Spring Practice Report (Day 1) -- Hold the Wheat and Add Fuller
“It hasn’t seemed that long ago that we were on the practice field in El Paso,” senior quarterback said to head coach during the first day of spring practice at Oregon State University.
The Beavers worked through a spirited opening day with a lot of eyes on the quaterbacks and tight ends. Both looked sharp at times, but both also were working into the teeth of one of the fastest defenses the program has ever had. and made QB pay on two occasions with interceptions. The quarterbacks also made some nice throws and the tight ends looked sharp.
“It was a good start today,” Riley said. “With the number of returners we have we can hit the ground running and somewhat make it look like football. We ended the season with some momentum and we just need to utilize that and keep things going.”
Coach Riley, as per usual at practices, had the quarterbacks huddled around him during many of the drills.
A familar face made an appearance at practice and has an opportunity to rejoin the team on a permanent basis in running back . Fuller was not on the roster during winter term. Coach Riley said he has “an opportunity” to be with the team come fall.
New faces made appearances on the field, including defensive end Keith Robertson, tight end , offensive lineman (OSU wrestler), linebacker Eric Rider and receiver Damola Adeniji.
Some other new developments include Anthony Wheat-Brown dropping the “Wheat” to become just . Offensive lineman announced he will finish spring term and then embark on a two-year LDS Mission.
The practice ended with Coach Riley, with a lot of help from the team, selecting “locker room captains.” Locker room captains? Actually several players were singled out for their, uh, well, lack of cleanliness around their lockers. This list included Moavao, , , , and Taani Fuahala. But, there were others as well. Riley appointed these individuals captains of the locker room for their new role as cleanliness monitors.
Finally, as announced earlier Matt Sieverson, , and will be sitting out spring practice. and sat out today with minor injuries. Van Orsow, by the way, is one of 42 candidates for the Lott Trophy -- it's a nice honor that combines athletic ability with academics and community service.
Stay connected with Beaver football by accessing . Today BNO features interviews with Coach Riley and several players following practice. You can also access several interviews with players previewing spring ball and you have the opportunity to email questions to players which will be asked on BNO.
Fans also are reminded of the special for the ticket office in April and that the season ticket deadline renewal date is April 16. For all your ticket needs you can access this at any time.
A large media contingent today, as always for the first day of practice. Paul Buker from The Oregonian, Cliff Kirkpatrick of the Gazette-Times, Bob Clark of the Register-Guard, the Daily Barometer, KVAL, KEZI and Mike Parker. You can hear some of Parker's interviews on the Joe Beaver Show Tuesday. Clark is the new beat writer for the RG, well not all that new, he covered the Beaver basketball teams and other squads for many years. Bob Rodman, the former beat writer for the RG, is destined for the rocking chair or The Gap (don't ask) during his retirement. Hey Bob, thanks for all the hard work on the beat, we will miss you.
FACILITY NOTE
Due to construction around Reser Stadium and Gill Coliseum the “Beaver Fun Run” and Football 101 Workshop for Women will not be offered this spring. Speaking of construction, a large portion of steel was erected today in the south end zone of Reser Stadium. You can watch the progress at this .
Stay Connected with Beaver Nation Online
Members of BNO receive over 50 events and video features including live webcasts of all home OSU baseball games, and radio for all home and away baseball games. Spring is all football time in
