Spring Practice Report (Day 8) -- New Kicks - Oregon State University Athletics

When you are the closest Division I program to Nike and a “Nike Promo School” it certainly has its benefits. Today, approximately 10 Beaver football players were testing shoes for representatives of the world’s premier athletic apparel company.

“I loved them,” safety said. “They are the best shoes I have worn in a long time. They are very comfortable.”

The black turf shoes are still in the design phase, and the Nike reps were in town to seek the players’ opinions. Nike takes the feedback and makes adjustments. The particular model today won’t appear on a football field until the 2008 season.

It was day of visitors at the Merritt Truax Center. Coaches from Linfield College and Vanderbilt University were jotting down notes from the Beavers’ practice. Coaches from other schools are common visitors at a led spring practice.

Speaking of practice, wide receiver was back in the fold after attending to some personal matters out of state. Johnson is a welcomed addition to an offense that has been having some problems moving against what has been a rock solid defense.

Quarterback managed a couple of nice hookups with receiver . Canfield and the rest of the Beaver quarterbacks had an opportunity to run the hurry-up offense near the end of the practice.

“We are keeping that level of work ethic – I expected a bit of fade after the scrimmage Saturday, but I didn’t see it,” Beaver head coach said.

You can hear more from Riley and several players later today on . You also have an opportunity to ask your favorite center, , questions through . Your questions will be asked by teammate and the answers will appear on BNO.

Remember your radio home for the spring football game will be the new Beaver flagship station in Portland, . The regular Beaver football broadcast crew, minus , will call the action from Reser Stadium. The two-hour broadcast begins at 1 p.m. and will feature on the field interviews with and Beaver players. Parker will be with the No. 9 baseball team at Stanford and will call the action over the Beaver baseball network.

Mark your calendars for an appearance by Director of Athletics who will on the “Bob Miller in the Morning” show Friday (April 20) at 7:10 a.m. on KPAM. Also remember the new Nike-designed Beaver football uniforms will be unveiled live at Noon on BNO Fri., April 27.

Media in attendance today included Cliff Kirkpatrick from the Gazette-Times, Gary Horowitz from the Statesman, The Daily Barometer and Candice Lockhart from KEZI. OSU marketing personnel were also in attendance interviewing for an OSU university-wide recruiting feature.