'Barney' on new Vikings
Portland State football coach goes through his lineup of signees
http://portlandtribune.com/pt/12-sports/344087-223678-barney-on-new-vikings
Portland State foo• ball coach Bruce "Barney" Barnum's thoughts on various members of the Vikings' 2017 letter-of-intent class:
• Anthony Adams, defensive back (Newberg High) — "I think he's one of the best players in Oregon."
• Nicolas Ah Sam, linebacker/defensive line (Springfield High) — "He's a leader, and he's one of the toughest kids you'll ever meet in your life."
• Jerin Appling, defensive back (Grants Pass High) — "What an athlete. He's long, he strikes you. He did a double back flip. He's got a strong family background."
• Noah Brosio, kicker/punter (North Valley High) — "There is a chance he might be kicking and punting for the Vikings next year."
• Zarykk "Boogie" Davis, defensive line (Westview High) — "How big is he going to get? Where is he going to fit? Could it be at linebacker? So he might be a guy you redshirt."
• Robert Holt, defensive back (Sacramento, California) — "Just a tough player, covers ground and will strike you. I know he's one hell of a football player."
• George McCorley, wide receiver (San Diego) — "Athletically, he can do it. Is he going to be mature enough to be able to contribute right away?"
• Bishop Mitchell, running back (Kennedy High) — "I think he's the sleeper of the class. He's Portland State's Barry Sanders. He committed early. I tell you what, the kid's going to be special."
• Jake Porter, defensive line (West Linn High) — "He's big enough right now to do it. He has the fast twitch (muscles) to do it right now. How he's going to adjust to the speed of college, that's the only question."
• Jared Reed, defensive back (Central Catholic High) — "He's a leader. He's a hell of a football player. But there's so much to that guy as far as what he brings to the program. What a dream kid."
• Markus Sullivan, linebacker/defensive line (Mill Creek, Washington) — "He's got the bloodline. He's Pat Sullivan's nephew. Whether he plays next year? ... our D-line is not bad right now."
• Ryan Swanson, defensive back (Eagle, Idaho) — "He's the defensive player of the year in the state of Idaho at 5A. We got the defensive player of the year last year (in linebacker Kenton Bartlett) ... I haven't seen a kid strike like that on film in many moons."
• Mataio Talalemotu. wide receiver (Beaverton High) — "He lit up the state of Oregon. We need to see how he adjusts to the speed. ... Big body. Great hands. Great speed. I want to see him on the field right away for us."
• Malik Thirdgill, tight end (Central Catholic High) — "He's got things you can't coach. He's got the size and the speed. We need to see how he adjusts and see whether his body is going to be durable enough" to play as a freshman.
• Antwone Williams, running back (Los Angeles) — "His nickname is Turbo, and you can see why (on video)."