The Portland State Vikings football team began its second week of spring practice in full pads, signaling a new phase for the program under first-year Head Coach Chris Fisk, according to an April 14 update. The team is adjusting to a roster filled with newcomers and operating under new offensive and defensive schemes.
Spring practice is important for building cohesion among players and coaches, especially with so many changes in personnel. Fisk said the team has already started working on real football situations beyond just basic drills. “It looks like football,” Fisk said. “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 commented on the team’s progress adapting to new systems: “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.
The Vikings plan more live contact during Saturday’s practice, which will include tackling drills but not a full scrimmage yet; their first full scrimmage is scheduled for May 2 at Kiggins Bowl in Vancouver.
“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,” Fisk said.
In other developments, defensive tackle Javon Taylor from Golden West College has signed with Portland State for the upcoming season, becoming the 53rd newcomer since December when Fisk took over as head coach.
