Complete Signing Day Release in pdf
See Video on all the signees at Signing Day Central
KATU Sports story on the Vikings
Oregonian story on the Vikings
Ian Ruder blog story on the Vikings
The Sports Network story on top recruiting classes
2012 PORTLAND STATE FOOTBALL NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT SIGNEES
HIGH SCHOOL (16)
Brandon Brody-Heim, LB, 5-11, 220, FR, HS, Vancouver, WA (Union HS)
Kameron Canaday, LS, 6-4, 245, FR, HS, Eugene, OR (Sheldon HS)
Adam Futter, TE, 6-4, 235, FR, HS, Pendleton, OR (Pendleton HS)
Jamarr Graves, WR, 6-3, 190, FR, HS, Portland, OR (Grant HS)
Daniel Halverson, LB, 6-1, 230, FR, HS, Portland, OR (Grant HS)
Josh Hanson, OL, 6-7, 250, FR, HS, Tenino, WA (Tumwater HS)
Steven Long, RB, 5-7, 175, FR, HS, Sherwood, OR (Lake Oswego HS)
Keiran McDonagh, QB, 6-2, 230, FR, HS, Vancouver, WA (Skyview HS)
Dalton Milburn, OL, 6-6, 280, FR, HS, North Bend, OR (Marshfield HS)
Jacob Nall, DE, 6-4, 230, FR, HS, Portland, OR (Central Catholic HS)
Paris Penn, QB, 6-0, 205, FR, HS, Portland, OR (Grant HS)
Nicholas Rothstein, S, 5-11, 205, FR, HS, Portland, OR (Jesuit HS)
Kyle Smith, OL, 6-5, 290, FR, HS, Elmira, OR (Elmira HS)
Cam Sommer, DE/TE, 6-4, 220, FR, HS, Milwaukie, OR (Gladstone HS)
Chevy Walker, CB/RB, 6-0, 180, FR, HS, Bellevue, WA (Eastside Catholic HS)
Zach Walen, LB, 6-3, 200, FR, HS, Lake Oswego, OR (Lake Oswego HS)
JUNIOR COLLEGE (5)
Matt Hollen, OL, 6-3, 300, JR, JC, Las Vegas, NV (Silverado HS/Victor Valley JC)
Tomasi Molesi, DT, 6-1, 280, JR, JC, Oceanside, CA (Oceanside HS/Arizona Western JC)
Collin Ramirez, QB, 6-2, 195, JR, JC, Red Bluff, CA (Red Bluff HS/Butte JC)
signed during Dec. 20 early signing period
David Edgerson, S, 5-11, 205, JR, JC, Slidell, LA (Salmen HS/Grossmont JC)
Dennis Fite, CB, 6-3, 190, JR, JC, Citrus Hills, CA (Citrus Hills HS/San Jacinto JC)
FOUR-YEAR TRANSFERS (2)
DJ Adams, RB, 5-10, 220, JR, TR, Norcross, GA (Norcross HS/Maryland) - aid agreement
Zack Ka'ahanui, DT, 6-1, 265, JR, TR, Portland, OR (Central Catholic HS/Northern Arizona)
Since arriving at Portland State a little more than two years ago, Viking Head Football Coach
Nigel Burton has spent his time “Thinking Globally and Acting Locally.”
That has meant a complete transformation of a down-on-its-luck program - a global transformation, if you will - and a strong emphasis on local recruiting.
Signing Day 2012 was another perfect example of the Think Global, Act Local scheme. As Burton strives to lead the Vikings to their first Big Sky Conference Championship and first NCAA post-season in 12 years, his staff recruited hard locally and it has paid off. Of the 23 signees in 2012, 16 are high schoolers from the Pacific Northwest, 13 are from Oregon, 10 from the metro area. Those numbers are the most locally-based since Portland State joined the Big Sky Conference in 1996, and likely since Mouse Davis trod the sidelines for the Vikings in the late 1970s. Burton and his staff anticipate the locals to get global results in the future: big success, that elusive conference championship, and more.
Portland State got lots of help in the offensive and defensive backfield as well as on both lines, and Burton feels they came up with remarkable young talent at the linebacker position.
“Quarterback and safety - which is the quarterback of our defense - we had to get those nailed down,” said Burton. “We feel like we did that with
David Edgerson (at safety) based on what he did in junior college football. (Freshman-to-be)
Nick Rothstein has the talent, physicality and smarts to be able to play (safety) next year.”
