The second week of spring practice has the Vikings in full pads, which means full go for a team loaded with newcomers and a new coaching staff. That's important for the development of the program.
 
Portland State finished Tuesday's practice with 15 minutes of offense vs. defense scenarios although it was at thud tempo.
 
"It looks like football," said first-year Head Coach Chris Fisk. "We had our first set of real football situations and I would say we are a little bit ahead of schedule in that way. We aren't just chasing first- and second-down plays, and trying to teach them how to play. We were able to get into some third-down situations and do some stuff. We are excited about where our football team is heading and we are elevating to the right spot."
 
Fisk is happy with the way the team has adapted to new offensive and defensive schemes and feels the education is on track.
 
"The effort has been consistent. We have had really good effort through four practices. As long as we have the effort and attitude that we have had we will continue to go in the right trajectory," he said.
 
Thud tempo is one thing, and hitting is another. The Vikings will find out about that this Saturday when they run some live plays. It won't be a full scrimmage. The first one of those comes on May 2 in a special practice at Kiggins Bowl in Vancouver.
 
"Saturday, during practice, we will have some live drills and at least two live team sessions and get our first tackling in. We will find out what kind of team we are on Saturday," said Fisk.
 
QUICK SNAPS

• The Viking program has signed another newcomer for 2026. Javon Taylor, a defensive tackle from Golden West College, will join Portland State this summer. Taylor played two seasons for the Rustlers. The 6-1, 280-pounder had 32 tackles, nine tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 18 career games at GWCC… Taylor is the 53^rd new player signed to the Viking program since Fisk and his staff took over in December. Twenty-eight of the newcomers are freshmen, 25 are transfers. PSU has 50 returning players from last year's roster, 32 of whom are letterwinners.

 
OTHER SPRING STORIES ON VIKINGS FOOTBALL
Vikings Football Officially Enters The Fisk Era With First Spring Practice
Portland State Offensive Preview
Portland State Defensive Preview
 
SPRING PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Thurs., Apr. 16, 8-10 a.m.
Sat., Apr. 18, 9-11 a.m.
Tues., Apr. 21, 8-10 a.m.
Thurs., Apr. 23, 8-10 a.m.
Sat., Apr. 25, 2-4 p.m.
Tues., Apr. 28, 8-10 a.m.
Thurs., Apr. 30, 8-10 a.m.
Sat., May 2, Scrimmage at Kiggins Bowl, 10 a.m.-Noon
Tues., May 5, 8-10 a.m.         
Thurs., May 7, 8-10 a.m.
Sat., May 9, Spring Football Game, Stott Community Field, 1 p.m.
 
Football practice at Stott Community Field