PORTLAND STATE FOOTBALL NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT SIGNEES 

STUDENT-ATHLETE	POS	HGT • WGT	YR	HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS SCHOOLS)
Ryan Alvidrez	LS	5-11 • 210	FR • HS	Bakersfield, CA (Liberty HS)
Nate Bennett*	WR	6-3 • 195	FR • HS	Simi Valley, CA (Grace Brethren HS)
Bobby Blandino	DB	5-11 • 185	SO • JC	Los Alamitos, CA (Los Alamitos/Saddleback JC)
Daluan Bright	DB	5-10 • 160	FR • HS	Lancaster, CA (Chaminade Prep)
Hayden Engel	OL	6-5 • 285	FR • HS	Las Vegas, NV (Bishop Gorman HS)
Jarmar Julien	RB	5-11 • 230	SO • JC	San Jose, CA (McClymonds HS/San Francisco CC)
Carlton Lorenz^	OL	6-4 • 290	GR • TR	Los Angeles, CA (Bishop Alemany HS/C. of Canyons/Vanderbilt)
VJ Malo*#	DT	6-1 • 270	JR • JC	West Seattle, CA (O'Dea HS/Golden West College)
Deion Malone*	WR/KR	5-7 • 150	JR • JC	Gardena, CA (Junipero Serra HS/Los Angeles Southwest College)
Zane Maningo	DE	6-2 • 250	FR • HS	Las Vegas, NV (Green Valley HS)
Jalynnee McGee*	RB	5-10 • 195	FR • HS	Vancouver, WA (Skyview HS)
Parker McKenna	LB	6-0 • 215	FR • HS	Beaverton, OR (Beaverton HS)
Anthony Rodriguez	TE	6-3 • 235	JR • JC	Phoenix, AZ (Shadow Mountain HS/Riverside CC)
Martin Salazar	DL	5-10 • 275	FR • HS	Watts, CA (Mater Dei HS)
Tyreese Shakir	DB	5-10 • 175	FR • HS	Murrieta, CA (Vista Murrieta HS)
Jernias Tafia*	OL	6-3 • 305	FR • HS	White Center, WA (Eastside Catholic HS)
D'Angalo Titialii*	OL	6-2 • 325	FR • HS	Federal Way, WA (Eastside Catholic HS)
Tevita Tuitavake	LB	6-0 • 215	JR • JC	Shoreview, CA (Junipero Serra HS/College of San Mateo)
Holden Williams*#	DT	6-0 • 285	JR • JC	Taft, CA (Taft HS/Bakersfield College)

* signed during Dec. 18 signing period
^ grant-in-aid signee 
# competing in spring football

OFFENSE
OL – 4
WR – 2
RB – 2
TE – 1
 
DEFENSE
DL – 4
LB - 2
DB - 3
 
SPECIAL TEAMS
LS – 1
 
Portland State Football has rounded out its 2020 signing class on National Signing Day, adding a total of 19 student-athletes to the program.
 
PSU signed seven student-athletes to National Letters of Intent during the early signing period and added 12 more on Wednesday. The Vikings brought in a total of 11 high schoolers and eight transfers to their roster for 2020.
 
In addition to that, Viking Coach Bruce Barnum makes the point that national letter of intent signing has become much more of a year-round process. "Signing NLIs continues through April, whether it is high school, junior college or transfers," he said. "And now the NCAA transfer portal changes how recruiting gets done.
 
"We will still be on the prowl for more talent that is available out there," said Barnum.
 
As it is, Portland State addressed the key areas of need already – specifically, offensive and defensive line, cornerback and bolstering the running back spot. The Vikings have added nine on offense, nine on defense and one on special teams.
 
"Our staff did a tremendous job of putting the time in to recruit and sign an excellent group of football players," Barnum said.
 
PSU had 16 seniors with expiring eligibility in 2019, including two defensive tackles. Among the transfers are defensive tackles VJ Malo (Golden West College) and Holden Williams (Bakersfield College), who have impressive junior college resumes. They signed early and are already on campus.
 
"VJ and William will play right away and will have the advantage of being here for spring football," said Barnum.
 
The defensive line also adds a pair of freshmen with strong resumes in defensive end Zane Maningo and defensive tackle Martin Salazar.
 
"We need pass rushers and Zane will fill that void for us in the future. Martin has the best hips, pop and first step of any kid that I have seen in a long time," Barnum said.
 
Offensive line teammates Jernias Tafia and D'Angalo Titialii, two-time state champions from Eastside Catholic High School in Washington, signed early with the Viking program. The tandem of big men should be the future on the offensive line for the Vikings.
 
