All the new Vikings are in! Here is the early signing class for 2024. Check back in February when the Vikings complete their 2024 signees.
| STUDENT-ATHLETE |
POS |
HGT • WGT |
YEAR |
HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS SCHOOLS) |
VIDEO |
| Damari Washington |
DB |
6-0 • 170 |
FR • HS |
Las Vegas, NV (Desert Pines HS) |
Video |
| Daulton Beard |
WR |
6-5 • 195 |
FR • HS |
Santa Ynez, CA (Santa Ynez Valley HS) |
Video |
| Theo Thompson |
DB |
6-1 • 190 |
FR • HS |
Upland, CA (Upland HS) |
Video |
| Diontaye Moorman |
DB |
6-0 • 180 |
FR • HS |
Everett, WA (Archbishop Murphy HS) |
Video |
| Herbert Ware |
DL |
6-4 • 280 |
FR • HS |
Henderson, NV (Green Valley HS) |
Video |
| Tyrese Smith |
QB |
6-2 • 210 |
FR • HS |
Henderson, NV (Liberty HS) |
Video |
| Mylan Sockwell |
OL |
6-2 • 320 |
FR • HS |
Lancaster, CA (Antelope Valley HS) |
Video |
| TJ Ford |
DL |
6-2 • 300 |
FR • HS |
West Hills, CA (Newbury Park HS) |
Video |
| Jah-Jah Abdullah |
LB |
6-3 • 205 |
FR • HS |
Tacoma, WA (Mt. Tahoma HS) |
Video |
| Kenen Elder |
WR |
6-0 • 175 |
FR • HS |
Tualatin, OR (Tualatin HS) |
Video |
| Sonny Aina |
DL |
6-2 • 285 |
FR • HS |
Oxnard, CA (Pacifica HS) |
Video |
| Ben Stevens |
WR |
6-4 • 205 |
FR • HS |
Gig Harbor, WA (Gig Harbor HS) |
Video |
| Pule Leatigaga |
OL |
6-4 • 305 |
FR • HS |
Seattle, WA (Garfield HS) |
Video |
| Shaun Torgeson |
OL |
6-4 • 285 |
FR • HS |
Ventura, CA (St. Bonaventure HS) |
Video |
| Tony Johnson |
P |
6-5 • 180 |
JR • JC |
Valparaiso, IN (Valparaiso HS/C. of the Canyons) |
Video |
| Micah Avery |
RB |
5-10 • 185 |
FR • HS |
El Cerrito, CA (El Cerrito HS) |
Video |
| Kiwan Sims |
ATH |
5-9 • 165 |
FR • HS |
Lancaster, CA (Antelope Valley HS) |
Video |
The Portland State Vikings Football Program has signed the largest early signing class in program history with the addition of 18 student-athletes on 2024 National Letter of Intent Early Signing Day. Among the 18 signees are 17 freshmen and one transfer. Nine are offensive players, seven are defensive players, one is an "athlete" whose position will be determined and one is a punter.
"We're trying to stay ahead of the trend as so many schools are doing their recruiting in the portal right now. We feel a lot of talented high school student-athletes are being overlooked," said Viking Coach
Bruce Barnum.
"Last year was an example of that as well," said Barnum, as the 2023 class (including 20 freshmen) was rated best in the Big Sky and third-best at the FCS level.
"The system we have in recruiting now, and the players we are able to get on our board, is really paying off. My staff has done a great job of staying a step ahead with these young players. We will now weave in other players, including those from the portal to fill in our roster. We will look ahead to more impact players, depth, and add to our offensive line and linebacker positions, specifically."
Jah-Jah Abdullah, LB, 6-3, 205, FR, HS, Tacoma, WA (Mt. Tahoma HS)
The Viking Coaching Staff says:
"Jah-Jah could be the surprise of this class. He is a long, athletic linebacker that has a nose for the ball and great instincts on the field."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football at Mt Tahoma High School… as a junior he made 52 tackles, five tackles for loss, an interception and recovered three fumbles... named to the Seattle Times Top 100 Chips List for the state of Washington.
Sonny Aina, DL, 6-2, 285, Oxnard, CA (Pacifica HS)
The Viking Coaching Staff says:
"A very physical defensive lineman who the first commit in this class. Sonny is a two-gap player who will stop the run in the Big Sky Conference."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football four times at Pacifica High School and Oaks Christian High School… earned Stand Out Sophomore at Oaks Christian and first team All-Marmonte League as a junior… he was his team's Defensive Lineman of the Year… as a senior at Pacifica he earned first team All-Channel League and All-Ventura County honors… was his team's Defensive Lineman of the Year and a scholar-athlete.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Tafaeaga and Andrea Aina… has one brother, DJ, and two sisters, Mila and Cali… hobbies include music, film and video production, graphic design and photo editing, weight lifting, low-rider cars, and is a humble servant of Christ… would like to play in the NFL.
