Spring Begins In February For Viking Football
https://goviks.com/news/2022/2/15/spring-begins-in-february-for-viking-football.aspx
https://goviks.com/images/2022/2/15/Malo_3406.jpg?width=1292&quality=80&format=jpg
Portland State opens its 2022 Spring Practice schedule on Wednesday morning at Stott Community Field. The Vikings will have approximately 75 players available to compete. PSU returns 49 letterwinners and 19 starters from the 2021 team.
2022 Portland State Football Spring Practice Schedule
Wed., Feb. 16 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Thurs., Feb. 17 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Fri., Feb. 18 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Sun., Feb. 20 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Mon., Feb. 21 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Tues., Feb. 22 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Wed., Feb. 23 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Thurs., Feb. 24 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Sun., Feb. 27 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Mon., Feb. 28 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Thurs., Mar. 3 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Fri., Mar. 4 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Mon., Mar. 7 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Wed., Mar. 9 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Thur., Mar. 10 Spring Game, 6 p.m., Hillsboro Stadium
2022 SEASON PREVIEW
A snapshot of the Vikings heading into 2022:
OFFENSE
The graduation of three-year starter at quarterback, Davis Alexander, will alter the look of the Viking offense. It will be difficult to replace a player who ranks second all-time on PSU's passing lists (9,215 passing yards, 63 touchdowns, as well as 1,254 rushing yards, 25 TDs) but a handful of youngsters will compete during spring practice. They include SO Dante Chachere (6-3, 185) and RS FRs Jaden Casey (6-1, 190), Caden Filer (6-2, 200) and Mason Packer (6-0, 200), and SR Nathan West (6-3, 210). The Vikings also signed two freshmen to national letters of intent, Logan Gonzalez (6-3, 200) and Brooks Ferguson (6-5, 225), but they will not arrive until the fall.
Chachere has the most experience, having appeared in 10 previous games in his career, but has only attempted two passes, completing one. He is known for his running ability, having compiled 140 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries. Casey, originally a transfer from Cal, played in one game last season, completing 1-3 passes.
In the backfield, the Vikings lose another talented senior, but have a host of very promising running backs coming up. Malik Walker (176 carries, 879 yards, 11 TD) had an outstanding senior season, but he is gone. The back receiving the most carries behind him was SO Jalynnee McGee (5-10, 195, 49-259-2), a powerful runner who showed a lot of ability when healthy, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Speaking of health, SOs Jobi Malary (5-11, 225, 25-130-1 career) and JoJo Siofele (5-10, 205) were the "up-and-comers" two seasons ago. However, a variety of injuries have hindered both players. Expect them to have a big say in the running game in 2022.
Also returning is JR Ahmir McGee (5-11, 215, 10-38-0), who got spot duty in 2021. He lends size and depth to the backfield. RS FR Treyvon Easterling (5-10, 210) and RS SO Jarmar Julien (5-11, 250) are also vying to get into the mix.
Freshmen signees Quincy Craig (5-9, 185) and Elijiah Lux (5-9, 180) are going to push the competition in the fall when they step on campus.
Portland State's wide receiving corps is easily the deepest position on the team. The hard part of handling this group won't be figuring out who should play, but figuring out how to get everyone enough reps. The Vikings essentially have four starting wide receivers returning, with a fifth former starter who was an All-Conference performer also expected back.
The Vikings were led by SR WR Beau Kelly (5-9, 165) in 2021. The slot receiver not only led PSU, but the entire conference, in receptions (69), receiving yards (981) and touchdowns (10) during the regular season. Inexplicably, he was only selected as a second team All-Conference honoree, but his value is unquestioned.
On the outside SOs Darien Chase (6-1, 210, 54-579-4) and Nate Bennett (6-3, 195, 50-616-4) were brilliant as freshmen. Bennett has great length and impeccable route-running ability. Chase was simply a human highlight reel with his penchant for "degree of difficulty" catches. Also back is veteran SR Mataio Talalemotu (6-1, 180). Despite missing three games with injury, he was as effective as ever with 42 receptions for 573 yards and three touchdowns.