"Those two guys are winners and they have a sense of urgency to win," said Barnum. "They are really talented guys who were heavily recruited."
 
In today's signings, the Vikings added Hayden Engel from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, and Carlton Lorenz, a graduate transfer from Vanderbilt.
 
"Hayden was a much sought-after offensive lineman, and he chose us over other FBS and FCS schools. Carlton graduated at Vanderbilt and helps fill a need here. He comes in with a year left for us and brings experience and toughness to that group," said Barnum.
 
"With these guys and our defensive transfers, I feel like we really solidified our defense and offense up front."
 
At running back, the Vikings signed local talent Jalynnee McGee of Skyview High School in Vancouver early. He joins the Viking backfield after a brilliant senior season as the Greater St. Helens League Offensive Player of the Year.
 
"I feel like we got the top running back in the state of Washington with Jalynnee," said Barnum.
 
Jarmar Julien comes to the Vikings from San Francisco City College. Barnum noted he wanted a bigger back to join his backfield group. At 230 pounds, Julien is that man, and only a sophomore eligibility-wise.
 
"Jarmar is a guy that is going to be fun to watch," Barnum said. "We need him to be a dude for us, and at his size, I think he can be."
 
The Vikings have added three defensive backs, junior college transfer Bobby Blandino, also just a sophomore, and freshmen Daluan Bright and Tyreese Shakir. Barnum loves the confidence that Blandino brings to the program, and the athleticism of Bright and Shakir.
 
"Day-Day (Bright) has an incredible skill set and we got him because he wasn't one of the bigger athletes out there," Barnum said. "Tyreese Shakir is simply a fast cover corner. He has great speed."
 
Local product Parker McKenna has also signed with the Vikings. A linebacker out of Beaverton High School, McKenna was a first team All-League and All-State selection.
 
Another linebacker signee, Tevita Tuitavake from College of San Mateo, is expected to have an immediate impact as he will compete to play at middle linebacker.
 
Portland State lost senior All-American tight end Charlie Taumoepeau, as he vies to make it in the NFL. One of the players tapped to help fill his shoes is Anthony Rodriguez, from Riverside CC.
 
"We think he can step right in to our tight end rotation," said Barnum.
 
Another receiver joining the Vikings was early signee Nate Bennett, a tall, athletic wide receiver from Grace Brethren High School in California.
 
"The tenacity that Nate brings to that position as well as his height and great hands will allow him to have a great future in our program," Barnum said. "His love for the game means he should have an early impact at a position where we already have a talented group."
 
Deion Malone was also an early signee from Los Angeles Southwest College and joins the wide receiver group. His biggest impact though may be as a return specialist. Malone had two kick returns for touchdown and 39.8 yard return average in 2019 at LA SW.
 
"Deion is an electric returner and a guy who can play slot receiver. He will really add to our return game," said Barnum.
 
Also joining the special teams group is freshman long snapper Ryan Alvidrez.
 
"Alvidrez should be the heir apparent to Shack (senior long snapper Riley Shackelford)," Barnum said. "He is one of the top snappers in the country, we brought him in to take over after Shack graduates."
 
The Vikings are likely to add to the signing class in the coming weeks. Portland State will open spring football practice on Feb. 19, with the Spring Game slated for Mar. 14.
 
NLI BIOS

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Ryan Alvidrez, LS, 5-11, 210, FR, HS, Bakersfield, CA (Liberty HS)
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football four times and basketball twice at Liberty High School… a scholar-athlete in both sports… ranked as a five-star long snapper by Chris Rubio Long Snapping… ranked in top 12 in camp and number 27 in the nation.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Philip and Norma Alvidrez… born January 22, 2002… has one sister, Bianca… plans to major in Kinesiology… would like to become a physical therapist.
 

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Nate Bennett, WR, 6-3, 195, FR, HS, Simi Valley, CA (Grace Brethren HS)
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football three times at Grace Brethren High School… was named first team All-League, first team All-County and Wide Receiver of the Year as a senior… his team was CIF Runner-up… caught 56 passes for 1,180 yards and 12 touchdowns… also made 108 tackles and four interceptions on defense… as a junior he earned first team All-League… caught 21 passes for 558 yards and five touchdowns… his team was CIF Champion and State Regional Champion.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Michael and Lisa Bennett… born November 30, 2001… has a brother, Nolan, and two sisters, Lauren and Caitlin… would like to major in Business… hobbies are hanging out with friends and family, playing basketball and Call of Duty… would like to play in the NFL.
 

