Oregonians Join Team
April 01, 2016 | Football
Oregon State head football coach Gary Andersen announced Friday the addition of five Oregonians to the 2016 football recruiting class. Joining the Beavers for the upcoming season will be Gunnar Braden of Lake Oswego, Anouson Keobounnam of Gresham, Connor Laverty of Portland, Hunter Mattson of Corvallis, and Reed Woodward of Corbett.
"It is great to have Gunnar, Anouson, Connor, Hunter and Reed join our program," Andersen said. "They are quality young men, solid students and very good athletes that are prepared for the next step. Beaver Nation, please welcome these young men to the program."
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Braden (watch video highlights) is a 6-1, 300-pound offensive lineman from Lake Oswego High School. He was a three-year letterman, starting two seasons and earned Three Rivers League second team as a senior.
Keobounnam (video) is a 6-3, 295-pound offensive lineman from Centennial High School. The three-sport athlete also lined up at defensive tackle for the Eagles. Keobounnam was a Mt. Hood Conference first team honoree last season and honorable mention all-state.
Mattson (video) rushed for 2,738 career yards and 35 touchdowns for the Spartans. The 6-0, 190-pound running back accumulated 4,518 all-purpose yards for his career with 44 touchdowns. The three-year letterman earned Mid-Willamette Valley League first team honors as a running back and kick returner.
Laverty (video) is a 6-3, 170-pound wide receiver from Westview High School who played for first-year head coach and former Beaver standout defensive lineman Ryan Atkinson. The three-sport athlete (football, basketball, track and field) started last season for the Wildcats at wide receiver and free safety. The honor roll student was a team captain for the football team last year and earned three varsity letters. Connor's father, Mike Laverty, lettered in 1981, 83-84 for the Beavers' football team.
Woodward (video) is a three-sport athlete who also excels in basketball and track and field. The 6-5, 220-pound defensive end served as Corbett's team captain, was the team's defensive player of the year and was the co-team MVP. In addition to defensive end, he also played tight end, fullback and linebacker during his prep career that included starting all four years. Woodward, a Valedictorian and National Honor Society member, also holds the school record in the javelin.
The Beavers return to the practice field Saturday at 12:45 p.m. at the Tommy Prothro Football Complex for the first of three open to the public practices. The Dam City Showcase is April 9 in Hillsboro and the annual Spring Game is April 16 at Reser Stadium, both are free of charge (football portion).
The Beavers open the 2016 season at Minnesota on Sept. 1; their home opener is Sept. 17 against Idaho State. OSU also hosts Boise State and Pac-12 Conference opponents California, Utah, Washington State, Arizona and Oregon.
For information on season tickets for the upcoming schedule, including access to the Terrace, please contact the OSU ticket office at 1-800-GO-Beavs during weekday business hours or beavertickets.com
