Cliff Kirkpatrick

First, here’s a link to my main story in Sunday’s GT on how the defense dominated the Oregon State football team’s scrimmage Saturday afternoon. Here’s a link to the notebook, leading off with the backup RB situation.

For a video interview with QB Sean Canfield after the scrimmage and all the stats, check out my previous blog.

In the wake of the strong defensive performance it’s a good time to review how the defense performed the first two weeks of training camp.

 

The defensive line resting before a big day.

What the defensive players accomplished Saturday wasn’t a flash in the pan. They’ve been doing that on a regular basis.

 

Yes, I’ve pointed out that the QBs have done a good job hitting the long ball and WRs have good hands. However, the pass rush has been there and would have stopped many of the plays.

 

Defensive line

The top four ends are going to have a lot of success. They are fast, strong and aggressive. I see them applying heavy pressure on QBs day in and day out.

 

The tackles are strong and quick. Stephen Paea is a terror. A deep rotation will keep them rested to pound the O-line at full speed.

 

How this group plays will make the difference in the season.

 

Linebackers

This mostly veteran group should perform just as past groups. There are four standouts for the three positions. They should contain most of what the line doesn’t get to.

 There was a heavy pass rush Saturday afternoon.

The secondary

The big worry doesn’t appear to be as big a worry when charting the development. I know, opponents will be more difficult than teammates. However, the defensive backs won’t be overmatched.

 

Tim Clark should be a shut down CB. James Dockery appears to be the other CB, but Patrick Henderson and Brandon Hardin are just as competent.

 

As for the safeties, Suaesi Tuimaunei, Cameron Collins and Lance Mitchell can handle the job. They are playing faster each day.

 

Bottom line

Paea and LB Keaton Kristick are the known commodities. There’s unproven talent throughout the lineup. However, my prediction is there will be know commodities by the end of the season.

 

OSU has its system in place and the players are being developed. While on paper it’s a rebuilding year on defense that won’t last long.

 

Injuries on the offensive side of the ball makes that area the big question mark now. A true freshman is starting at LT, a walk-on is a potential starter at LG, a walk-on is the temporary starting SE and if RB Jacquizz Rodgers goes down, remember the Sun Bowl.

 

With that here’s the projected depth chart at this point. Of course, it will change in a week.

DE: Ben Terry, Gabe Miller

DT: Stephen Paea, Brennan Olander

DT: Latu Moala, Mitchel Hunt

DE: Kevin Frahm, Matt LaGrone

OLB: Kevin Pankey, Dwight Roberson

MLB: David Pa’aluhi, Walker Vave

OLB: Keaton Kristick, Keo Camat

CB: Tim Clark, Brandon Hardin

S: Suaesi Tuiameni, Josh LaGrone

S: Lance Mitchell or Cameron Collins

CB: James Dockery, Patrick Henderson

Punter Johnny Hekker sets up the team for a big boot.

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Related posts:

1. Cliff: Beavers defensive perspective
2. Pac-10 review, ASU
3. Pac-10 review, UW
4. Pac-10 review, Stanford
5. Spring Pac-10 review