2015 PORTLAND STATE FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW
Complete Season Preview Release in pdf
2015 Portland State Football Media Guide (pdf)
PROMO VIDEOAugust 3: The Viking Offense
August 4: The Viking Defense
August 5: Viking Special Teams
August 6: The Schedule/Challenges For 2015
August 7: Final Preparation/Complete Practice Schedule

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See Bruce Barnum on KPTV Oregon Sports Final this Sunday at 11 p.m.

THE VIKING OFFENSE
Portland State's offense has churned out big numbers over the past five seasons under then offensive coordinator and now Head Coach Bruce Barnum. The Vikings saw their total offense numbers grow for four straight seasons before a small step back in that category in 2014. In fact, Barnum was able to improve the Viking offense by nearly 200 yards per game from the season prior to his arrival through the next four years. The Vikings went from 355.2 yards per game (2009) to a school-record 540.5 yards per game (2013), while also increasing the scoring totals each season (from 232 points to 419).
 
PSU's running game, with an emphasis on The Pistol scheme, has racked up a remarkable 200+ yards per game for five straight seasons. The last four years rank as the top four rushing seasons in school history by yards per game (277.5 in 2013, 247.8 in 2011, 216.5 in 2012, 208.3 in 2014).
 
Last year, the Vikings took a step back in the numbers game, but still averaged a very respectable 409.0 yards and 24.2 points on offense. Those numbers were hindered by 26 turnovers on the season – an area Barnum and his offensive staff plan to clean up in 2015.
 
The experience is there on offense. Barnum brings back 29 letterwinners on the offensive side of the ball, six of whom were full-time starters in 2014, and a total of 12 that have started games. Three quarterbacks (Kieran McDonagh, Paris Penn, Josh Kraght) have seen significant playing time under center, while seven players among a stable of running backs have lettered (led by Steven Long and Nate Tago). The Vikings also bring back eight wide receivers that have lettered, including starters Thomas Carter and Alex Toureen.
 
Another dynamic offense behind a rugged offensive line is expected and needed in a Big Sky Conference again loaded with explosive scoring teams in 2015.
 
Portland State returns six offensive starters, having lost center Cornelius Edison, left guard James Seuma'ala, wide receiver Kasey Closs, tight end Tyson Heller and running back Shaquille Richard. The Vikings don't lack experience at any one position, but looked for help at tight end and receiver in the off-season. Spirited battles for playing time at quarterback and running back should highlight pre-season practices.
     
Barnum will run a West Coast style offense with elements of the Pistol, looking similar to recent seasons.
     
"We started with a direct connection to Nevada's Pistol offense," said Barnum, referring to his first season as offensive coordinator in 2010. "But, all we are looking for is production. We are still going to run the football. You have to run to win and you have to play tough-ass defense. But I like where our system is going as far as having an answer to every situation. Every third-and-five play, and every third-and-12 play… we have some new ideas that won't always put the offensive line in some stress and have to block for four seconds, five seconds at a time.
     
"We have taken some of the tempo things that are out there and applied them here. And you know what? They look pretty good on us. In the right spot we will be productive. I don't think we were ready for that two or three years ago but we have matured and we are now. I like where we are."
 
Here is a breakdown of Portland State's offensive positions.
 
QUARTERBACK
      As it has been in recent seasons, the battle to start at quarterback should be the most intriguing of all the position battles. The one thing all of the Viking quarterbacks bring to the table is an ability to run with the football as well as throw.
      It starts with SR Kieran McDonagh (6-2, 230) who has been the starter in 29 of 35 games over the last three seasons. McDonagh has 6,894 yards of total offense in his career - fifth-most in school history. With a great arm and power running ability, McDonagh will likely be the top candidate going into camp.
      "We have four guys who can win in the Big Sky right now," said Barnum. "Obviously, Kieran McDonagh has the most experience in this conference, knowing the speed and how the game can change on game day, and being ready for a tweak. His decision-making will determine whether he is the guy coming out of the box. He has to be the favorite because of what he has done so far for this team."
      Meanwhile, JR Paris Penn (6-1, 215) proved his running brilliance in last year's season opener at Oregon State with 112 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Penn's problem has been staying healthy, as he competed in only five games last year. His speed and athleticism make him an interesting prospect for Barnum, depending on how he wants to gear the offense.
      "Paris Penn, barring injuries, could very well have been the starter the last two years. He is one of the most dynamic athletes on this football team, but we have to keep him healthy." said Barnum.
      SO Josh Kraght (6-0, 195) raised some eyebrows late in 2014, starting the final three games after some ineffective play by McDonagh. Kraght threw for 218 yards and rushed for 96 yards without a turnover in his debut against 15th-ranked Montana State. Like the two upperclassmen, Kraght is a strong run-pass combo under center.
      "Josh is a leader and has some starts under his belt. He just gets its done," said Barnum. "He is one guy you look at and say, 'oh he's a little short, his arm is maybe not that strong,' but he is productive. I saw his production continue to increase through spring football."
      RS FR Aidan Wilder (6-0, 190) was the Scout Team Player of the Year for the Vikings in 2014. He figures to compete for playing time in the future, but may be a year or two away from contributing.
      Adding additional intrigue to the quarterback battle is junior college signee Alex Kuresa (6-0, 190). Last year at Snow JC, Kuresa threw for 2,374 yards, 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions while rushing for 592 yards and eight touchdowns. In high school at Mountain Crest in Utah, he passed for nearly 11,000 yards and 101 touchdowns.
      "Alex Kuresa is the dark horse. He does not know the entire offense right now but he is a football player," said Barnum. "He has played a lot of football and won a lot of games. We saw sparks of 'wow, did you see that?' "did he really do that?" He needs to get the guys to trust him to make the right plays. That will make his transition easier, and he has been working on it over the summer."
      Freshmen signees Jonathan Boland (5-11, 190) and Thomas Hamilton (6-3, 220) are likely to redshirt, but may get opportunities at other positions as strong overall athletes.
 