The Vikings added two decorated running backs (Lake Oswego's
Steven Long, and aid-agreement transfer signee
DJ Adams formerly of Maryland) and three quarterbacks (
Collin Ramirez of Butte JC,
Paris Penn of Portland's Grant High School and Keiran McDonagh of Vancouver's Skyview HS).
Burton feels all of his quarterbacks have the talent and athleticism for the role in the Pistol offense: “The thing that really sets Collin apart is, he has very good athleticism, but he is also very accurate. Paris is a guy we think hasn't even tapped his potential yet. Physically, he is gifted. He is a great leader and we are glad he is from here. Keiran is a guy that came to camp and we liked just as much as we liked Paris. The best way to sum him up is his junior season he started at quarterback and middle linebacker.”
At defensive back, the Vikings already had two early signees in junior college transfers
David Edgerson and
Dennis Fite. High schooler Nicholas Rothstein (Jesuit) was the first NLI to come in at 7 a.m. and
Chevy Walker (Eastside Catholic - WA) also came in today. Rothstein has the talent to play right away. Walker is a versatile athlete who can also play running back and should be a kick returner for the Vikings.
The defensive line, which lost four seniors, is bolstered by
Tomasi Molesi of Arizona Western JC (a former 4-star high school recruit) as well as locals
Cam Sommer (Gladstone HS),
Jacob Nall (Central Catholic HS) and transfer,
Zack Ka'ahanui, originally from Central Catholic as well, who has Big Sky experience at Northern Arizona.
“Defensive line was a point of emphasis because of the departure of four very talented guys. We had to address that,” said Burton. “Offensive line-wise we felt like we have a good nucleus coming back but we have to build for the future.”
An offensive line that has been a Viking team strength in recent seasons should remain that way in years to come with the addition of four newcomers: Matt Hollen (Victor Valley JC),
Josh Hanson (Tumwater HS - WA),
Dalton Milburn (Marshfield HS) and
Kyle Smith (Elmira HS). Hollen is extremely strong at 300 pounds, while the three freshman average 6-6 in height.
At linebacker the Vikings have added three local high school stars in
Daniel Halverson (Grant),
Zach Walen (Lake Oswego) and
Brandon Brody-Heim (Union WA) that Burton raves about.
“We felt like we had to get a good high school linebacking corps because we have been successful this last year but we are older, with a significant amount of seniors leaving (in 2011 and 2012),” said Burton. “We need to make sure we have guys who are program guys who have a chance to get some playing time or redshirt so they can grow into those spots.?
“I think we absolutely killed it at the linebacker spot. A guy like
Daniel Halverson, being a local guy, that has that physical presence, and how sharp he is, ball skills, his ability to run. He'll walk in as probably our biggest linebacker we have out of high school. And he is a leader. I'm not sure we have recruited a
Daniel Halverson type of guy out of high school.
Zach Walen is a longer and more physical version of (PSU all-conference LB)
Joel Sisler. He is very smart and he enjoys inflicting a little pain on the football field.
Brandon Brody-Heim is a guy who dominated every camp he went to. Every game we watched him, he dominated. We feel like Brandon is an (PSU all-conference LB)
Ian Sluss type player in his style.”
Portland State has strong returning groups at wide receiver and tight end, but they have gotten better with two more Oregonians.
Jamarr Graves of Grant High School is the tall, athletic wide receiver that Burton covets, while
Adam Futter of Pendleton High School brings good size to the tight end position.
The Sports Network's evaluation of FCS recruiting - Jan. 31, 2012
"With their high number of two- and three-star commits, it can be argued that James Madison and Portland State are putting together the best recruiting classes in the FCS" - Craig Haley, TSN
PLAYER BIOS
DJ Adams, RB, 5-10, 220, JR, TR, Norcross, GA (Norcross HS/Maryland)
Coach Burton says: “DJ is a guy we expect to make an immediate impact in the Big Sky, no different than what he did in the ACC. He also gives us a thunder-and -lightning combination with Shaquille Richard and
Steven Long.”
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
Played two seasons at the University of Maryland as a backup running back… as a freshman, competed in nine games, rushing 67 times for 239 yards and a team-high 11 touchdowns, which was a Maryland freshman record… ranked third on the team in rushing yards… best game was 16 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown against Wake Forest… had 13 rushes for 37 yards and three TDs against Virginia… set a Maryland bowl record with four rushing touchdowns in the Military Bowl against East Carolina… as a sophomore, did not see as much action carrying the ball 40 times for 174 yards and four touchdowns… has 16 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown against Notre Dame… was a redshirt at Maryland in 2009.