Kelly and Talalemotu, who have grown up together as Vikings, have combined for 215 receptions, 3,160 yards and 23 touchdowns in their careers.
If that group weren't enough, the Viking offense can throw in a wild card with SR Emmanuel Daigbe (6-1, 210). A third team All-Big Sky Conference selection in 2019 (40-651-7 in 2019), Daigbe has been hindered with a groin injury for the past two years, but should be ready to go this fall.
PSU also returns another tall and talented receiver in SR Marquis Spiker (6-3, 200, 9-112-0), as well as RS JR Deion Malone (5-7, 155), who will bring depth to the slot position, as well as serve as a dynamic return man. Five redshirt freshmen are waiting in the wings at wide receiver, as well as 2022 signees Omar Hammond (6-0, 170) and Jaylen Lynch (6-2, 175).
Like the receiving and running backs groups, Portland State has a solid returning group at tight end. The Vikings employed their tight ends more for blocking than receiving in 2021, but have a capable group in both disciplines. SR Malik Thirdgill (6-4, 240, 3-27-0) is one of nine fourth-year letterwinners on the roster. He and SR Anthony Rodriguez (6-3, 235, 4-26-0) have the most experience and figure to see the most snaps. Also back is SO Elias Spence (6-4, 225) and RS SO Kole Allen (6-3, 250). The Viking coaching staff signed talented freshmen Charlie White (6-2, 235) and Tanner Beaman (6-3, 220) for the coming season.
Portland State brings back an experienced starting offensive line for 2022. SR Tyson Pauling (6-5, 295) and JR Shiloh Ta'ase (6-3, 310) have combined for 36 starts over the past two seasons and will lead an overall talented, experienced group. SOs Richard Estrella (6-4, 305) and D'Angalo Titiali'i (6-3, 320) were also starters in 2021, and SR Brandon Mello (6-8, 290) returns with four starts from 2021.
RS FR Manaia Fuertes and Logan Bruce showed promise in brief stints during the 2021 season, will provide depth and should be the future on the line. RS FRs Hayden Engel and Dominic DeBerry did not see action, but will also get a look in 2022. PSU has brought in four NLI signees for 2022: Bryson Summers (6-5, 285), Braylon Cornell (6-6, 285), Jake Cooper (6-5, 260) and Anthony Tena (6-4, 285).
DEFENSE
Portland State has a large group of returners and quality depth on the defensive side with nine returning starters and 27 letterwinners. One area the Vikings will look to reinforce is the defensive line – particularly at nose tackle.
Veteran Semise Kofe, who anchored the nose tackle spot the past few seasons, has graduated. The only other player with experience is SO Martin Salazar (5-10, 285) who played in five games as a true freshman before an injury sidelined his season. SR Boogie Davis (6-3, 275) also has played some snaps at nose, as well as defensive end, but played in only two games last season due to injury. The Vikings also have RS SO Serge Rusnak and RS FR Jessie Brown vying for playing time at the spot.
A pair of FBS transfers are likely to have some say in replacing Kofe. SR EJ Ane (6-2, 275) played in 28 games on the defensive line for San Jose State, making 68 career tackles. His size and experience brings a lot to the program. In addition, SO Geri Theodore (6-4, 250), a transfer from Toledo, should have an impact, whether it be at tackle or defensive end. Those two are on campus and will be available to practice in the spring.
The Vikings do have experience at end with the return of SR starters VJ Malo (6-1, 270) and Jake Porter (6-4, 250). Malo took the conference by storm last season, making 45 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks and forcing three fumbles. He earned second team All-Big Sky Conference and should be primed for a big senior season.
