Day 10 -- Quarterbacks Take Center Stage
April 19, 2012
Corvallis - A year ago at this time Oregon State's quarterback situation on the surface seemed settled in one sense, but quite unsettled in another. The assumption was that Ryan Katz (now at San Diego State) would be the starter for the season opener as he was in 2010 come September, but he was nursing a wrist injury that kept him out of most of the spring practice session. While Katz was on the sidelines, reserves Sean Mannion and Cody Vaz took most of the reps.
One year later, there is no question Mannion is the starter. He earned Freshman All-America honors last year after taking over in game three as the starter and passed for 3,328 yards, the third-most in a single season in school history. If history is any indication, Mannion's numbers will improve in Mike Riley's system, just as they did for the likes of Derek Anderson, Matt Moore, Sean Canfield and Lyle Moevao in year number two and beyond.
Three other quarterbacks are also in camp this spring and Vaz has taken about as many snaps as Mannion, demonstrating his strong arm. Vaz, a junior, is joined by junior Jack Lomax and redshirt-freshman Richie Harrington on the roster. Touted incoming freshman Brent VanderVeen from Arroyo Grande, Calif., will join the team in July.
The OSU video staff produced the following clip and postpractice interview with offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf.
Make sure to join Beaver Nation at Fan Fest April 28 at Reser Stadium. Season ticket holders have until April 20 to renew while new season ticket deposits will be accepted beginning at Fan Fest with a $50 non-refundable deposit per seat.