Prepped at Norcross High School in Georgia… was ranked number 16 running back in the nation by Scout.com and 29th by Rivals.com… 22nd ranked player in the state of Georgia… on the ESPNU 150…. was a Class 5A All-Georgia honorable mention… rushed for 1,584 yards and 14 touchdowns on 257 carries as a senior, leading his team to an 8-4 record… played in the 2008 GACA North-South All-Star Game… carried 204 times for 1,462 yards and 11 TDs as a junior.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Karen and Alan Lawrence… has one younger sister, Faith.
Brandon Brody-Heim, LB, 5-11, 220, FR, HS, Vancouver, WA (Union HS)
Coach Burton says: “Brandon is instinctual, plays fast and powerful. He is a guy who dominated every camp he went to. Every game we watched him, he dominated. We feel like Brandon is an (PSU all-conference LB)
Ian Sluss type player in his style.”
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football three times at Union High School... a first team All-Greater St. Helens League selection at running back and linebacker... named first team All-Region and second team All-State as a linebacker... in two seasons at Union, he carried the ball 250 times for 1,607 yards and 26 touchdowns... also had 22 receptions for 240 yards and a touchdown.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Joel and Shanah Heim... born September 9, 1993... has one brother, Jonah, and one sister, Gabrielle... would like to major in Engineering... hobbies are video games and hanging out with friends... would like to get an MBA.
Kameron Canaday, LS, 6-4, 245, FR, HS, Eugene, OR (Sheldon HS)
Coach Burton says: “We had to get someone to replace (long snapper)
Braedyn Eagle. Right now Kameron has NFL snapping numbers in terms of his speed back to the punter. He will also have the opportunity to play defense. He is the fifth-rated snapper in the country, and the four guys in front of him are all committed to SEC, Big 10 and Pac-12 schools, and the guys behind are all committed to SEC, Big 10 and Pac-12 schools.”
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
Named first team All-Southwest League as a defensive lineman... ranked as the fifth-best long-snapper in the nation by Rubio Long Snapping... had 78 tackles, four sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery and three pass breakups.
David Edgerson, S, 5-11, 205, JR, JC, Slidell, LA (Salmen HS/Grossmont JC)
Coach Burton says: “The best story I have about David is, I told him I could teach him the defensive in a minute and a half. We went over five different concepts. I turned it over to him and he recited every single word back to me and understood the concepts. I've never seen anything like that before. Anybody can hit people when they aren't looking. David hits them like that when they are looking.”
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
Played at Grossmont (CA) Junior College... had 66 tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions, a fumble recovery and three pass breakups as a sophomore... earned second team All-Southern Conference honors... also offered by Sacramento State
Attended Salmen High School in Louisiana.
Dennis Fite, CB, 6-3, 190, JR, JC, Citrus Hills, CA (Citrus Hills HS/San Jacinto JC)
Coach Burton says: “Dennis is a Brandon Browner kind of guy. He is long and has great ball skills. He actually has way better feet than Brandon did. The thing he is going to have to work on that made Brandon special is his physical play. Our dream for him is to be that kind of player. With his size, his ability to get hands on guys is unique.”
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
Played at Mt. San Jacinto (CA) Junior College the last two seasons... had four interceptions for 102 return yards and two touchdowns in 2011... also had 53 tackles, a team-high 10 pass breakups, three tackles for loss and a fumble recovery.
Attended Citrus Hills High School.
Adam Futter, TE, 6-4, 235, FR, HS, Pendleton, OR (Pendleton HS)
Coach Burton says: “Adam is a guy in the Rory Richards mold. He is a tough, small town guy, and has really impressed us with his ability to catch the ball.”
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football, basketball and track at Pendleton High School... named first team All-Columbia River League as a tight end and defensive lineman… 13 receptions for 148 yards and three touchdowns as a senior... member of the Columbia River League champion team... placed fifth in state in the discus.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Greg and Jacqueline Futter... born August 7, 1994... has four brothers, Aric, Andy, Aaron, and Jake, and two sisters, Mercedes and Jessica... hobby is archery.
Jamarr Graves, WR, 6-3, 190, FR, HS, Portland, OR (Grant HS)
Coach Burton says: “Jamarr was originally offered by Colorado and we are glad he isn't going there, because he is very gifted. He comes from a great family and is a great kid. The sky is the limit for him.”