RUNNING BACKS
      Portland State seems to turn out great running backs year after year. In 2014, the Vikings shared the wealth with Shaquille Richard leading the way (688 yards, 3 TDs), followed by Steven Long (605 yards, 2 TDs), Nate Tago (354 yards, 3 TDs) and the three quarterbacks combined (614 yards, 8 TDs). Will it remain running back by committee in 2015, or will someone break out of the pack like DJ Adams in 2013 (1,600 yards, 19 TDs)?
      With Richards gone, the diminutive Long (SO, 5-7, 180) is the top returner. His elusiveness and burst make him a tough one to tackle. Just ask the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks whom Long gouged for 253 yards and a touchdown, including three runs of 60+ yards, on only 16 carries last season.
      "Long showed why he got touches. He is dynamic at times, but his consistency has to improve. He can't be great this Saturday, but not next Saturday. We know what his potential is," said Barnum.
      Providing a contrast to Long is JR Nate Tago (TONG-go, 5-11, 215). More of bruising runner, Tago also has great speed and has been the Vikings top kick returner the past two seasons.
      "I really like how he matured through last spring. We are now getting more consistency out of him," said Barnum.
      Those two would make a great one-two punch, but there are other Vikings who will contend to play. SO Rey Vega (5-10, 195) saw limited time in 2014 but is a dynamic runner ready to pick up the carries available by Richards' departure.
      "Rey Vega has to make sure this fall that he is full devoted to football. He is not there yet, but he is closer. He is not ready yet to get a major amount of carries in a game. He is just a spell guy," said Barnum.
      Junior college transfer Za'Quan Summers (5-9, 175) will compete for carries as well. Summers was as effective as a pass catcher as he was a runner at Scottsdale CC. He totaled 2,422 yards and 23 touchdowns in two seasons.
      "Za'Quan is a nice addition. We brought him in for a reason and we saw it in the spring. He is fast and shifty," Barnum said. "He adds a different person to tackle. Nate Tago is going to run you over. Steven Long is going to make you miss consistently. ZaQuan Summers is going to make you miss and run by you."
      Adding another twist at running back is SR David Jones (6-1, 205). A high school quarterback, who spent a lot of time running out of the backfield, Jones has played three seasons at wide receiver for the Vikings. He has moved to the backfield this year with the speed and size to make an impact.
      "David Jones is going to be one of the most interesting and, I think, most profitable moves we have made, switching him to running back," said Barnum. "We have found a way to get the ball in his hands, something we couldn't do enough when he was at receiver. He is now comfortable with the role of coming out of the backfield. He can stick his foot in the ground and run by people."
      Portland State also returns JRs Zack Dwyer (5-10, 200) and Rochon Taylor (5-7, 170) and SO Mitchell Thompson (5-7, 170) at running back. Freshmen signees Carlos Martin (5-11, 200) and Chase Morrison (5-10, 190) are the backfield future for the Vikings.
 
