Cliff: McCants must step up

As noted from an earlier blog, I caught up with Oregon State backup RB Ryan McCants. That was before the news broke that RB Jovan Stevenson will be out one-to-two weeks after a separated shoulder for getting in an ice bath.

Really, check it out here. The story ran in Friday’s GT. It also updates you on the other injuries on the team. Also in Friday’s GT is my feature story on WR James Rodgers, talking about his time at OSU and his future.

McCants will probably be the No. 2 ball carrier behind Quizz with Stevenson out for an extended time. Jordan Jenkins is getting a lot of work in practice, but McCants is just a good athlete.

He just needs to hold on to the ball. He knows it. So we’ll see how it goes once the games start when he gives Quizz a break. If it’s the same old McCants, Jenkins is as reliable as coach Mike Riley says he is.

Anyway, here’s a brief Q&A with McCants:

How did the first week go for you?
“It’s going good. I’m in the best shape of my life. I cut a little bit of weight. I’m the strongest I’ve been here. I feel practice is going good.”

After a good spring for you, what was the summer like?
“We cranked up the offseason workouts. A lot of people improved their numbers and that helped us to come out to practice excited.”

What’s the competition like to be Quizz’ backup?
“No play is off. Every play is important because it’s going to be evaluated. We all know that. It’s competition to back up Quizz, and possibility push him for some carries. If we all come out and compete like that we’ll all be better as a group.”

Did you work on the holding on to the ball and catching it in the offseason?
“This offseason we addressed a lot of those issues. I definitely attacked my weakness. I feel I’m stronger in those areas, and will continue to get stronger.”

What kept you from quitting when you fell on the depth chart?
“It was going though the ACL rehab. It showed you how long you have to play this game. One play and everything could be over. You have to appreciate the day-to-day grind.”

What’s it like having two Santiago High (Corona, Calif.) chums, CBs Ryan Handford and Sean Martin, on the team?
“It’s great. To see the (Santiago) program growing and seeing more people going D-I or other colleges is great. I like having people who I’ve known for a long time around.”

More offensive lineman drills.