CA (Murrieta Valley HS) |
Highlights |
| Brayden Dickey^# |
TE |
SR |
6-5 • 245 |
North Vancouver, BC (Chaminade Prep/Washington) |
Highlights |
| Isaiah Woods^# |
WR |
JR |
6-1 • 210 |
Los Angeles, CA (Sierra Canyon HS/Washington) |
Highlights |
| Zavion Avery |
CB |
FR |
6-1 • 190 |
Los Angeles, CA (Dorsey HS) |
Highlights |
| Emmanuel Daigbe |
WR |
SO |
6-1 • 200 |
Kent, WA (Kent-Meridian HS) |
Highlights |
| Dawson Carr |
S |
FR |
6-4 • 185 |
Rainier, OR (Rainier HS) |
Highlights |
| Ryan Lesch |
S |
JR |
6-1 • 200 |
St. Cloud, FL (Harmony HS/Butte College) |
Highlights |
| David Joseph |
DB |
FR |
6-0 • 195 |
Sacramento, CA (Del Campo HS) |
Highlights |
| Deon Crayon |
CB |
JR |
6-2 • 175 |
Palmdale, CA (Knight HS/Butte College) |
Highlights |
* signed on Dec. 20, 2017 during early signing period
# will compete in spring football
^ grant-in-aid signee
NEWCOMERS BY POSITION
Offense (7)
OL • 3
WR • 3
TE • 1
Defense (7)
DB • 6
DL • 1
Special Teams (1)
K/P • 1
NAME PRONUNCIATIONS
Emmanuel Daigbe - DAG-bee
Josh Schulte - SHULT-ee
Shiloh Ta'ase - tuh-AWS-ee
Zavion Avery, CB, 6-1, 190, FR, HS, Los Angeles, CA (Dorsey HS)
COACH BARNUM SAYS: "Zavion is electric, both in his personality and his gridiron skills. He adds to our tradition of Portland State having quality cornerbacks."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football at Dorsey High School... named first team All-Coliseum League and first team All-City Division I as a defensive back.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Dale Avery... has one brother, Donovan, and two sisters, Jasmin and Carshauni... undecided major.
Dawson Carr, S, 6-4, 185, FR, HS, Rainier, OR (Rainier)
COACH BARNUM SAYS: "Dawson is a diamond in the rough and a three-sport athlete. He is extremely athletic and is capable of playing at multiple positions."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football and baseball four times and basketball three times at Rainier High School... earned first team All-League in all three sports... named first team Oregon 3A All-State in football at wide receiver and defensive back... had 1,659 total yards of offense and 23 touchdowns as a senior... made 75 tackles and four interceptions on defense.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Tracy and Greg Carr... has two brothers, Tyler and Miles, and three sisters, Alexa, Kyusi and Jaime... would like to major in Physical Therapy... hobbies are hunting, fishing, snowboarding and video games.
Deon Crayon, CB, 6-2, 175, JR, JC, Palmdale, CA (Knight HS/Butte College)
COACH BARNUM SAYS: "Another talented player out of Butte College. He is tall and extremely athletic. He is expected to make an impact early at defensive back."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Played two seasons at Butte College alongside
Ryan Lesch... as a sophomore, he had 49 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions, six pass breakups and a fumble recovery... selected as team's Most Valuable Defensive Back... also competed in track at Butte and was named Most Valuable Freshman and team MVP... Golden Valley Conference Champion in 110 hurdles and 400 hurdles.
Lettered in football four times and track twice at Knight High School... was named second team All-League as a senior... was the 300 meter hurdle champion and 110 meter hurdle runner up... earned the All-Around Athlete award as a senior.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Nyla Hoisington and Don Crayon... has two brothers, Don and Patrick, and three sisters, Doniese, Dawn and Dona... majoring in Communcation Studies... hobbies are playing basketball and hanging out with his younger sisters at home.
