Talalemotu poised to start for Vikings

The CNMI’s Savali Talalemotu is likely to make it to the starting unit of Portland State University and is dedicating the Vikings’ season opener to Saipan.

In a report written by Nate Bynum for KATU Sports, the reporter said PSU head coach Bruce Barnum has seen significant improvement from Talalemotu since he suited up for the Vikings in 2013.

“He immediately made an impact at PSU, starting four games last season. He’s anchoring a defensive line that’s the strength of PSU’s team. He’ll likely be a starter this year,” Bynum said in his report.

The Vikings will play its first game of the season on Sept. 5 against Washington State in Pullman and in a separate message sent to Saipan Tribune yesterday, Talalemotu said he is looking forward to their first match.

Savali Talalemotu, right, in action during a preseason game with Portland State University last year. (Contributed Photo)

“We are halfway through camp and so far it looks like I have a good chance to start. I started the last four games last year, but you never know,” he said.

Talalemotu, who used to play basketball and football for Beaverton High School and won third team All-Metro League honors as a defensive end, added he will have his family and the victims of Typhoon Soudelor on his mind when they collide against Washington State.

“I just want to say to all the people back home and all my family that I’m doing this for them. I wish I could be home to help everyone but I can’t. I will be thinking of you all on Sept. 5 when we play against Washington State. I’m going to play for you all so just watch,” the 22-year-old player said.

The son of Fa’aea Talalemotu and Tamara Hunter will be playing in his junior year for the Vikings. He red-shirted for PSU in 2012 before playing his rookie year in 2013 where he served as a backup defensive end and recorded 15 tackles in the season and two tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Last year, he started out at defensive tackle but later moved back to defensive end where he earned praises from the Vikings’ coaching staff. The 6-foot-3 player had four starts in 11 games and totaled 28 tackles, five tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks—which was tied for the team lead. He played his best game against Sacramento State last season, making 10 tackles and one sack. The former Kagman High School basketball player also had a notable performance against Idaho State after registering eight tackles and 2.5 sacks and forcing a fumble.

Despite these accomplishments, Bynum said Talalemotu remained grounded.

“I’m just playing, trying to get better,” Talalemotu was quoted as saying in an interview with Bynum.

After their opener versus Washington State, Talalemotu and company’s next matches are against Idaho State on Sept. 12, Western Oregon on Sept. 26, North Dakota on Oct. 3, North Texas on Oct. 10, Montano State on Oct. 17, Cal Poly on Oct. 24, Montano on Oct. 31, Northern Colorado on Nov. 7, Southern Utah on Nov. 14, and Eastern Washington on Nov. 21.

The Vikings are in NCAA Division I’s Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and members of the Big Sky Conference. They hold their home games at Providence Park.