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Bobby Blandino, DB, 5-11, 185, SO, JC, Los Alamitos, CA (Los Alamitos HS/Saddleback JC)
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Played one season at Saddleback Junior College… earned second team All-Conference honors… made 26 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one interception, one fumble recovery, one pass breakup and one blocked kick.
 
Lettered in football and track three times at Los Alamitos High School… named All-Sunset League twice as a cornerback… earned League Defensive Back of the Year as a senior… All-Orange County second team… team was back-to-back league champions… had 23 tackles, five interceptions, 15 pass breakups and two forced fumbles as a senior.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Katie and Bo Blandino… born March 26, 2001… has two sisters, Alexa and Brooke… majoring in Business… hobby is fishing… father played football at San Jose State.
 

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Daluan Bright, DB, 5-10, 160, FR, HS, Lancaster, CA (Chaminade Prep)
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football three years at Chaminade Prep… named first team All-Mission League… team Defensive Back of the Year… team was a CIF Division 2 runner-up.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Frank Bright… born February 16, 2002… has two brothers, Danual and Dauan… plans to major in Business… hobbies are basketball, drawing and video games.
 

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Hayden Engel, OL, 6-5, 285, FR, HS, Las Vegas, NV (Bishop Gorman HS)
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Played four years of football at Bishop Gorman High School… named first team All-State as a senior… second team All-State as a junior and honorable mention as a sophomore… played two years of AAU Basketball.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Larry and Kendra Engel… born September 17, 2001… has one brother, Harris… hobbies are hanging out with friends and community service.
 

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Jarmar Julien, RB, 5-11, 230, SO, JC, San Jose, CA (McClymonds HS/San Francisco CC)
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Played one season at San Francisco City College… led the team in rushing with 108 carries for 623 yards and nine touchdowns… was team offensive MVP in the Golden State Bowl.
 
Lettered in football at McClymonds High School… a two-time first team All-League selection… earned All-State honors as a junior and a senior… won two state championships.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Jarmar Julien Sr., Liz Julien and Serena Paige… born November 27, 2000… has two brothers, Robert and Jamarion, and one sister, Nariah.
 

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Carlton Lorenz, OL, 6-4, 290, GR, TR, Los Angeles, CA (Bishop Alemany/C. of the Canyons/Vanderbilt)
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Spent two seasons in the Vanderbilt football program… played at College of the Canyons in 2017… led team to a 9-2 record and Western State Bowl title… named first team All-Conference… lettered in football three years at Bishop Alemany High School.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Wendy and Carsten Lorenz… born September 29, 1997… has one sister, Miranda, and two brothers, Cameron and Serkan… majoring in Sociology… hobbies are going to the beach, listening to and making music.
 

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VJ Malo, DT, 6-1, 270, JR, JC, West Seattle, WA (O'Dea HS/Golden West College)
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Played two seasons at Golden West College… earned first team All-Conference and first team All-State both years… as a sophomore had 26 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions and one blocked kick in nine games… as a freshman made 41 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, an interception and a pass breakup in 11 games.
 
Lettered in football at O'Dea High School… a two-time first team All-Conference selection at offensive guard and defensive end.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Olo and Mika Malo… born September 6, 1999… has two sisters, Natalie and Noelle.
 

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Deion Malone, WR, 5-7, 150, JR, JC, Gardena, CA (Junipero Serra HS/LA Southwest College)
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
A decorated performer at Los Angeles Southwest College where he earned first team All-Conference wide receiver and first team kick returner… as sophomore caught 17 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns in six games… rushed 23 times for 121 yards and a score… also made eight kick returns for a 39.8 yard average and two touchdowns… 717 total all-purpose yards in a six games… as a freshman, had 52 receptions for 602 yards and four touchdowns… also rushed for 143 yards, and had 827 kick return yards… had seven total touchdowns.
 
Lettered in football and track at Junipero Serra High School… earned first team All-League as a senior.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Cletera Daniels… born March 27, 1999… has one brother, Donald… would like to major in Business Law.
 

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Zane Maningo, DE, 6-2, 250, FR, HS, Las Vegas, NV (Green Valley HS)
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered three times in football, once in wrestling and once in track and field at Green Valley High School… named first team All-State as a defensive end as a senior… led the state in sacks… team captain… state runner-up as a heavyweight in wrestling his junior year.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Lance Maningo and Ivette Amelburu… born April 6, 2001… has one brother, Drake, who plays baseball at Seattle University… would like to major in Business Marketing… hobbies are music and fashion.
 

