The Portland State Vikings football team entered its second week of spring practice in full pads, with first-year Head Coach Chris Fisk saying on April 14 that the team is progressing ahead of schedule. The practices mark an important phase for a program featuring many newcomers and a new coaching staff.
The shift to padded practices allowed the Vikings to conduct offense versus defense scenarios at thud tempo, which simulates game conditions without full tackling. “It looks like football,” said Chris Fisk. “We had our first set of real football situations and I would say we are a little bit ahead of schedule in that way. We aren’t just chasing first- and second-down plays, and trying to teach them how to play. We were able to get into some third-down situations and do some stuff. We are excited about where our football team is heading and we are elevating to the right spot.”
Fisk also said he was pleased with how players have adjusted to new offensive and defensive schemes introduced by his staff since taking over in December. “The effort has been consistent. We have had really good effort through four practices. As long as we have the effort and attitude that we have had we will continue to go in the right trajectory,” he said.
Looking ahead, Fisk noted that Saturday’s practice will feature live drills, including two live team sessions with tackling for the first time this spring: “Saturday, during practice, we will have some live drills and at least two live team sessions and get our first tackling in. We will find out what kind of team we are on Saturday.” The team’s first full scrimmage is scheduled for May 2 at Kiggins Bowl in Vancouver.
In roster updates, defensive tackle Javon Taylor from Golden West College has signed with Portland State for the upcoming season after playing two years for his previous school. Since December, Fisk’s staff has added 53 new players—28 freshmen and 25 transfers—to a squad returning 50 players from last year’s roster.
Spring practice continues through early May at Stott Community Field, concluding with a Spring Football Game on May 9.
