Cliff Kirkpatrick

The emergence of Joe Halahuni for the Oregon State football only highlights the development of the tight ends. He’s getting most the catches and the attention, but a good group of players are in the TE/H-back roles.

Halahuni has 28 receptions for 418 yards and two TDs. The other TEs, Brady Camp and Howard Croom, have combined for five receptions for 34 yards.

“Joe is becoming a real threat, a real weapon,” TE coach Robin Ross said. “And he’s getting even better.”

Camp is technically the starter due to his run and pass blocking ability. That comes first for the Beavers.

However, you’ll remember him for catching the TD pass from RB Jacquizz Rodgers out the Wild Beaver formation. Camp caught another floating pass from QB Sean Canfield earlier in the year.

“Brady has continued to improve as the season has gone on,” Ross said. “He has made some big plays.”

Croom was the starter the last two years, but a concussion in training camp allowed Camp to establish himself. However, Croom is still getting plenty of playing time.

The Beavers use one, two and three TEs on various plays. Croom is blocking more than going out on a passing route now.

“Howard has done a nice job in his role, and the tight end is a role position,” Ross said. “We try to utilize what they do best. Howard gets as many reps as Joe gets. All three play significantly and do a great job for us. They add to the offense in running and throwing the ball.”

The tight ends have to get along to share the playing time. That’s been the case with the Beavers.

“Brady and I were talking recently that we have the tightest position on the team, for sure,” Croom said. “We are all good friends.”

As for the future, the Beavers have set it up that there will be at least one player at every grade level next season.

Senior John Reese redshirted this season. There wasn’t going to be enough playing time for four TEs, and he wanted another year of education.

“It was a win-win for everybody,” Ross said. “John gets more eduction and refines his skills on the scout team. There’s nothing like that. That will help develop him and get real competition in the spring.”

Reese will be an experienced senior next season. He can block, but is more of a receiver. Camp will be a senior and Halahuni a junior.

Colby Prince is being developed. He’ll be a third-year sophomore. The Beavers also have a commitment from TE Tyler Perry from Ventura, Calif.

TV blackout
Since there will be no TV coverage for Saturday’s game, be sure to check out my blog throughout the day of the game. I’ll be updating before, during and after. And you can follow along at twitter.com/cliffgt. You’ll be able to keep up with me dealing with the elements, and more.

Roster update
Backup RB Ryan McCants (sick) is on the trip to Washington State. The Beavers hope he feels better so he can play by Saturday. He figures to play a lot against the Cougars. UPDATE: I just got a call, and McCants is not on the trip. My source was mistaken earlier. So, expect Jovan Stevenson to get a lot work.

LB Kevin Unga (groin) is out. He’s being replaced on the travel roster by S Anthony Watkins, who just recovered from a shoulder injury.

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DT Brennan Olander (back) returned to practice Thursday for the Oregon State football team. Coach Mike Riley confirmed he’ll be in the lineup Saturday against Washington.

Why is that important? Read this story I wrote about the DTs before last Saturday’s game against Cal. You may have missed it since it ran on a Saturday.

The story is on the how the improved productivity of Stephen Paea happened this year because of Olander.

S Anthony Watkins (shoulder) did return to practice this week, but isn’t ready games, yet. Other than that, the Beavers at full strength with what they have for the Huskies.

There are about 600 tickets left for Saturday’s game. And if fans want to help RB Jacquizz Rodgers in the Doak Walker, click here for the fan vote. It goes into the final tally.

Getting to know
Here’s a link to my Thursday oddball Q&A with TE John Reese. He’s redshirting this season and will be back next season as a senior. For a preview of Reese, he had a fear like these creatures.

Anyway, the overall TE situation looks good for next season with the emergence of Joe Halahuni, the blocking of Brady Camp and the overall ability of Reese. Then there’s a developing Colby Prince.

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Business continued for the Oregon State football team Tuesday, Day 2 of training camp. Below is the view of the practice field in the morning as the offensive goes through a walk-through.

It was picture day at lunch. It’s mostly for the freshmen who don’t have a mug shot done for OSU, yet.

A funny story is that former S Al Afalava hates getting his picture taken. After the first picture day his freshman year, he skipped every one the next three years.

Check back later in the afternoon for some notes, more pics and maybe a video from practice. The below video is a TE John Reese production.

Polls
The latest poll on the Beavers Sports site is up. It’s on how many games you think the Beavers are going to win this year. Vote here.

The last one was on what home game are you most excited to see in person? Cincinnati won with 47 percent, followed by UCLA at 14 percent and then Washington and none of them at nine percent.

Practice report
The offense looked solid in the limited interaction with the defense Tuesday. There was the skeleton drill with receivers vs. secondary and LBs, and the full team drill. The two-minute drill was added.

“We got a lot done today,” coach Mike Riley said. “We did more interaction, but not much. There was a lot of teaching. I hope that’s good for the next few days when we have shoulder pads on and do a little more.”

QBs Sean Canfield and Ryan Katz were smooth. WR James Rodgers caught two long TD passes from Canfield.

“(Rodgers) busted out of the pack and separated for two big plays, and that’s awfully good to see,” Riley said. “In general, the offense looked good. I like how the defensive front looks good to me — very physical. And I was impressed the speed and effort of the defensive line.”

Freshman WR Micah Hatfield looked good catching and making moves in the secondary. “He’s very smooth,” Riley said. “He caught the eye of the veteran players already.”

Injury report
Two young WRs Geno Munoz (cramps) and Markus Wheaton (lower leg) missed practice, and should be back Wednesday.

“(Munoz) had cramps, very significant cramps,” Riley said. “Until his fluid levels reach a certain height they won’t let him go. He should be ready to go (Wednesday).”

S Anthony Watkins (hamstring) was hurt Tuesday. “I hope it’s not long-term,” Riley said.

Olander scholarship
Junior DT Brennan Olander was awarded a scholarship, Riley said. He takes the place of LB Michael Doctor, who is ineligible.

And on a side note, the scholarship for Jesse Fifita (spine) does not count against the 85 limit. If someone is listed as a medical redshirt with no hope of coming back, they keep the scholarship and it doesn’t hurt the team’s numbers.

Funny hair

The hairdos the offensive lineman are sporting were such a hit that more are doing them. C Alex Linnenkohl came over to me to make sure I got a picture of Geoff Garner and his skull cap look. That’s him in the middle of the shot.

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