Portland’s Kayden Dickerson to continue football career at GVSU

Portland High School senior Kayden Dickerson recently committed to join the football program at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) next fall.  Dickerson has been a standout for the Raiders playing three years of varsity football and four years of varsity basketball.  Just a few weeks ago, he broke the PHS basketball record for career rebounds with 559.

On the football field for Portland, Dickerson has been All-Area honorable mention, three time All-Conference, two time All-County, two time MHSFCA First Team All-Region, two time MHSFCA First Team All-State, two time Detroit News All-State honorable mention, two time Lansing State Journal Dream Team.  In his senior season he earned Detroit Free Press First Team All-State and Associated Press First Team All-State.

On the basketball court he was named All-Conference as a sophomore.  During his junior year he averaged 11.7 points and 10 rebounds a game, was named All-Conference, All-County, Michigan Sports Writers and BCAM Honorable Mention All State, and Lansing State Journal Dream Team. When his senior season comes to an end in the next month or so, he is surely to pick up several more honors. 

When asked about his choice of GVSU, Dickerson told the Beacon, “Choosing to attend GVSU felt like the right fit for me on and off the field. The coaching staff made me feel valued not just as a player, but as a person. The culture, the energy around the program and the standard they hold themselves to really stood out to me. I am very excited to compete at the next level while also getting a great education. It just feels like home, and I'm ready to get to work and represent GVSU the right way.”

Dickerson added, “I wouldn't be in this position without the support of so many people. I want to thank all of my coaches over the years from back in Jr. Raiders through High School each have pushed me, believed in me and challenged me to grow every single day. To my teammates, thank you for grinding with me and making me better. And most importantly, thank you to my family for always standing behind me, supporting me through every high and low, and believing in me even when things were tough. This opportunity is a blessing, and I'm grateful for everyone who helped me get here.”

Portland coach John Novara said, “Kayden was a captain of our football team and an incredible player for us these past three years.  Kayden is a physical player with a high motor and has many skills that make him successful.  He was equally as valuable on both offense and defense.  He ended his career with over 3000 yards rushing.  Despite all of Kayden’s skills and accolades, Kayden remained a humble player, hard worker, and a great teammate.  We look forward to seeing him play at GVSU.”

Photo of Dickerson carrying the ball against Lansing Catholic during the 2025 season.