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
Football letterwinner at Grant High School... made 22 receptions for 422 yards and four touchdowns as a senior... teammate of two other 2012 signees,
Paris Penn (QB) and Daniel Halvorson (LB)... a Rivals.com 3-star recruit... chose Portland State over Montana and Colorado.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Marci Jackson and Clayton Graves... born April 17, 1994... has one brother, William... plans to major in Business... hobby is basketball.
Daniel Halverson, LB, 6-1, 230, FR, HS, Portland, OR (Grant HS)
Coach Burton says: “A guy like
Daniel Halverson, being a local guy, that has that physical presence, how sharp he is, his ball skills, his ability to run... and he'll walk in as probably the biggest linebacker we have... and he is a leader. I'm not sure we have recruited a
Daniel Halverson type of guy out of high school. Physically, he is extremely gifted and we expect him to push to play as a true freshman.”
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football four times at Grant High School... selected as the Portland Interscholastic League Defensive Player of the Year… named first team All-State… also lettered in baseball and track... was the linebacker MVP of the Stanford Nike Football Training Camp... a Rivals.com 3-star recruit and named fifth-best prospect in the state... chose Portland State over Montana and Hawai'i.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Tina Halverson and David Hunter... born September 12, 1993... has two brothers, Ryan and Nathan... would like to major in Business or History... hobbies are basketball, lifting weights and video games.
Josh Hanson, OL, 6-7, 250, FR, HS, Tenino, WA (Tumwater HS)
Coach Burton says: “He is a great athlete, a great basketball player who moves his feet really well. He is a smart guy that wants to major in engineering. He has a great future at the position.”
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
A two-year letterwinner at Tumwater High School... was named first team All-League, All-Area and All-State as a senior... given his team's Best Blocker Award and academic honors... a member of the 2010 2A State Champion team at Tumwater... chose Portland State over Eastern Washington.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Terry and Sherri Hanson... born June 24, 1993... has one brother, Caleb, and one sister, Hannah... plans to major in Engineering.
Matt Hollen, OL, 6-3, 300, JR, JC, Las Vegas, NV (Silverado HS/Victor Valley JC)
Coach Burton says: “Matt is really a mature kid. He has great feet and we really feel like he can do a lot of things for us in terms of playing center, guard or tackle. Very versatile and very strong.”
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
Played the past two seasons at Victor Valley Junior College... was named first team All-League and first team All-State as an offensive tackle... selected Portland State over Weber State.
Lettered in football two years at Silverado High School... an All-Conference tight end as a senior... did not start playing football until he was a junior in high school... also lettered in track as a senior as was his team's throwing MVP... competed at the state level.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Wayne Hollen and Carrie Robinson... born February 27, 1992... has one brother, Anthony... Communications major... hobby is music as he plays number of instruments.
Zack Ka'ahanui, DT, 6-1, 265, JR, TR, Portland, OR (Central Catholic/Northern Arizona)
Coach Burton says: “He started at NAU as a true freshman. He is a proven Big Sky starter. With all that he has been through, he has come out a much more mature and savvy guy. Right now he looks like a physical speciman.”
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
Played the 2009 season at Northern Arizona, recording four tackles and one tackle for loss... was a redshirt in 2010 when he was named Scout Team Player of the Year... did not play in 2011.
A 2009 graduate of Central Catholic High School... a four-year letterwinner... earned second team All-State honors as both an offensive and defensive lineman... four-time All-Mt. Hood Conference selection, including three times on first team... started 44 career games... played in the Oregon Les Schwab All-Star game.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Linda and Jerome Ka'ahanui... born May 21, 1991... has one brother, Austin... majoring in Management... has four cousins who played football at the Division I FBS level... full name is Zachary Akaokurukurumailagi Ka'ahanui.
NAME PRONUNCIATION: kah-ah-ha-NEW-ee
Steven Long, RB, 5-7, 175, FR, HS, Sherwood, OR (Lake Oswego HS)
Coach Burton says: “Steven is the most decorated player in the class. What is most impressive is Steven's game stepped up in the biggest games. That's what you want out of your star running back, your star quarterback, your star linebacker. When he was against the number one team in the state of Washington, he rushed for 424 yards. In the state championship game he went for 322. Steven stepped up in the biggest games. He's a gamer.”
