The Portland State Football team has selected its team captains for the 2024 season. The Vikings will have six captains as voted on by the players. They are senior quarterback Dante Chachere, senior cornerback Tyreese Shakir, sophomore running back Quincy Craig, redshirt freshman safety Zach Wusstig, senior offensive lineman Billy Lutui and senior defensive end Kennedy Freeman.
 
All six players are projected starters. Chachere and Shakir return as captains for a second season.
 
Those six were voted in by the team earlier in the week, then introduced at Thursday night's team meeting.
 
SECOND SCRIMMAGE SET FOR SATURDAY: Portland State will have its second and final major scrimmage this Saturday at Stott Community Field. Practice will begin at 10:15 a.m. with the scrimmage starting at approximately 10:40.
 
The Vikings will have live Big Sky Conference officials during the scrimmage and expect to go as many as 80 plays.
 
"We, as a staff, will have a thorough analysis of what we see on the field," said Vikings Coach Bruce Barnum. "It's time for us to see who we will go into the season with as contributors on the field."
 
The scrimmage effectively ends the development phase of preseason practice as next week the Vikings will begin the game preparation phase. The following week, PSU will hone in on the game one opponent, Washington State.
 
I'VE BEEN EVERYWHERE, MAN: Johnny Cash is often a part of the music playlist that blares on the loud speakers during Vikings football practice. Occasionally, Cash's version of "I've Been Everywhere" can be heard. That would be an apt tune for Jayden Brannan. The junior from Portland's Wilson High School started his PSU career as a wide receiver. Last year, he moved to tight end. He has been a fixture on special teams (last year with three tackles and a punt block). This season, Brannan moved over to defense. Originally expected to be a defensive back, his speed and size have moved him up to defensive end. Brannan, who is currently listed as backup defensive end, had a sack in live plays on Wednesday, then two more on Thursday. Has he finally found a home?
 
Maybe, but there is a wealth of talent at defensive end working hard for playing time. The Vikings have a total of 20 defensive linemen on the roster - thought to be the most in school history. At defensive end, incumbent starters SR Kennedy Freeman and JR Slade Shufelt return. Behind them are Brannan, SOs Jayden House, Elijah Eason, Spencer Elliott, RS FRs Nate Richter, Bam Afalava, Donte Hookfin and Austin Goetz. Also, SO TR Cyrus Moss, from Miami, is working his way into the mix.
 
ROAD GAME TIME CHANGE: Portland State's game at 9th-ranked Chattanooga on Sept. 28 has had a time change. The contest has been moved back one hour and will now kick off at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The game can be seen on ESPN+.
 
Portland State Football Practice Schedule
Fri, Aug. 16      10:15 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
Sat, Aug. 17     10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. (Scrimmage)
Sun, Aug. 18    Off Day
Mon, Aug. 19   Off Day
Tues, Aug. 20   9:30 a.m.-11:45 p.m.
Wed, Aug. 21   9:30 a.m.-11:45 p.m.
Thurs, Aug. 22  9:30 a.m.-11:45 p.m.
Fri, Aug. 23      10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Sat, Aug. 24     10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

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