Porter has played in 35 career games, matching All-American DB Anthony Adams, for most experience on the team. He has 21 career starts at defensive end and a good knowledge of the Vikings' defensive system.
While Theodore may play a role at end, the Vikings have a host of young players to back up. SO Kennedy Freeman (6-2, 240) showed promise as a pass rusher, but was another Viking whose 2021 season was cut short by injury. RS JR Jayson Pace (6-1, 240) and RS FRs Slade Shufelt (6-3, 225) and Zane Maningo (6-2, 250) add depth.
PSU has added JR transfer Dino Kahaulelio (6-0, 285) from City College of San Francisco who may also compete at nose tackle in 2022. Signees Mike MacNeill (6-1, 280) and Elias Sanders (6-2, 265) are freshmen that will provide long term depth.
The Vikings should be loaded at linebacker. It begins with SO Parker McKenna (6-0, 220) who started every game at middle linebacker. He led the Vikings with 88 tackles, four tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. McKenna has the sideline to sideline speed needed in PSU's flex defensive system.
SRs Robert Holt (6-2, 225) and Tevita Tuitavake (6-0, 225) and SO Justice Pagan (6-2, 235) all have size, quality experience and starts on their resumes. Pagan, despite missing two games, ranked seventh on the team with 39 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks at buck linebacker last season. Holt (17 tackles) and Tuitavake (15 tackles) combined for a handful of starts. One of those three is likely to start at the whip linebacker, replacing the graduated Nic Ah Sam, who started every game there in 2021.
JR Isaiah Henry (5-11, 205) is another experienced player who should see increased time at linebacker, potentially at middle with McKenna.
Other returning letterwinners at linebacker include JRs Zack Mandera (6-1, 220), Levi O'Connell (6-0, 220) and Ian Crocker (6-1, 220). RS FR Spencer Delacruz (6-1, 220) will also get into the mix.
PSU signed FR LBs Elijah Mareko (6-2, 225), Joseph Nanai (6-1, 240) and Peyton Wing (6-0, 210) to the group in February.
The back end of the defense is also loaded with experienced, talented players. The rover back position is a hybrid linebacker/defensive back role that returns two players who have been starters there in the past two full seasons. SO Tyreese Shakir (5-10, 175) took over as starter early in the 2021 season and had a big year as a freshman. He had 32 tackles, a sack, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and four pass breakups. JR David Joseph (6-1, 200) has played in 28 career games and made nine career starts, mainly at rover. He had 27 tackles last season at rover, on special teams and spot duty in the defensive backfield. Both players will be a key to the Viking defense in 2022.
The Vikings will have a senior-laden back four that is loaded with experience, talent and playmakers.
PSU returns both starting cornerbacks and has excellent depth at the position. SR Anthony Adams (6-0, 185) is the face of the Viking defense, having started all 35 career games at PSU. A two-time first team All-Big Sky Conference selection – once at safety and once at cornerback – he was a consensus first team All-American in 2019 after leading the nation in passes defensed. After PSU opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID, Adams may have dropped from the minds of some national media, but his performance was just as strong in 2021. He made 52 tackles, five tackles for loss, had three interceptions, three fumble recoveries, five pass breakups and forced a fumble as the Vikings' boundary cornerback. He was named to one All-America team, but missed the others. Certainly, he should be front of mind as one of the best defensive backs in the nation in 2022. Adams goes into the season with 165 career tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 31 pass breakups and 13 career takeaways (9 INT, 4 FR).
At field cornerback, SR Evan Camarena (6-0, 185) returns after 11 starts and 29 tackles last season. He, along with Adams, is backed up by three SOs who saw a lot of playing time and performed well in 2021. Semaj Bolin (5-10, 170), Michael Jackson (6-2, 185) and Davion Gaines (6-0, 170) are all experienced and capable corners. Bolin had 11 tackles and an interception to lead that group. RS FRs Jalen Boston (5-11, 170) and Ronan Gay (6-1, 185) make the cornerback position even deeper.