Emmanuel Daigbe, WR, 6-1, 200, SO, HS, Kent, WA (Kent-Meridian HS)
COACH BARNUM SAYS: "He is a great story after coming to our country and adapting as a person and a student-athlete. Emmanuel should be a contributor very soon. I'm anxious to see how great he can be once he gets back on the football field."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Competed in wrestling at Highline Community College and Green River Community College... has yet to play college football.
Competed in football, wrestling and track at Kent-Meridian High School... named first team All-South Puget Sound League as a wide receiver and a linebacker... All-State as a wide receiver... two-time All-Purpose Player of the Year... Tacoma News Tribune first team All-Area... first team All-USA Western Washington... two-time Kent-Meridian team MVP... 2015 Seattle Times All-Area team... 2016 Tacoma News Tribune Athlete of the Year... a two-time state champion in wrestling and four-time state finalist.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Amos and Marth Daigbe... has two brothers, Fred and Adobee, and four sisters, Anita, Lovetee, Patience and Paveena... plans to major in Criminal Justice... hobbies are working out, watching TV, playing video games and hanging out with friends and family.
Brayden Dickey, TE, 6-5, 245, SR, TR, North Vancouver, BC (Chaminade Prep/Washington)
COACH BARNUM SAYS: "A proven Pac-12 caliber player. He is an experienced player who will likely join our tight end group. We expect great things out of him in the season he has left to play."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
A graduate transfer from the University of Washington where he lettered three times... played in 40 career games with eight starts... caught a total of 42 passes for 452 yards and three touchdowns... best season was 2015, when he had 26 receptions for 307 yards and three scores... was a redshirt in 2016... caught nine passes for 89 yards in 2017.
Played one season of high school football in the U.S., 2013 at Chaminade Prep... was named first-team All-CIF Southern Section Western Division... caught 26 passes for 615 yards and six touchdowns despite missing the first five games of the season due to transfer rules... also named to Los Angeles Daily News All-Area honorable mention list... Chaminade (West Hills, CA) was 14-2, winning the CIF Southern Section Western Division playoffs before moving on to win the four-team CIF Division II state championship... caught a touchdown pass in the state championship game... also a standout on the basketball team.
Played youth football in British Columbia for the Carson Graham Secondary School and also for Team BC at the U19 level... also played for a Canadian youth (U15) all-star team that took on a team of American players in the Eastbay Youth All-American Bowl, earning MVP honors in that game... played on a BC team that beat a USA squad in the 2013 FBU All-American Bowl in San Antonio .. also played on a BC all-star basketball team... ranked the No. 24 tight end recruit in the nation and the No. 84 overall prospect in California by scout.com.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Troy and Cara Dickey... has three brothers, Keaton, Isaiah and Elijah, and three sisters, Amaya, Marea and Jada... majoring in American Ethnic Studies... hobbies include hiking, video games, wakesurfing, walking his dogs, spending time with family, friends and his girlfriend... works with the 4C Coalition helping African American youth in the community... would like to play in the NFL...grandson of Eldridge Dickey, the first African-American quarterback ever selected in the first round of an AFL or NFL Draft (Dickey was the Raiders' first-round pick in 1968 and spent four seasons in Oakland)... father, Troy, played wide receiver at Arizona and in the CFL.
Romeo Gunt, DB, 5-10, 190, JR, JC, Philadelphia, PA (Imhotep Charter/LA Valley JC)
COACH BARNUM SAYS: "Romeo is a physical and intimidating player, and that is why we recruited him. I expect he will have an immediate impact on defense."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Competed in football at Los Angeles Valley Junior College... had 38 tackles, three interceptions and a fumble recovery as a sophomore... also took snaps at running back and as a punt returner... named second team All-Conference as an Athlete... a member of the Dean's List.
Competed in football and track at Imhotep Charter in Philadelphia... earned All-City and All-State honors.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Marie Soumah and Cyril Gunt... has three brothers, Anthony, Amadou and Souleymane, and two sisters, Hawa and Matogoma... will major in Business Management... plans to be a business owner... hobbies include working out, watching movies, music and rehab to stay healthy.
