Beavers defense in a walk-through Tuesday.
Oregon Sate football coach Mike Riley was told about the media scrum from Monday first-year starting sophomore QB Ryan Katz faced, and laughed about the description of him being a deer in the headlights.
An array of cameras and tape recorders were in his face as soon as he walked into the lunch room. And this happened before the first practice.
Katz is very media-friendly and held court. However, he had big eyes looking at that many cameras. His answers were not as smooth as usual.
“It’s part of the deal,” Riley said. “He’s going to be in even a bigger spotlight down the road. That guy can handle it. He’s a tough guy and he has a lot of ability. I’m looking forward to working with him in camp.”
More interviews for Katz came after the first practice. Once he broke a sweat Katz was back to normal.
Getting respect
Stories in the media continue to come out highlighting the high expectations for the Beavers this season. They were picked to finish third in the Pac-10 and are ranked No. 22 in the preseason coaches’ poll.
It a different role for the team, but the Beavers embraced their new status while staying hungry and humble.
“I do like the respect for the team and program to be considered where we are,” Riley said. “But I look at this team and see a lot work to be done, to be one of the teams up there at the end again.”
More watch lists
Senior WR James Rodgers was placed on the watch list for the Biletnikoff Award, which goes to the nation’s top receiver in the nation.