Portland State returns starters and depth at the safety spots as well. SR Xavier Bell (6-2, 200) took over the SAM role after transferring in from Arizona last year. He proved to be one of the Vikings' key players on defense, ranking third on the team in tackles with 50 and leading the team with seven pass breakups. SOs Day Day Bright (5-10, 170) and Travis West (5-6, 160) are young but experienced players at safety.
SR Broderick Harrell (5-11, 200) did not find his best role in the defensive backfield until mid-season last year when he took over at free safety. Like Bell, Harrell was an FBS transfer from UTEP who became a playmaker for the Vikings as well. He was fourth on the team with 48 tackles, had five pass breakups and a fumble recovery.
Returning letterwinners Shea Carstens (5-10, 185) and Benton Hoge (5-10, 180) have been primarily special teams contributors but also lend depth to the defensive backfield. RS JR De'jon Fort (6-0, 190) and RS SO Jake Urena (5-9, 180) will battle to get into the mix at the safety positions.
Four National Letter of Intent signees will come is as freshmen in the defensive backfield this fall: Elijah Gipson (5-11, 170), Duhron Goodman (5-11, 190), Michael Hurst (5-11, 190) and Ezriel Vasquez (5-11, 170).
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Vikings return SO K Gianni Smith (6-1, 205) for 2022. Smith took over as the starter early in 2021 following an injury to PSU's previous kicker. He handled the role well, converting all 29 extra-point attempts and 5-8 field goals.
PSU will need to fill the punter role, though Smith will initially take on the challenge.
SO LS Ryan Alvidrez (5-11, 215) returns after having a clean sheet on snaps in his true freshman season.
The Vikings look forward to the return game of JR Deion Malone. Initially slated to be the return man for PSU in 2021, an injury prevented him from competing. SR Beau Kelly is also back and has served as punt returner for three seasons. His 14.4 yard return average in 2021 would have led the Big Sky Conference, but he did not have enough returns to qualify.
https://goviks.com/news/2022/2/15/spring-begins-in-february-for-viking-football.aspx
https://goviks.com/images/2022/2/15/Malo_3406.jpg?width=1292&quality=80&format=jpg
Portland State opens its 2022 Spring Practice schedule on Wednesday morning at Stott Community Field. The Vikings will have approximately 75 players available to compete. PSU returns 49 letterwinners and 19 starters from the 2021 team.
2022 Portland State Football Spring Practice Schedule
Wed., Feb. 16 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Thurs., Feb. 17 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Fri., Feb. 18 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Sun., Feb. 20 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Mon., Feb. 21 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Tues., Feb. 22 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Wed., Feb. 23 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Thurs., Feb. 24 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Sun., Feb. 27 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Mon., Feb. 28 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Thurs., Mar. 3 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Fri., Mar. 4 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Mon., Mar. 7 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Wed., Mar. 9 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Thur., Mar. 10 Spring Game, 6 p.m., Hillsboro Stadium
2022 SEASON PREVIEW
A snapshot of the Vikings heading into 2022:
OFFENSE
The graduation of three-year starter at quarterback, Davis Alexander, will alter the look of the Viking offense. It will be difficult to replace a player who ranks second all-time on PSU's passing lists (9,215 passing yards, 63 touchdowns, as well as 1,254 rushing yards, 25 TDs) but a handful of youngsters will compete during spring practice. They include SO Dante Chachere (6-3, 185) and RS FRs Jaden Casey (6-1, 190), Caden Filer (6-2, 200) and Mason Packer (6-0, 200), and SR Nathan West (6-3, 210). The Vikings also signed two freshmen to national letters of intent, Logan Gonzalez (6-3, 200) and Brooks Ferguson (6-5, 225), but they will not arrive until the fall.
Chachere has the most experience, having appeared in 10 previous games in his career, but has only attempted two passes, completing one. He is known for his running ability, having compiled 140 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries. Casey, originally a transfer from Cal, played in one game last season, completing 1-3 passes.
