Will there be something to celebrate next season?
Since so many of the players during last year’s Oregon State football season were true freshmen and redshirt freshmen, it appeared like the varsity was playing the JV.
And the Beavers were the JV.
Part of that was OSU faced older players who were upperclassmen, and those players were in their team’s conditioning programs longer.
“From a football standpoint, coach (Mike Riley) said they are ready to play, but from the physical development they were young with their training development,” OSU strength coach Bryan Miller said. “It was fortunate their football background was good. This offseason, we had to get their physically training up.”
Miller had to teach the 10 true freshmen who played in 2011 what to do in the weight room and how to go about working out properly and safely, while they were dealing with school, learning plays and game plans.
His goal for true freshmen players during the season was to sustain their strength throughout the season. They already established a certain amount of development, but there could have been so much more if they redshirted.
“When we get to January, I can tell which freshman played and who went through our developmental program for five months,” Miller said. “From a total amount of development, redshirts (players) were further along.”
Now that the true freshmen are receiving an offseason in the lifting program, the hope is that they can build themselves up and then sustain their strength throughout next season. And the redshirt freshmen will be better prepared when their time comes to play a significant role.
“You see it in any sport, freshmen tail off at the end,” Miller said. “Fixing that is a big component to what we are doing. That comes from strength and conditioning.”
The bottom line is, Miller believes the true and redshirt freshmen will make significant improvements the next two years because of the work they are putting in now.
The size, strength and experience factor is huge for men ages 18-23. So when it comes to college football, leveling out those peaks and valleys is his goal.
11 comments
OSU4Life says:
Mar 2, 2012
Great article Cliff! You bring up a different perspective than most of us would ever think of. Will there be something to celebrate next season? I certainly hope so! I hope there are more peaks than valleys! The youth and inexperience excuses won’t fly next season. With an improved O-Line, a more experienced QB, more wins SHOULD follow. I hope the playbooks and schemes are working towards improvement as well! Danny Langsdorf, Mark Banker do you copy? The game day atmosphere also must improve, it needs to be more exctiting and less poduck, rinky dinky. I think it all starts with the product on the field, and decisively winning more games. By having security telling fans to keep it down during a game needs to stop. I thought OSU wants Reser to Rock, not suck? If Reser is going to be an intimidating place for opposing teams to play in, then Reser must be allowed to get loud! Also, it is sad how Reser is half full during kick-off, I mean just look at the picture above. Above all else settling for mediocrity must be put to rest.
BeaverDon says:
Mar 2, 2012
OSU4Life,
What is your reference to security about? The only comment I have about the security is there are too many of them, and they seen to be in the way more than anything. Standing in the way as you try to get to your seat.
OSU4Life says:
Mar 2, 2012
I brought some “noise makers” and some signage and was told to keep quiet and put them away. On thrid down I always stand and get loud, and many in my section acted as though it were a crime. Mind you it didn’t do much good, and the defense could never get off of the field, but that’s another issue. I also understand that the “noise maker” rule is a Pac-12 thing. I was in the wrong, but Reser should still be Rocking, instead of sucking. If OSU plays well and wins more the game atmosphere will improve.
BeaverDon says:
Mar 2, 2012
In my section most fans stand the whole game, but even in this section there are people who get upset that we are all standing.
The noise maker rule is stupid. I think it started with the “thunder sticks” and I don’t know if it NCAA or Pac-12, but I have never seen any explaination of why the rule came about.
The signage is another one I don’t know about. Why no signs in Reser?
It almost seems that they want fans to show up (late), sit down, and leave as quickly as possible. Other Universities make game day an experience. Not OSU.
wcjr says:
Mar 2, 2012
Last paragraph hard to argue with. I will convey those thoughts(again) to Bobby D when I see him at the Beaver olympians function before the game tomorrow.
OS_Beaver says:
Mar 2, 2012
OSU must “Sink” Colorado:
http://beaverbyte.com
BeaverDon says:
Mar 2, 2012
Huh? Colorado is not on the Beaver schedule next year.
dunerat says:
Mar 2, 2012
Its encouraging to see OS getting involved early with JC Players. Its a must for a program like OS to upgrade the talent level with these players. I think they can compete with the big boys in the JC Ranks. They can sign very few 4 star players from HS. But they can use the JC Ranks to fill that void. They will always have to rely on good JC players. Not too many but a few in key areas each year. Remember OSU had 4 Key JC Players on the Fiesta Bowl Team. DeLawrence Grant, LeDairus Jackson, Chad Johnson, TJ HoosYoMama as Chad Johnson would say. Without these 4 Players this team is in the Holiday Bowl At best.
mike says:
Mar 3, 2012
Although I hope there is improvement in the young players, I hate the excuses. There seems to be a lot of rationalizing going on rather than creating a “no excuses” environment.
We were not the youngest team in the conference in terms of first year starters, and while I understand that we are not too far removed from playing for the Rose Bowl, this drop off has been unacceptable.
I wam in the growing ranks of dissatisfied with the job performance of Bobby D. His commitment to building has been great, his commitment to the fan experience and the on field performance has been just as woeful.
Go beavs.
ObjCritic says:
Mar 4, 2012
I think next year we can anticipate an offense that scores well, maybe in bunches, that could struggle with consistency of the offensive line. Mannion, Cooks, and Wheaton should be dangerous, particularly if Gwacham is used properly (tight end) and up and comers like Trosin and Mullaney contribute.
Chris Brown should be given every opportunity to win the starting RB. With him in there with his speed, defenses would have to respect the play-action upon which OSU’s offense is dependent. If the blocking continues to be poor and there is no elusive back with breakaway speed, teams won’t respect it.
D is a crap shoot. If a bunch of inexperienced DT’s have put on weight and can contribute quickly in the Pac-12, it would be a surprise.
I expect a mediocre record, with some saturday’s featuring a promising offense and a frustrating defense. Unfortunately, even 5- 6 wins probably would mean no coaching changes.
oneoldbeav says:
Mar 4, 2012
Agree, too many fans will accept 5-6 wins following a three win season. The shame is this group is capable of seven or more wins if Riley becomes focused, involved, passionate and open minded.
Drawing on the recent piece about off season training, I’ve got to say that Riley hasn’t shown much “want to” in the last couple years. Hope whatever had him distracted is now in the past.