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Jalynnee McGee, RB, 5-10, 195, FR, HS, Vancouver, WA (Skyview HS)
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football, basketball and track and field at Skyview High School… named the Greater St. Helens League Offensive Player of the Year… rushed for 1,282 yards and 28 touchdowns as a senior.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Qianna Jackson and Stuart McGee… born December 26, 2001… has two brothers, Damajgion and Malik, and two sisters, Chamerea and Ameera… plans to major in Business… has coached youth football… would like to become a gym owner and train athletes.
 

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Parker McKenna, LB, 6-0, 215, FR, HS, Beaverton, OR (Beaverton HS)
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football at Beaverton High School… named Metro League Defensive Player of the Year… first team All-League and All-State selection.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Dan and Dana McKenna… born August 7, 2001… has one sister, Maddie… plans to major in Business and Marketing… hobby is fishing.
 

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Anthony Rodriguez, TE, 6-3, 235, JR, JC, Phoenix, AZ (Shadow Mountain HS/Riverside CC)
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Played two seasons at Riverside City College… named first team All-Southern California and was a 2019 CCCAA state champion… was second team All-League as a freshman.
 
Lettered twice in football and three times in basketball at Shadow Mountain High School… first team All-Conference as a defensive end and team Defensive Player of the Year… a two-time state champion in basketball.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Roberto and Sandra Rodriguez… born September 25, 1998… has one brother, Joshua, and one sister, Alexsandra… plans to major in physical therapy… hobbies are spending time with his family, playing basketball and helping out with the local church… would like to play professional football and become a physical therapist or personal trainer.
 

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Martin Salazar, DT, 5-10, 275, FR, HS, Watts, CA (Mater Dei HS)
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Played football four years on the Mater Dei High School, starting for three seasons… selected to the Division I All-CIF team in 2019… named Defensive Lineman of the Year for his team as a senior… his team won back-to-back national championships.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Yesenia Lilly Hurtado… born February 24, 2001… has two brothers, Robert and Dario… plans to major in Mechanical Engineering or Business… hobby is fishing.
 

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Tyreese Shakir, DB, 5-10, 175, FR, HS, Murrieta, CA (Vista Murrieta HS)
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football three times and track once at Vista Murrieta High School… twice named first team All-League and Defensive League MVP… Division 2 CIF Southern Section All-State… two-time league champion… Poly Bowl Combine MVP.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Ramona Tuamoheloa-Shakir and Attiyyah Shakir… born December 22, 2001… has two brothers, Khalil and Attiyyah Jr., and one sister, Rahni… Khalil plays football at Boise State… would like to major in Kinesiology… hopes to play professional football and get into Sports Medicine… hobbies are outdoor activities, fishing, and doing community service with a local school.
 

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Jernias Tafia, OL, 6-3, 305, FR, HS, White Center, WA (Eastside Catholic HS)
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football four years at Eastside Catholic High School… named first team All-League twice… member of a two-time state champion team… ranked 11^th in the nation.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Sharon Tafia… born June 2, 2002… has two brothers, Jersiah and Jody… hobbies include gaming, playing basketball and working out.
 

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D'Angalo Titialii, OL, 6-2, 325, FR, HS, Federal Way, WA (Eastside Catholic HS)
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football at Eastside Catholic High School… earned first team All-Metro League in 2018 and 2019… his team was Washington State 3A Champion both seasons.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Tai and Alo Titialii… born July 26, 2002… has one sister, Belia, and one brother, Christian… hobby is spending time with family… hopes to play in the NFL.

 

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Tevita Tuitavake, LB, 6-0, 215, JR, JC, Shoreview, CA (Junipero Serra HS/College of San Mateo)
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Played football at College of San Mateo where he was team captain for the CCCAA Northern California Champions.
 
Competed in football and basketball at Junipero Serra High School.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Losalia and Joe Tuitavake… born June 5, 1997… has three brothers, Billy, Siaosi and Sunia, and one sister, Kaufusi… majoring in Business… hobbies include basketball, hiking, lifting weights and church.
 

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Holden Williams, DT, 6-0, 285, JR, JC, Taft, CA (Taft HS/Bakersfield College)
 
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Played two seasons at Bakersfield College… earned first team All-League as a sophomore… made 26 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and one fumble recovery… second team All-League as a freshman… had 32 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack and one fumble recovery.
 
Lettered in football, basketball and baseball at Taft High School… was team MVP in both basketball and football.
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Shannon Williams… born January 27, 1999… has one brother, Hayden, and two sisters, Hailey and Hunter… majoring in Criminal Justice… hobby is working out… would like to be a police officer.