The value of special teams play is often overlooked by the casual college football fan, but never by the college football coach.
 
A quality punt can flip the field for the defense by pinning an offense deep in its own territory. A big return can change the momentum of a game. And of course, a late field goal is often the game-winner.  Those are just some of the elements of special teams play that make a difference in a game.
 
So, how do you succeed on special teams? Pretty simple to Coach Bruce Barnum.
 
"Energy," he said, following Thursday's practice. "You have got to bring energy and GET to the ball. You don't have a series, you have one play. So if you don't bring energy to that play, you are burning daylight."
 
Head Coach Bruce Barnum has charged new assistant coach Parker Henry to lead the Vikings' special teams in 2023.
 
"One of the first presentations to our team we had this year was Parker, setting a tone for special teams. By the time he was done with his talk, everyone on the team wanted to play special teams. When it comes to energy, he has got it.
 
"As a player, he earned a position with Mike Leach at Wazzu through special teams. That's how he got on the field and his career grew from there."
 
Henry spent a year coaching at his high school alma mater (Skyview in Vancouver), then a year with the Vikings before moving on to a stint as a graduate assistant at Oklahoma, then as a defensive analyst with USC.
 
"He was with us for a year early in his career. He has grown since then," said Barnum. "There will be some tweaks (on special teams), but it is all in the presentation. Parker's motivation, knowledge and giddy-up is pretty damn impressive."
 
Assisting Henry is another young coach, Robby Hauck, who just finished an All-American playing career at Montana. Barnum couldn't be happier with the young, energetic approach that Henry and Hauck bring to third element of the game.
 
 "It couldn't have worked better with the addition of Hauck. He "Auburned" us at Montana," said Barnum, referring to Hauck returning a Viking field goal attempt that came up short for a long touchdown in a game last season. "Hauck is in charge of returns – on everything."
 
PSU's specialists, returning kicker Gianni Smith and punter George Triplett, expressed comfort in their roles to perform under Henry and Hauck. "Positive energy from your coach is what you need to perform," said Smith.
 
Smith comes into the season, his third as a starter, having made 10-14 career field goals and 66-67 extra points, quality numbers for any kicker. He was picked preseason second team All-Big Sky Conference by Phil Steele College Football Preview and BlueBloods FCS Preview.
 
Triplett averaged 40.6 yards per punt last season, but the more significant stat is that nearly 70% of his punts were not returnable – 21 were fair caught and 13 were downed inside the 20 yard line. He was a fourth-team preseason All-Big Sky choice by Phil Steele.
 
Perhaps the most overlooked position on any team is the long snapper. Junior Ryan Alvidrez has been nothing less than perfect in his first two seasons. He has started all 22 games, making every long snap and never failing to hit his mark.
 
"I'm happy with our blue line (kickers). They are all back from last year," Barnum said.
 
That leaves the return game, which can change week-to-week or even day-to-day in football. Barnum is fickle in his appraisal.
 
 "Today's BFR was Elijah Gipson. Yesterday, our guy from San Jose State (transfer Jermaine Braddock) was BFR."
 
What is BFR? Barnum's Favorite Returner, of course…
 
PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS: On Thursday, the Viking defense once again highlighted the live play segment at the end of practice. The D produced three turnovers during that span – interceptions by JR S Tyreese Shakir and JR CB Michael Jackson, and a fumble recovery by FR LB Peyton Wing. Notably, the offense was giving reps to quarterbacks not named Dante Chachere. "This week is about finding out who will be our number two quarterback," said Barnum, alluding to Saturday's scrimmage…
 
SCRIMMAGE ON THE WAY: Portland State will have its first scrimmage of preseason camp this Saturday. The Vikings will run 70-80 plays as the coaching staff has its first full evaluation of the players and begins the separation of the first, second and third units. Practice begins at 10:15. The scrimmage will begin at approximately 10:45. 

OVERHEARD ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD LOUDSPEAKERS: Wednesday Song of the Day: "Joy to the World" by 3 Dog Night. Thursday Song of the Day: "Big Yellow Taxi" by Joni Mitchell.
 
VIKING NEWS
Aug. 8: FRESHMEN FACTORING IN ON DEFENSE DURING EARLY PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Aug. 5: STAYING HEALTHY, SHOULDER PADS AND LOOKING FOR SOME SPRINKLES
Aug. 3: DAY ONE MUSINGS
Aug. 2: SEASON PREVIEW
July 31: VIKING FOOTBALL TAILGATE AT OREGON
 
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Fri., Aug. 11, 10:15-12:30
Sat., Aug. 12, 10:15-12:30, Scrimmage begins approximately 10:45
Sun., Aug. 13, Off Day
 
Mon., Aug. 14, 10:15-12-45
Tues., Aug. 15, 10:15-12:45
Wed., Aug. 16, 10:15-12:45
Thurs., Aug. 17, 10:15-12:45
Fri., Aug. 18, 10:15-12:45
Sat., Aug. 19, 10:15-12:45, Scrimmage
Sun., Aug. 20, Off Day