Cliff Kirkpatrick

The above video is of Oregon State senior WR Damola Adeniji talking with the media this week about his story and the season opener this Saturday against Portland State .

To read all about his journey to this point, here’s a link to my Thursday story in the GT. Another link of interest is my oddball Q&A with QB Sean Canfield. These ran in the Game Day special section before, but due to less space it’s running on Thursdays in the daily. To promo the Q&A, here’s a link to a photo of Canfield’s guilty pleasure.

Adeniji will play a big role for the Beavers the next two weeks as the starting split end, which is the go-to receiver in the offense. He replaces the injured Darrell Catchings (wrist).

His story is interesting because he’s walk-on and almost didn’t go to college out of South Eugene High. And he almost didn’t go to a four-year school after two years at a JC. So, you can hear the emotion in the video.

Also, check out the highlights of Adeniji’s big game. He scored two TDs against Washington State last year. He blocked a punt and recovered it for a scored. Then caught a long pass from QB Sean Canfield.

Watch for Hardin
Sophomore CB Brandon Hardin will be a key special teams player for the second year, and be mixed in at his regular position this season. His biggest hit so far was against Cal on a punt defense play. Check out the video below.

His physical development has impressed coaches and players. CB Patrick Henderson said he wished he had a body of a Greek god like Hardin’s.

Hardin was recruited out of Kamehameha High in Hawaii as a speedy 185-pounder. He arrived at 190 and now he’s 215. So he worked at it, too.

“The biggest thing was finding the balance between size and speed,” Hardin said. “So far, I’ve gotten faster since I’ve come here. I’ve kept it up and gained strength.”

Riley on Poyer
S Jordan Poyer is one of true freshmen who will play this season. Coach Mike Riley expounded on him this week, saying that he wanted to keep all his freshmen recruits together and redshirt them but Poyer was too good not to play.

He compared his hitting ability to Al Afalava’s and game intelligence to Mitch Meeuwsen’s. All that’s missing is physical maturity and game and experience, and Poyer could be one of the best in an OSU uniform.

For the full list of true freshmen who will play this year, check out the second note in my Wednesday notebook right here.

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