Ali decides not to return

[forestgreen]

http://www.goviks.com/release.asp?RELEASE_ID=2903


7/25/2007
Ali Elects Not To Return To PSU Football In 2007

Mu'Ammar Ali rushed for 139 yards and a touchdown against Oregon.
Portland State running back Mu'Ammar Ali, who led the Vikings in rushing in 2006, has elected not to return to the program for the 2007 season. Ali, who has already earned his degree in business communication and administration from Portland State, had one year of eligibility remaining.

After playing two seasons at New Mexico State, Ali transferred to Portland State for the 2006 season. Despite an early season shoulder injury, Ali competed in six games, rushing 129 times for 589 yards and three touchdowns.

Ali was offered a scholarship to return in 2007. But, after extending his appreciation to continue his education and college football career, Ali said he plans on focusing on his future in football.

Although Ali started at tailback for the Vikings when healthy in 2006, his role would have changed in 2007 in PSU's newly-installed Run-and-Shoot offense. The one-back set features a fullback and the 5-8, 200-pound Ali did not fit that role. PSU sophomore and All-Conference performer Bobby McClintock is currently listed at the top of the depth chart at fullback for the Vikings.

 

[martymoose]

I'm glad to hear that he received his degree.

He didn't really fit in at RB in the run and shoot due to his ability to block.

I wish him well.

 

[PSUVikings2]

Installing the R&S offense left him lost in the mix. Good luck to him the the future.

 

[A1fan]

iIs great that he earned a degree, but the team has another scholarship available now that would have been pretty much wasted on Ali.

 

[5thAvenueVik]

Do you feel Mu'Ammar is done with college ball now that he has his business degree in hand, or does he perhaps feel called to play out his final (and hard-won) final year of eligibility? Curious question because I would hate for him to play on a team opposing us! /users/31/07/37/smiles/618108.gif

I see on the map where his hometown of Vacaville, CA is conspicuously close to UC-Davis, but many venues would welcome him. Let's hope that he wants to graduate a Viking and and maintain loyalty to good ol' Portland State. /users/31/07/37/smiles/594399.gif

 

[A1fan]

Do you feel Mu'Ammar is done with college ball now that he has his business degree in hand, or does he perhaps feel called to play out his final (and hard-won) final year of eligibility? Curious question because I would hate for him to play on a team opposing us! /users/31/07/37/smiles/618108.gif

I see on the map where his hometown of Vacaville, CA is conspicuously close to UC-Davis, but many venues would welcome him. Let's hope that he wants to graduate a Viking and and maintain loyalty to good ol' Portland State. /users/31/07/37/smiles/594399.gif

In the right offense he could be awesome. I agree. It would be unfortunate to have to play against him.

 

[dystopiamembrane]

Thanks, MA!
You made us all stand-up when you made your runs.
You will always be in Viking lore.

 

[martymoose]

Thanks, MA!
You made us all stand-up when you made your runs.
You will always be in Viking lore.

Indeed. Was just thinking of the UO game when Ali took it 57 yards for the score to get us back in the game.

 

[ManOfVision]

Too bad we never got the anticipated contribution from Ali, but it isn't really his fault. He has a PSU degree, so he's an official alum and will always be welcomed back on the bandwagon!