In the backfield, the Vikings lose another talented senior, but have a host of very promising running backs coming up. Malik Walker (176 carries, 879 yards, 11 TD) had an outstanding senior season, but he is gone. The back receiving the most carries behind him was SO Jalynnee McGee (5-10, 195, 49-259-2), a powerful runner who showed a lot of ability when healthy, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Speaking of health, SOs Jobi Malary (5-11, 225, 25-130-1 career) and JoJo Siofele (5-10, 205) were the "up-and-comers" two seasons ago. However, a variety of injuries have hindered both players. Expect them to have a big say in the running game in 2022.
Also returning is JR Ahmir McGee (5-11, 215, 10-38-0), who got spot duty in 2021. He lends size and depth to the backfield. RS FR Treyvon Easterling (5-10, 210) and RS SO Jarmar Julien (5-11, 250) are also vying to get into the mix.
Freshmen signees Quincy Craig (5-9, 185) and Elijiah Lux (5-9, 180) are going to push the competition in the fall when they step on campus.
Portland State's wide receiving corps is easily the deepest position on the team. The hard part of handling this group won't be figuring out who should play, but figuring out how to get everyone enough reps. The Vikings essentially have four starting wide receivers returning, with a fifth former starter who was an All-Conference performer also expected back.
The Vikings were led by SR WR Beau Kelly (5-9, 165) in 2021. The slot receiver not only led PSU, but the entire conference, in receptions (69), receiving yards (981) and touchdowns (10) during the regular season. Inexplicably, he was only selected as a second team All-Conference honoree, but his value is unquestioned.
On the outside SOs Darien Chase (6-1, 210, 54-579-4) and Nate Bennett (6-3, 195, 50-616-4) were brilliant as freshmen. Bennett has great length and impeccable route-running ability. Chase was simply a human highlight reel with his penchant for "degree of difficulty" catches. Also back is veteran SR Mataio Talalemotu (6-1, 180). Despite missing three games with injury, he was as effective as ever with 42 receptions for 573 yards and three touchdowns.
Kelly and Talalemotu, who have grown up together as Vikings, have combined for 215 receptions, 3,160 yards and 23 touchdowns in their careers.
If that group weren't enough, the Viking offense can throw in a wild card with SR Emmanuel Daigbe (6-1, 210). A third team All-Big Sky Conference selection in 2019 (40-651-7 in 2019), Daigbe has been hindered with a groin injury for the past two years, but should be ready to go this fall.
PSU also returns another tall and talented receiver in SR Marquis Spiker (6-3, 200, 9-112-0), as well as RS JR Deion Malone (5-7, 155), who will bring depth to the slot position, as well as serve as a dynamic return man. Five redshirt freshmen are waiting in the wings at wide receiver, as well as 2022 signees Omar Hammond (6-0, 170) and Jaylen Lynch (6-2, 175).
Like the receiving and running backs groups, Portland State has a solid returning group at tight end. The Vikings employed their tight ends more for blocking than receiving in 2021, but have a capable group in both disciplines. SR Malik Thirdgill (6-4, 240, 3-27-0) is one of nine fourth-year letterwinners on the roster. He and SR Anthony Rodriguez (6-3, 235, 4-26-0) have the most experience and figure to see the most snaps. Also back is SO Elias Spence (6-4, 225) and RS SO Kole Allen (6-3, 250). The Viking coaching staff signed talented freshmen Charlie White (6-2, 235) and Tanner Beaman (6-3, 220) for the coming season.
Portland State brings back an experienced starting offensive line for 2022. SR Tyson Pauling (6-5, 295) and JR Shiloh Ta'ase (6-3, 310) have combined for 36 starts over the past two seasons and will lead an overall talented, experienced group. SOs Richard Estrella (6-4, 305) and D'Angalo Titiali'i (6-3, 320) were also starters in 2021, and SR Brandon Mello (6-8, 290) returns with four starts from 2021.
