Cliff: Signing day fallout Comments
Here’s a link to my story in Thursday’s GT on the Oregon State football team’s recruiting class.
Coach Mike Riley talked about key players, the recruiting process and plans for some of them. Check out more video clips from Tuesday’s press conference.
The following are more comments from Riley about various players that didn’t fit into the story.
On LB Shaydon Akuna
“We are very excited about Shaydon. He was a highly-regarded player. He was easily identifiable by Mark Banker. He came on an in-season visit. We went through the whole process to home visit. It was a great process. It was a family process. We spent a long time with the family. Through the process and alternatives they had, they picked the Beavers and we are excited.
How do you see using him?
“He’s a perfect fit for an outside linebacker for what we do. He ’s a terrific athlete with good size and potential for more growth.”
On DE Mana Tuivailala
“Mana Tuivailala is a guy from Seaside High School (on coastal California). It’s a great area but not easy to get to. Bruce Reed found him. We had a good evaluation process with our other assistants watching him. We really like this kids’ potential. He’s a big, a good athlete. He’s rather raw. He fits a perfect need for us in the defensive line. Mana will be a mystery man but I’m excited about his potential. We got a good one there.”
On LB Michael Bibbee
“Michael Bibbee is a guy we know a lot about. We’ve know about him for quite a while. He has been to a number of our camps. I love those linebackers who are runners for their high schools. Keaton Kristick was one of those guys. Mike Bibbee was the 60-minute man. He’s an inside linebacker for us. We love his work work ethic.”
On RB Malcolm Marable
“We had a number of running backs we were looking at early. In our evaluation, Malcolm came out on top. He’s not big, but he’s an exciting player and a gifted runner. He’s fast and versatile. He’ll find his niche here early as a third down back or a defensive back. He was a major player who was on a very good team in California.”
On the Oakland Tech guys
“I’m very excited for the Beavers to get back into the Bay Area, and surrounding area. … It was fun to sign the two players from Oakland Tech. We spotted Fred Thompson early. I went down in the bye week to watch Fred play. I was given a heads up to watch Ryan Murphy by the coach. I didn’t need a heads up. He was easy to see. I think they are going to be great additions. … He is big and thick. He’ll be outstanding, but could be a two-way player if he wanted to be. … Murphy could be a no-brainer at safety. He could grow into an outside linebacker. We might want to try him first at tailback. He’s a ferocious runner. ”
On DB Will Storey
“Will Storey is one of the best athletes in our state. He’s very versatile. He’ll find a niche. He’s a Greg Laybourn guy who will find a place to play.”
On Roman Sapolu
“Roman Sapolu is a good defensive player but we like him as a center. He has a great way about him – smart and well-schooled in playing the game.”
Random quotes on guys
“I’m excited about (DE) Scott Crichton. He’s a perfect defensive end fit. … Thomas Molesi is an interior defense lineman fit. … DJ Welch is a fast linebacker and fits the Beavers mold perfectly. … (TE) Tyler Perry physically is almost ready to go for us right away. … (TE) Conner Hamlett will develop into a good player. You can’t coach that 6-foot-7 frame run the way he does.”
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