Manoa Latu’s return to the Park Blocks in 2018 as linebackers coach proved very successful.
The position produced the team’s top four tacklers on a vastly improved defense.
Though the Vikings are loaded with returning players at the position, Latu will need to identify new starters with the departure of Kasun Jackett, Sam Bodine and Houston Barnes.
Included among the players on the 2019 roster are six letterwinners, three redshirts and a pair of transfers.
Latu comes off a successful tenure at Independence (KS) Community College, and has also coached at Central Washington, Utah State and originally as a defensive assistant at Portland State.
BACKGROUND
In 2017, Latu served as the linebackers coach and special teams coordinator at Independence CC. The Pirates were 11-2, winning the Jayhawk Conference and competing in the Midwest Classic Bowl.
Prior to that Latu spent three seasons at Utah State as a graduate assistant coach on defense. USU had one of the top defenses in the nation those seasons, and ranked first in scoring defense in the Mountain West Conference in 2015.
Latu was a defensive assistant at Central Washington in 2013 after being a defensive assistant at PSU in 2012.
In two seasons as a Viking safety, Latu made 110 tackles, four interceptions, eight pass breakups and two forced fumbles. He earned his degree in Community Health from Portland State in 2011.
THE MANOA LATU FILE
2nd year at Portland State
Hometown: Kapahulu, HI
Alma Mater: Portland State, 2011, BS in Community Health
Playing Experience: Portland State, 2010-11; Mt. San Antonio JC, 2008-09, safety
Date of Birth: June 17, 1990
COACHING EXPERIENCE
2018-19 Portland State, Linebackers
2017 Independence (KS) CC, Linebackers/Special Teams Coordinator
2014-16 Utah State, Graduate Assistant - Defense
2013 Central Washington, Defensive Assistant
2012 Portland State, Defensive Assistant
