Following National Letter of Intent Signing Day, Portland State Athletics has acquired some fresh talent.
Recruiting five student athletes from high school, five from junior college and three transfers, PSU football has bolted up its roster for the spring season. Recruiters have scouted these athletes from local high schools to out-of-state schools, searching for future Vikings to represent PSU.
Standing out among the recruiting class of 13 athletes is quarterback Alex Kuresa. He hails from Utah and started his college career as a wide receiver at BYU. Initially catching the attention of talent scouts during high school, Kuresa threw 101 touchdown passes and amassed nearly 13,000 yards as a high school student.
Head Coach Bruce Barnum has expressed his thoughts about Kuresa on GoViks.com, stating, “The only kid I ever saw with a 39-and-a-half minute highlight video.”
Kuresa’s versatility is what makes him valuable in Barnum’s eyes.
“[Kuresa] is another guy who can play multiple positions,” Barnum said.
Perhaps versatility is a good start to turning this team around. Viking football is coming off a losing season this past fall. Averaging 24.2 points per game and closing out the season with a record of 3-12, the team isn’t providing fans with much to cheer for. The empty stands and lackluster sideline performances seem to affirm the team’s mantra of “We all we got.”
The lack of wide fan support must also contribute to the frustrations of the athletes. While PSU isn’t exactly a football school, the student body would like to stand behind a team that represents excellence. We have not seen that in our football program, but we remain hopeful.
National Letter of Intent Signing Day has provided Viking football with an opportunity. The spring season will show whether the team can capitalize on the efforts of their recruiters. These 13 athletes, these proud future Vikings, have a chance to show the school and the city what they signed on for.
2015 PSU Football Signees
As posted on GoViks.com
High School
Jonathan Boland
QB, 5-11, 190, FR, Portland, OR (Parkrose HS)
Thomas Hamilton
QB, 6-3, 220, FR, Baker City, OR (Oregon City HS)
Carlos Martin
RB, 5-11 200, FR, La Habra, CA (La Habra HS)
Chase Morrison
RB, 5-10, 190, FR, Portland, OR (Jesuit HS)
Charlie Taumopeau
TE, 6-3, 265, FR, Federal Way, WA (Federal Way HS)
Junior College
Casey Eyman
P, 6-1, 195, JR, Anaheim, CA, (Cypress HS/Fullerton College)
Christopher Gilchrist
WR, 6-4, 195, JR Altadena, CA (Charter Oaks HS/Mt.SAC)
Mosa Likio
LB, 5-11, 240, JR, San Mateo, CA (Wilcox HS/C. of San Mateo)
Za’Quan Summers
RB, 5-9, 175, JR, Alexandria, VA (Williams HS/Scottsdale CC)
Austin Wolff
LB, 6-1, 225, JR, San Diego, CA (Fallbrook HS/Palomar College)
Transfers
Tyler Foreman
S, 6-1, 195, SO, Pasadena, CA (Crespi HS/UCLA)
John Jackson
DT, 6-2, 270, FR, Tucson, AZ (Canyon Del Oro HS/Wyomi ng)
Trent Riley
WR, 6-1 205, SO North Bend, WA (Mount Si HS/UNLV)
*(High school recruits will not compete in spring)
