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Oregon State RB Jacquizz Rodgers has been heavily involved with spring practice this year.

He’s healthy and feels good. An example of that is Rodgers being involved in the middle drill.

That’s where the running back carries the ball through the line as the offensive and defensive linemen go at it. Some heavy hitting goes on in those trenches and RBs get popped.

“Believe it or not, he is faster (than before), coach Mike Riley said. “His numbers went way up in the weight room. I think he’s ready to go right now. He looks sharp, quick and strong. We have more work to do in the passing game, though.”

For all the success Rodgers has had, RB coach Reggie Davis hopes he takes the next step in development.

“Quizz is always learning,” Davis said. “He needs to learn the offense a little better. It’s easy to know your position at the running back position. Now he needs to know now what everyone else is doing. He’s taking it upon himself to know that better.”

How can Quizz get any better?

“He needs to see some things before the snap that will make him faster when the ball is snapped and he can anticipate some things,” Davis said.

My story on the depth at RB runs in Friday’s GT. It takes a look at Ryan McCants and Jovan Stevenson and where they stand, and what they need to do to get on the field.

“We are looking for guys to push Quizz, and then we want to get Quizz better in every way,” Davis said.

What about relieving him? How much work can we expect to see him get this season?

“That guy can have 30 touches (rushes or receptions) easily,” Davis said. “So somewhere in 30-40 range,” Davis said. “You don’t want him to take a pounding so he can last the whole season. But at the same time you want the ball in the hands of your best players.”

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