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Bryant Cornell made a good impression on coaches and players last Saturday by taking the ball from Lyle Moevao for an easy touchdown.

Football gets work done in spring season

Although issue at quaterback still is not answered, OSU made progress heading into fall camp

By: Frank Hoaglin

Posted: 5/3/07

With the completion of the spring football season, Beaver fans are counting down the days until August 30th, Oregon State still has plenty to work on. But with 25 returning seniors, the Beavers have started to get a hold of things once again and look to develop even further heading into the summer.

"We are looking for development," explained coach Mike Riley. "We are looking for overall development of people in the program. And we did get that at tight end, receiver, and safety, and really in the offensive line."

The offensive line is led by anchor Kyle DeVan, who was recently named to the Rimington Trophy watch list, the award for top Center in the nation. Along with guard Roy Schuening, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury over the spring, and tackle Tavita Thompson, the Beavers are rock solid at the position. And it is one that can certainly protect quarterbacks Sean Canfield or Lyle Moevao.

"Coming into the winter, after our running groups, all of the offensive linemen and tight ends get together and we do technique work with each other," explains DeVan. "I think that is the biggest thing. We spend so many hours out on the field with the coaches, and that will get you better, but it is what you do when there is nobody around, when it is just the offensive linemen and tight ends. We are working hard, especially on our technique and footwork."

Speaking of Canfield and Moevao, nothing has been solved yet in the quarterback controversy and will certainly go into fall camp. Canfield has impressed coaches and fans with his rocket arm and calm pocket presence, receiving numerous comparisons to former USC Trojan Matt Leinart. Moevao also has fans and coaches talking about his accuracy, and mobility with the ability to escape the pocket when under pressure.

"They have been doing well," DeVan said. "The spring is designed for the younger guys. They came in and they both spent time in the meeting rooms learning the offense and applying that to the field. I think they have both matured a lot over the spring. They both showed great potential for what they can do, and I think any one of those two kids could be in the starting quarterback role. Right now, I feel comfortable with both."

Continuing on offense, senior wide receiver Sammie Stroughter continued to impress fans and coaches; reminding everyone of his game-breaking speed. He truly could be a big piece to the Beavers puzzle as he has the capabilities to break a game open while receiving, taking the ball on reverses, and in the punt return game. Along with the rushing attack of flashy runner Yvenson Bernard, the Beavers offense will be a force to be reckoned with this upcoming year.

On defense, the Beavers look to recover from the loss of team leader Sabby Piscitelli. With arguably one of the best pursuit linebacking cores in the nation, the Beavers look apt to stop such high-powered Pac-10 offenses in USC, Cal, and Washington State.

"Losing Sab was huge," explained defensive back Gerard Lawson. "He was a vocal leader for us on the field and he backed his words up with his actions. But I think that we have some returning safeties that can get the job done for us. We are lucky enough to have the rotation that we did at the safety spot because they all have game experience under their belt and we are not just throwing a guy in there."

Senior linebacker Derrick Doggett, who suffered from back spasms throughout the course of the spring season, feels the team also made some significant strides in spring practice.

"We go out there and work very hard everyday in the weight room and at practice, and we work hard at getting to the ball," Doggett said.

With 119 days until the Utah Utes come to Corvallis, the football team and Beaver fans alike are excited for this year's team. With the potential the team has, it could be a big year for Oregon State, and with the explosiveness they have on both sides of the ball, it's hard not to be excited.

"Everybody is amped up for the season," Bernard said. "There are good vibes from the coaches. Everybody understands the coaches and we get along. Everybody wanted to be out there for spring ball and it was fun to be around all of those guys. I felt like everyone was having a good time because we came off a pretty good season."