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
Named the Oregon 6A Offensive Player of the Year after leading his school to the state championship as a senior… first team All-Three Rivers League running back… completed the season with 2,205 yards and 37 touchdowns as his team went 14-0… featured in SI's Faces in the Crowd on Oct. 10, 2011 following a 424-yard, seven-touchdown performance in a win over Skyline (WA) HS… rushed for 322 yards and four touchdowns in the state championship game win over Sheldon (47-14)… also named ESPN 6A Player of the Year for the state... played as a sophomore and junior at Sherwood (OR) High School, rushing for 2,530 yards and 33 TDs over those two seasons… won the Oregon 5A state title in 2010… his father, Jeff, played at Portland State from 1978-81.
Keiran McDonagh, QB, 6-2, 230, FR, HS, Vancouver, WA (Skyview HS)
Coach Burton says: “Keiran is a guy that came to camp and we liked just as much as we liked Paris (Penn). He is slated to gray shirt. The best way to sum him up is his junior season he started at quarterback and middle linebacker. He is a gamer and a winner, taking his team to the state final.”
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
As a senior, he completed 163-239 passes for 2,637 yards, 24 touchdowns and four interceptions... also rushed 77 times for 371 yards and seven touchdowns... as a junior, he completed 102-142 passes for 1,545 yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions... had 27 carries and 129 yards and one touchdown.
Dalton Milburn, OL, 6-6, 280, FR, HS, North Bend, OR (Marshfield HS)
Coach Burton says: “Before he came on his visit he dropped 33 points in a basketball game. He hasn't even scratched the surface of his potential. His athleticism and his size make him pretty special.”
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
Lettered four years in football, basketball and track at Marshfield High School... a three-time All-Conference selection as a tight end... a two-time All-Conference choice in basketball... state champion in the discus as a junior, placed second as a sophomore... chose Portland State over Idaho and Montana.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Kelly and Tina Milburn... born November 1, 1993... has one brother, Dallas... plans to major in Civil Engineering... hobbies are fishing, hunting, going to the beach and riding quads... hopes to play professional football.
Tomasi Molesi, DT, 6-1, 280, JR, JC, Oceanside, CA (Oceanside HS/Arizona Western JC)
Coach Burton says: “Tomasi is a four-star rated guy who signed with Oregon State out of high school. He is a
Myles Wade type of guy with probably a little more athleticism. He can really move and provide the same type of leadership role.”
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
Played two seasons at Arizona Western Junior College... in 2011, made 54 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, eight sacks, recovered two fumbles and returned an interception for touchdown... earned second team All-ACCAC and All-Western States honors... had 43 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and a sack as a freshman.
At Oceanside High School he was named first team All State, San Diego Section Defensive Player of the Year, first team All-CIF, first team All-North County, and Defensive MVP for the Valley League... a Rivals.com 4-star recruit, he originally signed with Oregon State out of high school... also recruited by San Diego State, Texas A&M and BYU.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Samuel and Selvia Molesi... born December 27, 1991... has two brothers, Nui and Aaron, and one sister, Sarona... majoring in Sociology... would like to coach football at the highest level.
NAME PRONUNCIATION: toe-MOSS-ee moh-LESS-ee
Jacob Nall, DE, 6-4, 230, FR, HS, Portland, OR (Central Catholic)
Coach Burton says: “Jake is going to be a pretty interesting player. He has a lot in terms of that explosive edge rush ability. He has great size and continues to grow. He has a chance to contribute next year depending on how his body continues to fill out.”
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
Named 2nd team All-State as a defensive end... earned first team All-Mt. Hood Conference honors... chose Portland State over Idaho and Montana.
Paris Penn, QB, 6-0, 205, FR, HS, Portland, OR (Grant HS)
Coach Burton says: “Paris is a guy we think hasn't even tapped his potential yet. Physically, he is gifted. He is tough and smart and people follow him. He is a great leader and we are glad he is from here.”
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football three times at Grant High School... named the Portland Interscholastic League Offensive Player of the Year... team MVP... honorable mention All-State selection... completed 72-126 passes for 1,274 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions... rushed 80 times for 701 yards and five touchdowns... lettered four times in baseball... an All-PIL third baseman... chose PSU over Montana.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of LuCinda Thurman and Kevin Penn... born July 14, 1994... has two brothers, Dominique and Marquis... would like to major in Business Management... hobbies are working out, playing basketball and Madden.
Collin Ramirez, QB, 6-2, 195, JR, JC, Red Bluff, CA (Red Bluff HS/Butte JC)
Coach Burton says: “Everything has been said about how he broke Aaron Rodgers' records but the thing that really sets him apart is, he has very good athleticism, but he is also very accurate.”
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
Completed 60.7% of his passes last season for 2,218 yards… threw 30 touchdown passes, breaking the Butte JC record held by Aaron Rodgers... named first team All-NorCal Conference and All-California Region I.