Jordan Hill, WR, 6-4, 180, FR, HS, Houston, TX (Lincoln (OR) HS)
COACH BARNUM SAYS: "Jordan comes right from our back yard. He is an extremely athletic student-athlete. We are very lucky and excited to add him to our wide receiver corps."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Competed in football at Lincoln High School as a senior… earned All-PIL as a wide receiver and a safety… caught 11 passes for 223 yards and five touchdowns… played at Crosby High School in Houston as a junior… also competed in basketball and track and field.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Joe Hill and Deltra Wyckoff… has one brother, Justin…. hobbies are golf, swimming, darts and baseball… would like to get into nursing and be a coach in the future.
David Joseph, DB, 6-0, 195, FR, HS, Sacramento, CA (Del Campo HS)
COACH BARNUM SAYS: "A mature player who is violent on the field. He is an outstanding player and young man, and he comes from a program that has turned out a lot of college football players over the years. I am excited to have a freshman of this caliber on the football team."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered three times each in football and baseball at Del Campo High School... named first team All-League and All-Metro in football... selected as Defensive Player of the Year... also a talented receiver with nearly 800 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns... team was 10-0 and CVC league champions... All-League, All-Metro and All-State in baseball... team MVP.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of
David Joseph and La'Keisha Thornton... has four brothers, Jaedyn, Noah, JaVon and Tremaine, and two sisters, Leila and Marissa... would like to major in Kinesiology... hobby is playing video games.
Ryan Lesch, S, 6-1, 200, JR, JC, St. Cloud, FL (Harmony HS/Butte College)
COACH BARNUM SAYS: "Ryan covers ground and makes lots of plays. He was a very savvy centerfielder at Butte. He will vie for playing time immediately."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Played two seasons at Butte College... was All-Conference and All-California Region I as a sophomore... had 53 tackles, six interceptions, two pass breakups and a fumble recovery... set school records for interceptions in a season (6) and a career (9).
Lettered three seasons in football at Harmony High School... as a senior was named first team All-Conference, second team All-Central Florida and third team All-State... named first team All-Conference as a junior.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Mike and Kim Lesch... has one brother, Tyler, and one sister, Brittany... majoring in Psychology... hobby is basketball... would like to become a coach.
Spencer Reed, OL, 6-3, 265, JR, JC, Thousand Oaks, CA (Thousand Oaks HS/Moorpark College)
COACH BARNUM SAYS: "Spencer fills an immediate need of ours at offensive line. His aggressive style of play and his love of football is going to make a great additional to our offensive line."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Started his career at Moorpark College as a defensive lineman but moved over to offense… started every game at left tackle despite playing most of the year with a broken hand… named second team All-National Division Northern League offensive lineman... spent 2015 season at San Diego State as a redshirt tight end.
Lettered in football and track at Thousand Oaks High School...named first team All-League, All-County and All-CIF as a lineman... placed third in the Marmonte League in the discus.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Nicole Reed and Jerry Boucher... has one brother, Kyle... majoring in Communications... hobbies are basketball, video games, and hanging with friends... would like to play professionally or become a broadcaster.
Alex Sanchez, DT, 6-1, 260, FR, HS, Salem, OR (South Salem HS)
COACH BARNUM SAYS: "Alejandro plays with a real motor and I think he is a sleeper in the state of Oregon. He comes to a crucial position for us as our first commit of the year, making him a special addition."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Competed in football and track and field at South Salem High School… a first team All-League defensive tackle… earned honorable mention All-State… placed first in his district in the shot put.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Kim and Jose Sanchez… has four sisters, Corina, Jasmine, Lydia and Salena, and one brother, Dean… plans to major in Psychology.
