News
http://www.oregonlive.com/vikings/index.ssf/2010/08/with_new_coach_nigel_burton_on.html
Portland State kicked off its first day of preseason football practice on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, and it seemed fitting that the black jerseys of the Jerry Glanville era were nowhere to be seen.
Last season the jerseys provided a visual representation of the sometimes depressing atmosphere at practices as the Vikings struggled to a 2-9 record -- their worst finish in 29 years.
The poor performance led to Glanville's exit and the hiring of Nigel Burton, a former PSU assistant who served as Nevada's defensive coordinator the past two seasons.
Burton, who at 34 is less than half Glanville's age, replaced the black jerseys with the Vikings' traditional green and white jerseys and a more up-tempo, energetic practice.
"It's a whole different feeling,' said junior quarterback Connor Kavanaugh. "It's fun to see Coach Burton running around, slapping people's behinds and high-fiving people. We really feed off it."
Senior defensive end Carl Sommer said the changes have boosted team morale.
"There's a lot of positive energy on this field," he said. "It's really fun to be a part of it, and we look forward to coming out here as a team."
Whether he was running downfield following a play or showing players exactly how he wanted drills done, Burton was obviously enjoying his first practice with his entire team.
"I'm having a blast," he said. "It's the first time I get to not deal with hiring, administration ... it's just fun."
Burton said the first few practices will be used mainly to install "the bread and butter" of his new pistol offense and 4-3 defense.
Playing without pads because of NCAA regulations, players spent most of Sunday rotating through positional stations, but Burton did work in two 15-minute, non-contact scrimmages that matched the offense versus the defense.
The 35-plus plays gave the fans who showed up to watch a glimpse into what figures to be one of the main storylines as camp proceeds: the battle to start at quarterback.
Seniors Tygue Howland, Drew Hubel and Kavanaugh each got about 10 snaps with another five going to redshirt sophomore Nick Green. The Vikings have seven quarterbacks on the roster, including two freshmen.
Burton didn't say if he had a timeline for deciding who will start the season opener Sept. 4 at Arizona State.
Kavanaugh said the competition is good for everyone.
"We're the best of friends," Kavanaugh said. "Obviously Drew and Tygue have shown they can play, so we're just pushing each other. We want to win games here so whoever is the best quarterback is going to play."
There were no spectacular plays during the two brief scrimmages, but over the course of the three-hour practice the quarterbacks hooked up with enough of their targets to prompt Burton to yell that "the offense is killing the defense."
Junior Cory McCaffrey and Washington transfer Willie Griffin both showed flashes at running back.
"A lot of people are going to be surprised by them," Kavanaugh said.
Burton did away with the long conditioning runs Glanville used to end practice. In their place, Burton split the team into smaller position-based teams which competed in a lighthearted game of keep-away similar to ultimate Frisbee but with a football.
Burton said the changes are about developing a new team identity and attitude.
"We have to be able to make sure that our guys understand when they step on the field that champions aren't necessarily about the most talented, and it's not about one moment, it's about consistency," he said. "We've got to be consistent as coaches and they've got to be consistent as players."
Sommer summed up the players' attitude.
"We've been working our butts off all summer and finally get a chance to put it all on the field and come together," he said. "It's what we've been waiting for. It's a good step. It's going to be good film but there's a lot more to learn."
Note: Special teams coordinator Bob Simmons has left the program. A replacement will be announced later this week.