Nicholas Rothstein, S, 5-11, 205, FR, HS, Portland, OR (Jesuit HS)
Coach Burton says: “Nick is a guy that committed to us early and we had a real connection with. He dominated the camp circuit. He is a smart guy, tough, he will hit you. I would not be surprised to see him play next year.”
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
Was a first team All-State defensive back... also first team All-Metro League as a quarterback and defensive back... named the Metro co-Offensive Player of the Year... a Rivals.com 3-star recruit... threw for 590 yards and seven touchdowns, and ran for 809 yards and 10 touchdowns as a quarterback.
Kyle Smith, OL, 6-5, 290, FR, HS, Elmira, OR (Elmira HS)
Coach Burton says: “I love guys on the line that are not just great athletes, but are agile and can move. I love wrestlers that play this position.”
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
Lettered three times in football at Elmira High School... named first team All-State as an offensive and defensive lineman at the 4A level... was named the 4A Defensive Player of the Year... first team All-Sky Emerald League as an offensive and defensive lineman... also lettered in wrestling... 2011 4A State Champion and triple crown winner... travels internationally to wrestle.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Matt and Angela Smith... born October 27, 1993... has one brother, Cody, and one sister, Julia... plans to major in Business... hobbies are riding dirt bikes, water sports and camping.
Cam Sommer, TE/DE, 6-4, 220, FR, HS, Milwaukie, OR (Gladstone HS)
Coach Burton says: “Cam is a multifaceted athlete who can help us not only at the defensive end spot as a rush end, but also really made his name as a tight end. He has great hands, can split out as a receiver. It is not necessarily set in stone that he will play defense.”
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
A four-year letterwinner in football and track at Gladstone... was first team All-State as a defensive lineman and a tight end at the Class 4A level... first team All-Tri-Valley League as a defensive lineman and tight end for two seasons, second team as a sophomore... named Defensive Player of the Year as a senior... second team All-State defensive end and tight end as a junior... honor roll student at Gladstone.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Doug and Barbara Sommer... born July 11, 1994... has one brother, Carl, who played defensive end at Portland State (2009-11), and one sister, Stephanie... plans to major in Business... hobbies are weightlifting and video games... would like a career working at NIKE.
Zach Walen, LB, 6-3, 200, FR, HS, Lake Oswego, OR (Lake Oswego HS)
?Coach Burton says: “
Zach Walen is a longer and more physical version of (PSU all-conference LB)
Joel Sisler. He is very smart and he enjoys inflicting a little pain on the football field. It's entertaining to watch his highlights: the way he can run, how long he is, how smart he is. He plays with passion and emotion. Hopefully, he continues to develop physically.”
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football four times at Lake Oswego High School... his team won the state championship in 2011... named second team All-State as a linebacker and a tight end... selected first team All-Three Rivers League as a linebacker and tight end... selected as linebacker MVP at Washington Nike camp in the summer of 2011... also lettered twice in track... chose Portland State over Eastern Washington and Dartmouth.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Mark and Margie Walen... born January 2, 1994... has one sister, Mackenzie... would like to major in Business and own his own business one day... father Mark was a Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year in 1985 at UCLA and went on to play in the NFL.
Chevy Walker, CB/RB, 6-0, 180, FR, HS, Bellevue, WA (Eastside Catholic HS)
Coach Burton says: “Chevy is a guy that can play multiple positions; corner, safety, running back. We are going to try him at corner. He is a long guy that can run, he's sharp, has good ball skills. He will also be a returner.”
PREVIOUS TO PORTLAND STATE
Lettered in football, basketball and track three times each at Eastside Catholic High School... earned first team All-Conference honors as a cornerback and running back... team MVP on offense, defense and special teams... earned Seattle Times Player of the Week Award... as a senior running back, he rushed 124 times for 748 yards and 13 touchdowns... also caught 26 passes for 392 yards and three touchdowns... averaged 27.2 yards as a kick returner... as a junior, he rushed 103 times for 939 yards and 11 touchdowns... caught 22 passes for 352 yards and three scores... chose Portland State over Montana and Idaho.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Son of Chevelle and Erin Walker... born October 6, 1993... has two brothers, Braeden and Bryce, and one sister, Karmen... would like to become a trial lawyer... enjoys being with family and friends, and playing dominoes with his father and grandfather... active off the field, earning three service awards for the Boys and Girls Club, was a youth teen counselor of the year, and has been a counselor at football and basketball camps for four years.
