A lot of learning goes on in fall camp with the Viking Football team. With the introduction of coach-to-player communication on the field this year, the coaches are learning a few new things as well.
 
The Big Sky Conference has introduced headsets to league teams, allowing the coaching staff and one player on each side of the football to have headset communication. The quarterback and one designated defensive player will have a receiver in their helmet, getting direct communication from a coach for every play.
 
The headsets are turned on when the ball is spotted for the next play. They are then shut off 15 seconds prior to the play clock running out. A neutral person in the press box will monitor the on-off switch for both teams. Only one coach can talk to the on-field player, but the other coaches can listen.
 
"Learning the best way to use it is challenging, but it's like getting your favorite toy on Christmas morning," said Barnum. "We are asking ourselves, 'How can it help us?'"
 
The team has used them throughout fall camp between coordinators and players to refine their communication.
 
"You can give them more than just a play, you can give a lot of information to your quarterback, or your defensive captain," Barnum said. "I love it. I'm very excited about it. I've asked for it for years. It's a coach's dream."
 
The addition of headsets on the field eliminates play signaling on the sidelines. Barnum is more than happy about that.

"I've been coaching so long everybody in America knows my signals. Even my close friends give them away to other teams," he said.
 

SCRIMMAGE NUMBER TWO ON THE WAY

Portland State will hold its second and final full scrimmage of fall camp this Saturday at Stott Community Field. It will look much like last week's scrimmage and have a similar number of plays.
 
"We will have to set our depth after this scrimmage so we can begin game preparation," said Barnum. "I hope to name a quarterback next week, and that we will have the lines solidified on both sides of the ball."
 
Saturday's practice begins at 9:30 a.m., with the scrimmage set to begin at 9:55. It should run for approximately 75 plays.
 

VIKING FOOTBALL LUNCHEONS

Vikings Football Luncheons take place every Friday before home games at Old Spaghetti Factory and the public in welcome. The first luncheon is Aug. 22. To make reservations, click here.
 

RECENT VIKING FOOTBALL NEWS 

Camp Update: ESPN2, Ranked Opponents And More
First Scrimmage Recap
Podcast: Coach Barnum On The Bald Faced Truth With John Canzano 
 
PORTLAND STATE FOOTBALL PRACTICE 
Thurs, Aug. 7      9:30-11:30 a.m.
Fri, Aug. 8           9:30-11:30 a.m.
Sat, Aug. 9          9:30-11:30 a.m. (scrimmage)
Sun, Aug. 10       Off Day