Micah Avery, RB, 5-10, 185, FR, HS, El Cerrito, CA (El Cerrito HS)
The Viking Coaching Staff says:
"A very fast running back who has run a 10.9 100 meters on the track. Brings more talent and depth the running back corps."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football at El Cerrito High School… as a junior at Clayton Valley Charter, he rushed 92 times for 732 yards and 10 touchdowns… also caught 15 passes for 172 yards.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Brother of former Viking
Isaiah Avery, a two-year starter at cornerback (2022-23).
Daulton Beard, WR, 6-5, 195, FR, HS, Santa Ynez, CA (Santa Ynez Valley HS)
The Viking Coaching Staff says:
"A tall, athletic receiver, Daulton had multiple FBS offers. He has the skill set to play inside and outside receiver."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
A star wide receiver at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School in California… had 37 receptions for 714 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior in nine games, averaging 19.3 yards per catch… made 77 catches for 1,272 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior in 11 games, averaging 16.5 yards per catch… was named first team All-Mountain League… in eight games as a sophomore, made 22 receptions for 394 yards and four scores, averaging 17.9 yards per catch… had offers from Colorado State, Nevada, Hawai'i and Eastern Washington.
Kenen Elder, WR, 6-0, 175, FR, HS, Tualatin, OR (Tualatin HS)
The Viking Coaching Staff says:
"One of the top players out of the state of Oregon. Kenan has a real high football IQ, and has the potential to play both sides of the ball at slot receiver or defensive back."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football four times at Tualatin High School... also competed in basketball and track... was a two-time All-League selection on both sides of the ball... honorable mention All-State as a defensive back.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Amy and David Elder... has two brothers, Ryan and Ethan, and one sister, Kristen... would like to major in Marketing... hobbies are golf, gaming and spending time with friends.
TJ Ford, DL, 6-2, 330, FR, HS, Simi Valley, CA (Newbury Park HS)
The Viking Coaching Staff says:
"One of the highest ranked recruits in this signing class. TJ is a strong interior lineman and has a chance to play in year one at Portland State."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football at Newbury Park High School after playing three years at Chaminade Prep… named All-Ventura County… played in five games as a senior, making 31 tackles, five tackles for loss and four sacks… earned Defensive Lineman of the Year and the Terry Patterson Hitman Award… team was the Canyon League Champion and a CIF Southern Section Finalist… at Chaminade his team won a Mission League Championship… was Rookie of the Year as a freshman, Most Improved Player as a sophomore and Defensive Player of the Year as a junior… as a junior had 56 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks and a fumble recovery… earned second team All-Mission League honors.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Adrian Gaston-Ford and Heyne Ford… has one brother, Bryce… born November 11, 2005… plans to major in Kinesiology… enjoys building anything from Legos to homes, and gaming… would like a career in sports medicine focused on therapy and rehabilitation.
Tony Johnson, P, 6-5, 180, JR, JC, Valparaiso, IN (Valparaiso HS/College of the Canyons)
The Viking Coaching Staff says:
"Has one of the strongest legs we have seen in years and fills a big need for us. He is in a category with past punters Seth Vernon and Kyle Loomis."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Named All-Southern California Football Association second team… averaged 38 yards per punt with a long of 60 yards.
Pule Leatigaga, OL, 6-4, 305, FR, HS, Seattle, WA (Garfield HS)
The Viking Coaching Staff says:
"Pule comes from an excellent program. He is long and athletic as a lineman and plays hard through the whistle."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football at Garfield High School… a three-time first team All-Metro League Mountain Division honoree.. two-time offensive line MVP... also earned first team All-Metro League as a defensive tackle... named to the Seattle Times Top 100 Chips List for the state of Washington.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Tim and Ulalei Leatigaga... has three brothers, Kaleb, Kenai and Kameron, and two sisters, Aliyah and Annaleicia... plans to major in Business... would like to be a business owner, as well as give back to youth by creating a training facility... hobbie are video games and family time.
Diontaye Moorman, DB, 6-0, 180, FR, HS, Everett, WA (Archbishop Murphy HS)
The Viking Coaching Staff says:
"A very athletic coverage player. Diontaye has the potential to contribute right away. He has great speed and is a play maker on the field."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football at Archbishop Murphy High School… a three-star rating from 247Sports... named to the Seattle Times Top 100 Chips List for the state of Washington.
Kiwan Sims, ATH, 5-9, 165, FR, HS, Duarte, CA (Antelope Valley HS)
The Viking Coaching Staff says:
"Kiwan is a versatile athlete who can play all over the field – running back, receiver, defensive back… He is one of the highest-ranked players in the recruiting class and has had multiple FBS offers."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football four times… a four-time first team All-Golden League selection… two-time team MVP and a team captain… had 33 receptions for 391 yards as a senior… totaled 513 all-purpose yards… also made 41 tackles, a sack and a fumble return for touchdown on defense… had 1,032 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior, while making 52 tackles, five interceptions and 10 pass breakups… had offers from Arizona.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Kiwan Sims and Lora Burnett… has three brothers, Rayyon, Darrell and Quron, and three sisters, Faith, Cheyenne and Asia… would like to major in Sports Medicine… would like to become a professional trainer and own a gym... hobbies are sports and gaming.
