POCATELLO, Idaho- Portland State football coach Nigel Burton has transformed the football program in two years. In his first year in 2010 the Vikings went 2-9 and a year later Portland State came back with a 7-4 record and a 5-3 mark in Big Sky Conference play.
This year Idaho State plays at Jeld-Wen Field at 5:05 (PT) in Portland. Last year ISU lost 42-35 to Portland State in Pocatello. The Bengals lead the series 22-14-1.
The 7-4 record was the programs first winning season since 2006 and this year the Vikings return 13 starters on both sides of the ball. Lost on the offensive side of the ball is quarterback Connor Kavanaugh and running back Cory McCaffrey. The defense lost seven starters but return a solid group of linebackers.
Here is a closer look at the 2012 Viking football team.
Offense
The quarterback position will be filled by either Josh Milhollin (6-4, 195, sophomore), redshirt freshman Thomas Carter and a pair of freshman Paris Pen and Keiran McDonagh. Also in the mix for the starting position is Butte Junior College transfer Collin Ramirez.
The program is very high on its receiving corp. in 2012 led by Justin Monahan, who had 707 yards and six touchdowns in 2011. Senior Nevin Lewis is also expected to contribute after catching 22 balls for 337 yards and two touchdowns last year. At running back, Shaquille Richard is the most experienced returnee as he rushed for 384 yards in 2011. Other newcomers looking to figure into the rotation in 2012 are DJ Adams and Steven Long. Adams is a transfer from Maryland.
The offensive line returns four starters from last year led by Kyle Ritt (6-2,290), Mitch Gaulke (6-2, 285), Mitchell Van Dyk (6-9, 290) and Joey Esposito (6-4, 300).
Defense
The Vikings return a solid group of experienced linebackers led by Ian Sluss and Joel Sisler at the outside position. Sophomore Corey Crowder and redshirt freshmen Dennis Taylor and Kawika Stant are ready to figure into the rotation.
Portland State is looking to fill some holes on the defensive line and in the secondary.
Special Teams
All-American kicker Zach Brown returns for his senior season after making 24-for-27 field goals in 2011. Portland State's special team's unit in 2011 blocked nine kicks, seven punt and two field goals and recovered four kickoff, both onside and pooch while converting two fake punt attempts and stopping two fake punts.