John Schulte, OL, 6-6, 235, FR, HS, Las Vegas, NV (Faith Lutheran HS)
COACH BARNUM SAYS: "John runs like a deer for an offensive lineman. He will continue our legacy of talented men up front. I'm excited to have him join our offense."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football, track and basketball at Faith Lutheran High School... named All-Conference as both an offensive and defensive lineman in his career... threw the shotput and discus in track.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Melani Schulte, William Schulte and David Pierce... has one brother, Chris.... plans to be a Pre-Med major, working in Kinesiology and Physical Therapy... hobbies are snowboarding and dirt biking.
Shiloh Ta'ase, OL, 6-3, 275, FR, HS, Seattle, WA (Ballard HS)
COACH BARNUM SAYS: "Shiloh is an aggressive player on both sides of the ball. He will add to our offensive line and have a strong career here."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
A four-year letterwinner in football at Ballard High School... named first team All-Metro and Defensive Player of the Year for the League as a senior... had 43 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and five sacks... second team All-Metro as a junior... a team captain.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Rebecca and Va'a Ta'ase... has five brothers, Foa, Fana, Andy, Anthony, and JT, and two sisters, Shayenne and Tasi... interested in studying Sports Medicine and Community Development.
Cody Williams, K/P, 5-10, 180, FR, HS, Murrieta, CA (Murrieta Valley HS)
COACH BARNUM SAYS: "Cody is unique because he offers the ability to kickoff deep as well as make field goals and extra points. He solves an immediate issue we have in providing a solid kicking game."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Competed in football, volleyball and soccer at Murrieta Valley High School... a four-year letterwinner in football... named first team All-League as a senior... Southwestern League Champions in 2016 and 2017... Special Teams MVP in 2015... 2017 Chris Sailer Top 12 kicker, ranked 15th in the nation... four-year letterwinner in soccer... team offensive MVP in 2015... two-year team captain... lettered twice in volleyball.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Chris and Karina Williams... has one brother, Clayton, and one sister, Kaylee... plans to major in Business Management... hobbies include spending time with family, playing soccer/futsal, hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding and traveling... also active in high school community service programs.
Isaiah Woods, WR, 6-1, 210, JR, TR, Los Angeles, CA (Sierra Canyon HS/Washington)
COACH BARNUM SAYS: "A proven player at a high level who brings experience to a young receiving corps. He should step in and be a contributor right away."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Played at Washington in 2015, competing in all 13 games as a true freshman... had 13 receptions for 178 yards... has not played football the past two seasons.
A four-year letterwinner in football at Sierra Canyon High School... named to the CIF Southern Section All-Mid-Valley Division first team as a senior... named a PrepStar All-American... made MaxPrep.com's California Division IV All-State first team... also named to the CalHiSports Small Schools All-State first team... led his league with 1,322 receiving yards on 59 receptions, an average of 22.4 yards per reception... helped his team to an 11-2 record and the semifinals of the CIF Southern Section Mid-Valley playoffs... as a junior, caught 71 passes for a league-leading 1,302 yards and 20 touchdowns... also recorded 55 tackles, earning CIF Southern Section All-Mid-Valley first team as a receiver and second team LA Daily News all-area as a defensive back ... also received Student Sports Junior All-America honorable mention ... as a sophomore, helped Trailblazers to an 11-2 record and the semifinals of the CIF-SS Mid-Valley playoffs ... notched 59 tackles and led the division with eight interceptions while also catching 26 passes for 502 yards ... named the Mid-Valley Newcomer of the Year and a CalHiSports Sophomore All-State pick in 2012 ... a member of the Tacoma News-Tribune's Western 100 ... listed as the No. 46 recruit in California and the No. 29 safety prospect in the country by scout.com ... ranked the No. 57 prospect in his state and the No. 57 wide receiver in the nation by rivals.com ... listed by ESPN as the state of California's No. 54 overall prospect and the nation's No. 75 receiver.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Chieko Woods... has one sister, Charli... Marketing major... hobbies are music and fashion... would like to play professional football and have his own clothing brand.
