PSU's Savali ready to make a mark this season
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PORTLAND, Ore. -- Portland State University defensive Lineman Savali has taken a long road to Division I football, but he’s made the trip quickly.
Savali grew up in Saipan and never played organized football until moving to Oregon.
In 2012, Savali got his first taste of football at Beaverton High School, and now, he’s anchoring a defensive line that’s the strength of PSU’s team.
“Some of these guys tell me they’ve been playing since they were 12, 13 years old, and I’m like what? I’d never even heard of football when I was 12," Savali said.
He immediately made an impact at PSU, starting four games last season. He'll likely be a starter this year.
Head Coach Bruce Barnum said Savali has picked the game up quickly, but just like learning to ride a bike, the coaches are still “holding on to the back of the seat” and that’s just fine with Savali. He has stayed humble despite making such big strides, saying “I’m just playing, trying to get better.”
PSU opens the 2015 season on Sept. 5 at Washington State.
http://www.katu.com/news/local/PSUs-Savali-ready-to-make-a-mark-this-season-322461822.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Portland State University defensive Lineman Savali has taken a long road to Division I football, but he’s made the trip quickly.
Savali grew up in Saipan and never played organized football until moving to Oregon.
In 2012, Savali got his first taste of football at Beaverton High School, and now, he’s anchoring a defensive line that’s the strength of PSU’s team.
“Some of these guys tell me they’ve been playing since they were 12, 13 years old, and I’m like what? I’d never even heard of football when I was 12," Savali said.
He immediately made an impact at PSU, starting four games last season. He'll likely be a starter this year.
Head Coach Bruce Barnum said Savali has picked the game up quickly, but just like learning to ride a bike, the coaches are still “holding on to the back of the seat” and that’s just fine with Savali. He has stayed humble despite making such big strides, saying “I’m just playing, trying to get better.”
PSU opens the 2015 season on Sept. 5 at Washington State.
