Cliff: Receivers outlook

Aaron Nichols could be a key WR this season.
Oregon State football coach Mike Riley said he’s going to tinker with the receivers in the sense of who lines up where. So this could be an interesting spring to set the lineup for the fall season.

Senior James Rodgers is a given at flanker with Micah Hatfield back from a broken leg being eased in behind him.

However, split end will be interesting with open competition between sophomore Markus Wheaton and junior Darrell Catchings. Rodgers, Catchings and Wheaton are the go-to guys.

I thought Wheaton could be a great Rogers II, running the fly sweep and all he goes. However, Riley sees Wheaton as a deep threat like Sammie Stroughter. How he develops will be crucial to the Beavers.

Catchings returns from an injury-plagued season. He has to come back with a vengeance because he was set for a breakout season last year. The good news for him is he got last season to be a medical hardship year, so he has two more seasons.

“It’s really important these guys emerge at split end,” Riley said. “We were fortunate Dom (Adeniji) emerged for us last year. I’m excited about Catchings getting another year, and Markus has a ton of ability. The (split end) is a big deal for this team.”

Geno Munoz is being groomed for the future at spilt end. Obum Gwacham is right behind him.

“Geno is at the point of his career he has to step up and compete,” Riley said. “He has a lot of ability. And Obum is an interesting guy.”

Jordan Bishop steps into the starting slot position with Casey Kjos (back) retiring. After him come senior Aaron Nichols and sophomore Kevan Walker.

“We got good talent here,” Riley said. “Kevan Walker has a lot of ability. It’s time for him to step up there. Jordan needs to continue to grow. He’s going to get pushed by Aaron Nichols.”

The Beavers are still deep in this position with plenty of play-makers and athletes for the future. This spring will be about refining them.

“We should be four deep at three positions, and I feel good about that,” Riley said.

Not to be forgotten are the tight ends. Joe Halahuni should be more involved in the offense at H-back. Senior John Reeese comes back after redshirting last year. Brady Camp is a veteran TE with Colby Prince being brought along.

Mike Riley wants Geno Munoz to step up this season.