RS FR Manaia Fuertes and Logan Bruce showed promise in brief stints during the 2021 season, will provide depth and should be the future on the line. RS FRs Hayden Engel and Dominic DeBerry did not see action, but will also get a look in 2022. PSU has brought in four NLI signees for 2022: Bryson Summers (6-5, 285), Braylon Cornell (6-6, 285), Jake Cooper (6-5, 260) and Anthony Tena (6-4, 285).
DEFENSE
Portland State has a large group of returners and quality depth on the defensive side with nine returning starters and 27 letterwinners. One area the Vikings will look to reinforce is the defensive line – particularly at nose tackle.
Veteran Semise Kofe, who anchored the nose tackle spot the past few seasons, has graduated. The only other player with experience is SO Martin Salazar (5-10, 285) who played in five games as a true freshman before an injury sidelined his season. SR Boogie Davis (6-3, 275) also has played some snaps at nose, as well as defensive end, but played in only two games last season due to injury. The Vikings also have RS SO Serge Rusnak and RS FR Jessie Brown vying for playing time at the spot.
A pair of FBS transfers are likely to have some say in replacing Kofe. SR EJ Ane (6-2, 275) played in 28 games on the defensive line for San Jose State, making 68 career tackles. His size and experience brings a lot to the program. In addition, SO Geri Theodore (6-4, 250), a transfer from Toledo, should have an impact, whether it be at tackle or defensive end. Those two are on campus and will be available to practice in the spring.
The Vikings do have experience at end with the return of SR starters VJ Malo (6-1, 270) and Jake Porter (6-4, 250). Malo took the conference by storm last season, making 45 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks and forcing three fumbles. He earned second team All-Big Sky Conference and should be primed for a big senior season.
Porter has played in 35 career games, matching All-American DB Anthony Adams, for most experience on the team. He has 21 career starts at defensive end and a good knowledge of the Vikings' defensive system.
While Theodore may play a role at end, the Vikings have a host of young players to back up. SO Kennedy Freeman (6-2, 240) showed promise as a pass rusher, but was another Viking whose 2021 season was cut short by injury. RS JR Jayson Pace (6-1, 240) and RS FRs Slade Shufelt (6-3, 225) and Zane Maningo (6-2, 250) add depth.
PSU has added JR transfer Dino Kahaulelio (6-0, 285) from City College of San Francisco who may also compete at nose tackle in 2022. Signees Mike MacNeill (6-1, 280) and Elias Sanders (6-2, 265) are freshmen that will provide long term depth.
The Vikings should be loaded at linebacker. It begins with SO Parker McKenna (6-0, 220) who started every game at middle linebacker. He led the Vikings with 88 tackles, four tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. McKenna has the sideline to sideline speed needed in PSU's flex defensive system.
SRs Robert Holt (6-2, 225) and Tevita Tuitavake (6-0, 225) and SO Justice Pagan (6-2, 235) all have size, quality experience and starts on their resumes. Pagan, despite missing two games, ranked seventh on the team with 39 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks at buck linebacker last season. Holt (17 tackles) and Tuitavake (15 tackles) combined for a handful of starts. One of those three is likely to start at the whip linebacker, replacing the graduated Nic Ah Sam, who started every game there in 2021.
JR Isaiah Henry (5-11, 205) is another experienced player who should see increased time at linebacker, potentially at middle with McKenna.
Other returning letterwinners at linebacker include JRs Zack Mandera (6-1, 220), Levi O'Connell (6-0, 220) and Ian Crocker (6-1, 220). RS FR Spencer Delacruz (6-1, 220) will also get into the mix.
PSU signed FR LBs Elijah Mareko (6-2, 225), Joseph Nanai (6-1, 240) and Peyton Wing (6-0, 210) to the group in February.
