Just like the Viking players, the Portland State Football Coaching Staff is toiling through fall camp with a lot to accomplish. The players are working hard to climb the depth chart, while the coaches are doing their best to evaluate and set the depth chart correctly.
 
The most obvious area of interest for Viking coaches is the competition for starting quarterback. For the first time in seven seasons Portland State headed into fall camp without a standout choice above the rest to be the starter. Over the previous six seasons, Davis Alexander and Dante Chachere have led the Viking offense. Since Alexander became the starter in late 2017 through 2024, those two combined for 18,000+ yards of total offense and 166 total touchdowns.
 
This year's quarterback room is young and inexperienced at Portland State. Sophomore Gabe Downing is the only returner with game experience, making brief appearances in two previous contests.
 
Transfers CJ Jordan, a senior, and John-Keawe Sagapolutele, a sophomore, have experience at other Division I programs. Jordan, a native of Portland, played in six previous games at Idaho. Sagapolutele appeared in a backup role in five games at Hawai'i last season.
 
A pair of redshirt freshmen in Cru Newman and Tyrese Smith are also getting a long look from Head Coach Bruce Barnum, Quarterbacks Coach Kieran McDonagh, the rest of the coaching staff and, frankly, their own teammates.
 
Previously, Barnum stated all of his quarterbacks had solid spring performances and they all bring unique skills to the field. So, how does he break a five-way tie to choose who will play, who will back up, who may get spot duty, etc.?
 
"I chart productivity (moving the team down the field), completions and turnovers," said Barnum. "During practice I also see who has command of the huddle. Who is the offense following? You can't see that when you watch the practice film."
 
The tricky part is getting every quarterback candidate enough snaps to get a good evaluation.
 
"We are having more team sessions (as opposed to drills) then we normally do this early in camp. We are creating scenarios and more competition opportunities to evaluate the players," said Barnum.
 
As a result, Barnum said this Friday's initial camp scrimmage may be a little longer than normal. The Vikings will go live for the first time during their 9:30 practice at Stott Community Field. Live play will begin around 10 a.m.
 
On the defensive side of the ball, Barnum is looking closely at his linebackers and safeties. With the transition of a number of players in and out of the program, that evaluation is vital as well. Holdover juniors Davin Beason and Jaxton Helmstetler are the only returning players with significant experience at linebacker. Newcomers include transfers Aeden Seiuli (Nevada), Henry Amposta (Saddleback CC), Lonnie Burt (Coffeyville JC) and Solomon McDaniel (Lewis and Clark), along with Jordan Allen (San Jose State) coming off an injury redshirt season.
 
At safety, preseason All-Conference safety Isaiah Green returns, but he is joined by a handful of redshirts as well as transfer Jerome Roberts (Sacramento State).
 
"What happens in the middle of the field will be important to our success as a defense," said Barnum. "That includes up front at tackle.
 
"We want to see who can be a playmaker. Who can run the field, make a tackle, break up a pass or get to the quarterback? Productivity on defense is a little more obvious."
 
VIKING FOOTBALL PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Tues, July 29      9:30-11:45 a.m.
Wed, July 30      9:30-11:45 a.m.
Thurs, July 31     9:30-11:45 a.m.
Fri, Aug. 1           9:30-11:45 a.m. (scrimmage)
Sat, Aug. 2          Off Day
Sun, Aug. 3         Off Day
 
Mon, Aug. 4       9:30-11:45 a.m.
Tues, Aug. 5       9:30-11:45 a.m.
Wed, Aug. 6       9:30-11:45 a.m.
Thurs, Aug. 7      9:30-11:45 a.m.
Fri, Aug. 8           9:30-11:45 a.m.
Sat, Aug. 9          9:30-11:45 a.m. (scrimmage)
Sun, Aug. 10       Off Day