TIGHT ENDS
      Coach Barnum figures to employ his tight ends more in 2015 with a slight shift to a West Coast style offense. However, health and depth are a major concern going into fall camp.
      "We need someone on the field consistently. Either they are hurt or they are new. It is a banged up position for us. The two Cams have been injured and (were) not on the field in the spring." said Barnum.
      The two Cams are Sommer and Thompson - the respective starters the past two seasons.
      JR Cam Sommer (6-3, 240), the 2014 starter prior to a shoulder injury, returns and should play an important role in the offense. Sommer caught 11 passes for 121 yards in five games as a sophomore.
      A big addition to the program will actually be a return. SR Cameron Thompson (6-5, 240) returns to the program after not playing in 2014. Thompson lettered in 2012 and 2013. He was a starter in all 11 games in '13 (8-138-0).
      Moving over to tight end will be SR Dame Ndiaye (6-4, 235), who played in 21 games at defensive end the past two years. Ndiaye played tight end in high school and one season at Arizona.
      "Dame Ndiaye will be a contributor in the fall with his ability to block," said Barnum. "He was phenomenal at times in the spring. He still needs to work on his receiving."
      Barnum sees junior transfer Jon Buffington as a great addition for team depth, but he also missed time in the spring. RS FR Josh Brown (6-5, 235) has a chance to be a player in the offense as well. Brown has gotten stronger and more knowledgeable after a redshirt season.
      Freshman signee Charlie Taumoepeau (6-3, 265) has been tabbed to get into the mix at tight end after playing a variety of positions in high school. With his size, he may have a chance to contribute right away.
 
WIDE RECEIVERS
      Portland State has 13 players back listed as wide receivers. There is a lot of experience, but none of the returnees has yet established himself as a go-to guy. SRs Alex Toureen (6-0, 180) and Thomas Carter III (5-10, 185) and JR Darnell Adams (6-2, 195) combined for 98 receptions and six touchdowns last year. Their productivity and leadership will be counted on as the reception leader the last two seasons, Kasey Closs (105-1,705-12), has graduated. Carter and Toureen will be fourth-year players with 104 and 56 career receptions, respectively.
      SO Stevie Coury (5-10, 160) looks like another player ready to step forward after coming on later last season. Other experienced players include JRs Jamarr Graves (6-3, 205) and Trevor Dye (6-2, 200), and SOs Anthony Jenkins (6-1, 175) and Austin Baird (5-11, 190).
      "I like our depth at wide receiver. We don't have a superstar, but a lot of great route runners," said Barnum. "We have enough guys to make every play we can ask of them. They understand the concept of the package. They are a tough, physical, in-shape group that will wear you out."
      Christopher Gilchrist (6-4, 195) was added on signing day to provide the bigger outside receiver the Vikings have been looking for. Another newcomer expected to contribute right away is Trent Riley (6-1, 200), a transfer from UNLV. Riley is a versatile player who can play wide receiver, slot, tight end and U-back. He took on a primary role in the offense during spring football.
      "Trent is a go-over-the-middle guy. We didn't consistently have that last year," said Barnum.
      SO scout team members Justin Calo and Nick Moran are also back to lend depth at the position.
 
OFFENSIVE LINE
      The most consistent and perhaps most productive position group for the Portland State Vikings the past several years has been the offensive line. Behind the front five, the Vikings have rushed for more than 2,000 yards each of the last five seasons (3,000+ in 2013!). The line allowed only 10 sacks on 423 passes last season, and 35 over the last four seasons (46 games) while throwing 1,410 passes.
      Every year a lineman or two graduates and every year Portland State is able to plug in a new, talented blocker. That will have to be the case again in 2015 as Rimington Award winner Cornelius Edison has vacated the center position, and left guard James Seuma'ala has also graduated.
      The good news is the return of third-year starters Kyle Smith (LT, 6-5, 310) and Cam Keizur (RG, 6-4, 320), both juniors, and SR Mike Davis (6-4, 275) who was a starter at right tackle in 2014. Smith and Keizur were both honorable mention All-Big Sky Conference choices.
      "We start with three really solid Big Sky guys. The other two spots are up in the air," said Barnum. "There will be a battle through fall camp of who will play those spots. There are some question marks, but we do have some guys who are ready to come in with Chad Bach (SO, 6-3, 290), Randin Crecelius (SO, 6-5, 295), and Justin Outslay (SO, 6-5, 305)."
      Other candidates to step into the starting lineup are JR Josh Hanson (6-7, 290) and Desmoun Thompson (6-7, 305). Hanson has two years experience on the line as a backup. Thompson has the size, but is transitioning from another position and will continue to develop with more experience.
      Adding to the tremendous depth on the line are redshirt returners Peter Fisherkeller (6-5, 280), Alex Sirois (6-5, 330), Austin Powell (6-4, 275) and Garrett Stauffer (6-4, 270).

VIKING FOOTBALL TICKETS ARE ON SALE: Season and single-game tickets are now on sale for Portland State Football. Season tickets range from $60 to $100 each. Single-game tickets range from $20 to $69. Students and B-Mart section tickets are $10 each. Kids 14 and under are $5. Special group pricing and "Montana-Pack" tickets are also available. Visit www.GoViks.com of call 1-888-VIK-TIKS for all details and pricing.

2015 FALL CAMP PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Aug. 10    4-7 p.m.; media availability beginning at 3 p.m.
Aug. 11    9-11 a.m.
Aug. 12    9-11 a.m.
Aug. 13    9-11 a.m.
Aug. 14    9-11 a.m.
Aug. 15    9-11 a.m.
Aug. 16    Off Day