Cliff Kirkpatrick

Oregon State RB Jacquizz Rodgers was named one of 16 semifinalists for the 73rd Maxwell Award, given annually to the nation’s best college football player. The winner will be announced Dec 10, 2009.

Rodgers could be the second OSU player to earn the honor, joining 1962 award recipient and Heisman Trophy winner Terry Baker. The last Pac-10 player to win the Maxwell was USC’s Marcus Allen in 1981.

Injury update
CB Tim Clark (concussion) didn’t practice for the second day, but has been cleared to practice Thursday, coach Mike Riley said.

C Alex Linnenkohl (sick) missed his second practice. Riley said he doesn’t know when he’ll be ready. Line coach Mike Cavanaugh said Ryan Pohl would take his place.

“He’s getting all the reps now,” Cavanaugh said. “He has played for us before, so he should be ready. And he’ll be excited if it comes to that.”

DE Matt LaGrone (quad) returned to practice, and WR James Rodgers (foot) took it easy.

Scout team LB Paul Jones left practice on crutches with a left leg injury.

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It easily topped 100 degrees in Corvallis on Tuesday, and you could feel every degree as it climbed throughout the day. So, while running errands around town I noticed it was the time in the afternoon when the Oregon State football players work out on their own.

With it being late in the summer and so blistering hot, I decided to swing by and see who the hardcore guys were. And there were a few.

Seven offensive linemen were doing their striking drills, led by C Alex Linnenkohl and OG Ryan Pohl. Young guys I recognized were Colin Kelly, Colin Lyons and Michael Philipp.

A group of six defensive players, who were influenced by DT Stephen Paea and his first love, were playing rugby. I noticed DT Latu Moala, CB Brandon Hardin and S Suaesi Tuimaunei. Former player Al Afalava was involved, too.

Players usually do this practice session after working out with the strength and conditioning coach earlier in the afternoon. So they deserve a shout out for their efforts as everything wilted around them.

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