The familiar crash of helmets and bodies that signals the return of football could once again be heard around the Stott Community Field last Friday morning as the Portland State football team held 45 minutes of rough and tumble practice at the conclusion of one of their spring practice sessions.
Several key game scenarios were carried out with seemingly every player getting a shot at demonstrating his ability after two weeks of spring football. Included in that group were the four quarterbacks, who each took snaps during the mini-scrimmage.
Likely starting quarterback Drew Hubel, a junior, looks ready to take the reigns of an offense that heavily favors the spread formation. “We’re doing really well on offense,” Hubel said.
Hubel said that he felt reassured of the progress that the team has made so far because of the presence of veteran players at every position and the ability of the incoming players to click with the incumbent team.
Quarterback Connor Kavanaugh, an alumnus of local Lincoln High School, took advantage of the snaps he received. Though slightly undersized, he showed quick thinking when the pocket dissolved and displayed the mobility that makes him a valued backup at a difficult position.
Sophomore wide receiver Zach Todd was a popular target on long yardage situations. A running back in high school, his great speed after the catch and ability to elude defenders make him a valued commodity for the complex and often high-scoring offense.
Daniel Wolverton, a starting wide receiver from last year, exhibits strong, sure hands and may become a go-to guy for Hubel in pressure situations.
Though it is early in the season and there is certainly ample time to make necessary corrections, the group of receivers had a difficult time handling passes on Friday.
Senior running back Bobby McClintock looked like a wrecking ball as he barreled his way through the attacking defense. Although stocky, McClintock seems to possess an uncanny ability to find cutback lanes and has great field awareness. These qualities, as well as his ability as a blocker, should serve the team well next season.
Head coach Jerry Glanville feels that the offense is getting better, though he will not go so far as to say he is impressed. Impressed, he explains, is a term used so much it has lost all of the weight it is intended to carry.
However, he has made it clear he would like nothing more than for his team to “impress” him. And he wants more of his offensive line to play mean, and not as if they’re trying to make friends.
Having a contact practice has been a luxury that the team has not been able to afford prior to this season. By this time last year, there were only five offensive linemen on the roster and an injury to one would have delayed practice.
This season, the Vikings have 14 offensive linemen and will have several more join the team in the fall. Hubel said that the contact practices are good because they are fun and increase the level of competition. “They also provide a valuable experience to incoming players who get to see ‘live looks’ before the season begins,” Hubel said.
Hubel and Glanville both seemed optimistic about the team’s progression despite posting disappointing losing records the last two years. “Losing seasons are frustrating,” Hubel said. “For us and for PSU.”