Tyrese Smith, QB, 6-2, 210, FR, HS, Henderson, NV (Liberty HS)
The Viking Coaching Staff says:
"Has prototypical size and a good skill set. Tyrese also brings elite speed to the position and hails from a very good football program."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football and track three times each at Liberty High School… ranks in the top three in passing yards all-time at Liberty… named the 2022 Newcomer of the Year… in 12 games as a senior, completed 137-216 passes for 2,004 yards, 21 touchdowns and five interceptions… also rushed 101 times for 455 yards and six scores… during his junior season completed 133-228 passes for 1,735 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions… rushed 37 times for 135 yards and three TDs… a state champion in the 100 meters in 2023.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Omar and Christine Smith… has one sister, Lennay… born August 17, 2005… would like to major in Applied Health and Fitness… has plans to become a physical therapist or play professional football.
Mylan Sockwell, OL, 6-2, 320, FR, HS, Lancaster, CA (Antelope Valley HS)
The Viking Coaching Staff says:
"Mylan is a big, physical player who play center or guard, and has a big personality. He can really run and is very athletic for his size."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football at Antelope Valley High School... named All-League three times and was a two-time Lineman of the Year... a team captain... earned Most Inspirational honors... selected to the honor roll... a teammate of signee Kiwan Sims.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Interested in majoring in Graphic Design of Sports Medicine.
Ben Stevens, WR, 6-4, 205, FR, HS, Gig Harbor, WA (Gig Harbor HS)
The Viking Coaching Staff says:
"A tall, fast player who can become one of the fastest receivers in the Big Sky Conference. Has the potential to take the roof off the offense. Ben is an All-League player from an established program who also has roots in Portland."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football three times and track four times each at Gig Harbor High School… a two-time All-League selection in football… in 13 games as a junior and a senior had 46 receptions for 645 yards and five touchdowns… was a two-time league Athlete of the Year in track and two-time team MVP… six-time state medalist in track through his junior year... named to the Seattle Times Top 100 Chips List for the state of Washington.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Michael and Heather Stevens… has two brothers, Andrew and Daniel, and one sister, Emma… would like to major in Computer Science… hobbies include skiing and snowboarding… career goals include playing professional football, being a software engineer or physical therapist.
Theo Thompson, DB, 6-1, 190, FR, HS, Upland, CA (Upland HS)
The Viking Coaching Staff says:
"Theo is a big, strong, athletic safety that makes a lot of plays. He is a big hitter on the field and an excellent student off the field."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football at Upland High School… had 114 tackles, five tackles for loss, five interceptions, 10 pass breakups and a fumble recovery in his high school career… as a receiver, he had 44 catches for 585 yards and six touchdowns.
Shaun Torgeson, OL, 6-4, 285, FR, HS Ventura, CA (St. Bonaventure HS)
The Viking Coaching Staff says:
"Shaun is one of the best edge linemen we have signed in a long time. He is big, has long arms and is lanky."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football four times at St. Bonaventure High School… was the Ventura County and Marmonte League Offensive Lineman of the Year… named to the Los Angeles Times All-Star team… two-time first team All-League and first team All-County selection… his team was a CIF Southern Section Champion, Regional State Champion and Division I State runner-up… 247Sports three-star lineman.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of John and Shannon Torgeson… has two sisters, Kirsten and Lauren… born June 18, 2006… would like to major in Business… hobbies are golf and fishing.
Herbert Ware, DL, 6-4, 280, Henderson, NV (Green Valley HS)
The Viking Coaching Staff says:
"An extremely strong lineman with great size, Herbert gets into the offensive backfield and wreaks havoc."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football three times… a three-time All-Conference selection… named first team All-Southern Nevada… as a senior, had 54 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and a state leading 13 sacks… also lettered in track and was a regional qualifier… named team MVP.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of April Zaveta… has a sister, Zoey… born October 12, 2005… would like to major in Kinesiology… hobby is video games… would like to play professional football.
DaMari Washington, DB, 6-1, 180, FR, HS, Las Vegas, NV (Desert Pines HS)
The Viking Coaching Staff says:
"DaMari is a lockdown corner with a great body type. He has the ability to press and shut down top receivers."
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football four times at Desert Pines High Schools… named first team All-Conference 5A Mountain Division as a cornerback three straight years…. a three-time scholar-athlete… team captain as a senior.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Tashae McQuaig and Bobby Washington… has one sister, Leilani… born June 24, 2005… would like to major in Business or Communications... would like to own and run a food kitchen/truck, as well as other businesses.
