http://www.oregonlive.com/vikings/index.ssf/2008/10/exbeaver_signs_agreement_with.html
Ex-Beaver signs agreement with PSU
by Jim Beseda, The Oregonian
Wednesday October 15, 2008, 1:44 PM
Former Oregon State defensive end Carl Sommer signed a non-binding scholarship agreement with Portland State on Tuesday. The 6-foot-4, 248-pound redshirt freshman from Wilsonville, who was granted his release from the Beavers last month, said he plans to enroll at PSU this winter and be ready to participate in spring practice with the Vikings.
He considered transferring to Oregon, Boise State and Colorado, but said the opportunity to play for former NFL coach Jerry Glanville and play closer to home were significant factors in choosing PSU.
"I really like Coach G and what Portland State has to offer," Sommer said. "I get close to my family, and that was the No. 1 thing. I've always wanted to stay around and watch my little brother play football and hang around with my sister and my mom.
NCAA rules prevent the Vikings from commenting on Sommer's decision or how his arrival will impact the defensive line until after he is enrolled in school. For now, the Vikings have sophomore Travis Beckley starting at left defensive end and junior Joe Ma'aseia starting on the right side, with junior John Shackford the first off the bench.
True freshmen Nick Gale and Kyle Van Arden are both in the middle of redshirt seasons that the Vikings are trying desperately to preserve, but they also are expected to figure into the mix in the competition next spring for playing time at the two defensive end spots.
Where does Sommer fit into the pecking order? Nobody knows at this point. And even if they did, they can't say anything until spring which the picture will become clearer.
So, that's another reason he picked PSU -- fewer hoops to jump through, and he can immerse himself in the Vikings' program once he is enrolled in early January.
"From there, it's time to go," Sommer said. "I can start working out, training, and learning the plays. Hopefully, in spring ball, I'll develop myself as a player in this defense, and then fall camp, and it's time to strap it up.
"I just think Portland State is a better fit for me. This is where my opportunity is going to come ... and it's going to come true."