Colby Prince is the starting TE again.
There was controversy how the Oregon State football team didn’t use Joe Halahuni last year. Was he overlooked, or not full back from shoulder surgery for his limited role.
When talking about the TEs now, coach Mike Riley called it a new era without “The Tank.”
That statement sounds odd, but Riley said it like he’ll miss Halahuni.
Senior Colby Prince is the incumbent starter, and after him the position is deeper than it has been in a long time.
Connor Hamlett was the backup last year, but can also play H-back. Tyler Perry played a little as the backup TE/H-back, too.
Kellen Clute redshirted his first year on the heals of a knee injury. He’ll work in and add to the depth.
Incoming freshman Caleb Smith plans to be at OSU early for spring practice. He’s a highly regarded TE. He may be able to make an early impact as a part-time H-back like Halahuni.
“The one thing we’ve done is we’ve gotten deeper,” Riley said. “We’ll have Colby Prince and good, young talent with Connor Hamlett and Tyler Perry. They had good offseasons. And Kellen Clute has recovered from the knee injury and is full speed. We have two good young tight ends coming, so that position looks good for me.”
The goal in the spring is settle on some roles of TE and H-back, develop skills and try and make the position a vital part of the offense again.
The the part-time fullbacks are walk-ons who find a niche on the team. Clayton York is still the starter when the position is used, followed by Tyler Anderson and Michael Balfour.
Both these positions can make a difference for the Beavers. When the TE is used a good amount, the offense has done good things. And if the OL has some troubles blocking, the FB better be there to pick up the slack.
4 comments
Beavergopher says:
Mar 25, 2012
Cliff, I will play the part of editor. It should be when, not if. about the OL having trouble blocking. Like the
sun rising, this is a given. The lack of bodies for spring practice and not getting time as a unit together
will lead to a repeat of the last couple years. MR and company blew it the last few years in recruiting this vital position.
A very good class this year, but very few OL play successfully as true freshman. I can hear the excuses next
Sept. as we go through the annual lose fest. Too young, not enough reps in the spring, etc. How is it possible that a five year player like Remmers, could do so poorly in the bench press at the pro day? OL are supposed to be the strongest guys on the team. No wonder we can’t get a push in the running game. S&C coaches not getting it done.
FAUBeav says:
Mar 26, 2012
Good post. I don’t post here a bunch, but I have often commented that I have been very disappointed with S&C conditions program over the past several years. Players like quizz and paea came in very strong. Riley and co need to look at what Harbaugh did at Stanford. Strength & conditioning and the medical staff got attention and priority.
OS_Beaver says:
Mar 25, 2012
New article up on OSU Marketing Changes for 2012. I think BDC is making a good call with the ‘OS’ for 2012 but am still curious what Tinker may do for 2013. I like the bright orange but firmly believe we need the same official font in the endzones. We have seen it before for the OSU vs. TCU game and it looked sharp. I would be satisfied if we got that in orange for 2012 and then we can always consider a checkered/beaver tail waffle design if Tinker implements broader changes for 2013. I think OS can work as good as OSU, based off looks and simplicity, so I care more about uniform combos and more edginess from Tinker and don’t think OSU winning out over OS is as important.
OSU Marketing Changes for 2012:
http://beaverbyte.com
FAUBeav says:
Mar 26, 2012
Cliff,
Can you do any review of the tight ends over the past 5-6 years? I feel like several “prospects” didn’t pan out (I.e Gabe Miller).
Thoughts?