The Oregon State football team concluded the first week of training camp Saturday night. The Beavers are off Sunday and then hit the field for another double-day Monday.
So here are some of my impressions of the offense after one week. Please feel free to discuss.
Defense impressions will come later. If you noticed with the coverage in the GT I’ve been making my rounds around the offense. This week will be the defense.
Quarterback
Sean Canfield continues to be smooth. I remember two years ago QB coach Danny Langsdorf would yell at him, and Lyle Moevao, a lot about their mistakes. That’s not happening now.
Ryan Katz still dazzles with a strong arm. He’s not as consistent as Canfield, yet, but you can see it coming along.
Peter Lalich is sort of in Canfield’s position two years ago. Langsdorf is on him a bit for decisions. But he makes some pretty throws.
Running back
Jacquizz Rodgers is as expected. He’s being worked hard as a receiver. This started in spring. Coach Mike Riley said it’s because he didn’t force too many passes on a true freshman, but might use him out of the backfield more as a sophomore.
Jovan Stevenson maintains his lead on Ashton Jefferson for the No. 2 spot. Both say it’s the pass blocking concepts they have the most trouble with.
Receivers
James Rodgers keeps making stellar plays. Darrell Catchings has been kind of quiet in that regard, but he has been steady, except for a stretch Wednesday.
Beyond them Casey Kjos, Micah Hatfield, Jordan Bishop, Markus Wheaton and Kevan Walker have show flashes of brilliance.
The line
Well, the tackles typically have a rough time with the defense’s speed. The interior is solid with C Alex Linnenkohl, G Gregg Peat and G Ryan Pohl. Walk-on Grant Johnson is making noise for playing time at either LT or LG.
“I’m excited about this group,” OL coach Mike Cavanaugh said. “We have a lot good young kids who will be for us down the road.”
A blog poster asked for depth charts. So here they are after a week. As always, they change.
OFFENSE
QB: Sean Canfield, Ryan Katz
RB: Jacquizz Rodgers, Jovan Stevenson
SE: Darrell Catchings, Damola Adeniji UPDATE: Wheaton, Adeniji, Munoz
Fl: James Rodgers, Markus Wheaton UPDATE: Adeniji
SB: Casey Kjos, Jordan Bishop
TE: TBA between Howard Croom, Joe Halahuni, John Reese and Brady Camp
LT: Grant Johnson, Michael Philipp
LG: Ryan Pohl, Michael Lamb
C: Alex Linnenkohl, Johnson
RG: Gregg Peat, Ellis Burke
RT: Mike Remmers, Colin Kelly
DEFENSE
DE: Ben Terry, Matt LaGrone
DT: Latu Moala, Mitchel Hunt
DT: Stephen Paea, Brennan Olander
DE: Kevin Frahm, Gabe Miller
OLB: Kevin Pankey/Dwight Roberson, Kameron Krebs/Zane Norris
MLB: David Pa’aluhi, Walker Vave
OLB: Keaton Kristick, Keo Camat
CB: Tim Clark, Brandon Hardin
S: Lance Mitchell or Cameron Collins
S: Suaesi Tuimaunei, Josh LaGrone
CB: James Dockery, Patrick Henderson
7 comments
angrybeaver says:
Aug 16, 2009
Our depth at LB is so thin. Tony Wilson going down was a huge blow.
http://angrybeavers.wordpress.com
Brandon99 says:
Aug 16, 2009
Cliff, do you think Wheaton will redshirt, or does he look like he can contribute on special teams and as a backup this year?
How has Adeniji looked in camp (haven't been to fall camp this year)? There were times in practice last year that he looked like an extremely viable option in the red zone…
Cliff Kirkpatrick says:
Aug 16, 2009
The way they are working Wheaton when James Rodgers is not in there, it appears they are seriously considering him to play. However, it would probably depend if he can return punts or kicks, or at least do a lot on special teams.
Adeniji has looked very good at times. He’s the backup SE and working in at flanker. He could get some playing opportunities.
73GradMike says:
Aug 17, 2009
Thanx for the updates, Cliff. Getting your comments makes it easier to wait for the season to begin.
As for the offense, I sure hope coach Cav can work his magic with the young tackles. Then, of course, we need some good fortune with getting and remaining healthy.
I'm looking forward to your updates on the defense this week.
Go Beavs!
mxpx5678 says:
Aug 17, 2009
Looking pretty good, i think the depth chart has filled out nicely.
Thanks again for posting it, makes things a lot clearer for me.
RenoNVBeavr says:
Aug 17, 2009
Cliff – Great assessment of the offense. How does Jovan look in comparison to Jefferson? How are there running styles in comparison and do you see either of these guys as an upgrade to McCants? Also, what do you speculate Riley will do against PSU in terms of the starters? Will Katz or Lalich see signifcant playing time (if the Beavs are in a comfortable lead)?
ckirkpatrick says:
Aug 17, 2009
Jovan runs a little more confident because he's been here longer. Jovan makes quick moves. Jefferson is a little more of a power back. McCants is bigger than both, but Jefferson has the potential to be just as thick. Jovan looks like he can break some long runs.
Katz should/would play against PSU if there's a blowout.
Lalich has to find out what his status is – 3 to play 2 or 3 to play 3 – first. If it's the first option he'll redshirt. If it's 3-for-3, he may play.
And the overall starters question, I'm sure a lot of people will play, if there's a blowout.