Vikings safety Patrick Onwuasor getting national attention (with video):
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The Portland State Vikings are winning games and making history, and recognition is following their footsteps.
The Vikings are 7-1 for the first time ever, and now PSU Safety Patrick Onwuasor has been named to the Stats FCS National Defensive Player of the Year Watch List.
Onwuasor had three interceptions in last Saturday’s 35-16 win over Montana. Patrick was named Big Sky Defensive Player of the week as well. He received official news of the award after Wednesday morning’s practice.
“It means a lot to me,” said Onwuasor. “This defense came a long way so, everything is starting to pay off now and everybody’s having good success. Everybody’s buying in and this is the reward for it.”
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound senior has 7 interceptions this season, which is tied for the most in the nation. He also has 51 tackles, including 8 in the win over Montana. PSU Head Coach Bruce Barnum has been impressed with Onwuasor since day one.
"Number one, he’s fun to watch,” said Barnum. “He’s special, as far as being able to strike in the violent part of this football game and he’s a heady, savvy football player. More important than that, he represents everything here, the city of Portland. He’s a good kid.”
The Vikings are doing it on both sides of the ball this season, averaging 38 points per game and allowing just 19 points per game. Patrick says everyone is coming together on the team.
"It’s not individuals,” said Onwuasor. “I’m playing for the man next to me and he’s playing for me, so everybody has each other’s back. It’s like one big happy family.”
Portland State travels to Greeley, Colorado this Saturday to take on Northern Colorado at 11 a.m.
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The Portland State Vikings are winning games and making history, and recognition is following their footsteps.
The Vikings are 7-1 for the first time ever, and now PSU Safety Patrick Onwuasor has been named to the Stats FCS National Defensive Player of the Year Watch List.
Onwuasor had three interceptions in last Saturday’s 35-16 win over Montana. Patrick was named Big Sky Defensive Player of the week as well. He received official news of the award after Wednesday morning’s practice.
“It means a lot to me,” said Onwuasor. “This defense came a long way so, everything is starting to pay off now and everybody’s having good success. Everybody’s buying in and this is the reward for it.”
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound senior has 7 interceptions this season, which is tied for the most in the nation. He also has 51 tackles, including 8 in the win over Montana. PSU Head Coach Bruce Barnum has been impressed with Onwuasor since day one.
"Number one, he’s fun to watch,” said Barnum. “He’s special, as far as being able to strike in the violent part of this football game and he’s a heady, savvy football player. More important than that, he represents everything here, the city of Portland. He’s a good kid.”
The Vikings are doing it on both sides of the ball this season, averaging 38 points per game and allowing just 19 points per game. Patrick says everyone is coming together on the team.
"It’s not individuals,” said Onwuasor. “I’m playing for the man next to me and he’s playing for me, so everybody has each other’s back. It’s like one big happy family.”
Portland State travels to Greeley, Colorado this Saturday to take on Northern Colorado at 11 a.m.