The back end of the defense is also loaded with experienced, talented players. The rover back position is a hybrid linebacker/defensive back role that returns two players who have been starters there in the past two full seasons. SO Tyreese Shakir (5-10, 175) took over as starter early in the 2021 season and had a big year as a freshman. He had 32 tackles, a sack, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and four pass breakups. JR David Joseph (6-1, 200) has played in 28 career games and made nine career starts, mainly at rover. He had 27 tackles last season at rover, on special teams and spot duty in the defensive backfield. Both players will be a key to the Viking defense in 2022.
The Vikings will have a senior-laden back four that is loaded with experience, talent and playmakers.
PSU returns both starting cornerbacks and has excellent depth at the position. SR Anthony Adams (6-0, 185) is the face of the Viking defense, having started all 35 career games at PSU. A two-time first team All-Big Sky Conference selection – once at safety and once at cornerback – he was a consensus first team All-American in 2019 after leading the nation in passes defensed. After PSU opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID, Adams may have dropped from the minds of some national media, but his performance was just as strong in 2021. He made 52 tackles, five tackles for loss, had three interceptions, three fumble recoveries, five pass breakups and forced a fumble as the Vikings' boundary cornerback. He was named to one All-America team, but missed the others. Certainly, he should be front of mind as one of the best defensive backs in the nation in 2022. Adams goes into the season with 165 career tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 31 pass breakups and 13 career takeaways (9 INT, 4 FR).
At field cornerback, SR Evan Camarena (6-0, 185) returns after 11 starts and 29 tackles last season. He, along with Adams, is backed up by three SOs who saw a lot of playing time and performed well in 2021. Semaj Bolin (5-10, 170), Michael Jackson (6-2, 185) and Davion Gaines (6-0, 170) are all experienced and capable corners. Bolin had 11 tackles and an interception to lead that group. RS FRs Jalen Boston (5-11, 170) and Ronan Gay (6-1, 185) make the cornerback position even deeper.
Portland State returns starters and depth at the safety spots as well. SR Xavier Bell (6-2, 200) took over the SAM role after transferring in from Arizona last year. He proved to be one of the Vikings' key players on defense, ranking third on the team in tackles with 50 and leading the team with seven pass breakups. SOs Day Day Bright (5-10, 170) and Travis West (5-6, 160) are young but experienced players at safety.
SR Broderick Harrell (5-11, 200) did not find his best role in the defensive backfield until mid-season last year when he took over at free safety. Like Bell, Harrell was an FBS transfer from UTEP who became a playmaker for the Vikings as well. He was fourth on the team with 48 tackles, had five pass breakups and a fumble recovery.
Returning letterwinners Shea Carstens (5-10, 185) and Benton Hoge (5-10, 180) have been primarily special teams contributors but also lend depth to the defensive backfield. RS JR De'jon Fort (6-0, 190) and RS SO Jake Urena (5-9, 180) will battle to get into the mix at the safety positions.
Four National Letter of Intent signees will come is as freshmen in the defensive backfield this fall: Elijah Gipson (5-11, 170), Duhron Goodman (5-11, 190), Michael Hurst (5-11, 190) and Ezriel Vasquez (5-11, 170).
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Vikings return SO K Gianni Smith (6-1, 205) for 2022. Smith took over as the starter early in 2021 following an injury to PSU's previous kicker. He handled the role well, converting all 29 extra-point attempts and 5-8 field goals.
PSU will need to fill the punter role, though Smith will initially take on the challenge.
SO LS Ryan Alvidrez (5-11, 215) returns after having a clean sheet on snaps in his true freshman season.
The Vikings look forward to the return game of JR Deion Malone. Initially slated to be the return man for PSU in 2021, an injury prevented him from competing. SR Beau Kelly is also back and has served as punt returner for three seasons. His 14.4 yard return average in 2021 would have led the Big Sky Conference, but he did not have enough returns to qualify.
