Spring Football Preview Part 2 -- The Offense
With the start of spring football practice a mere two weeks away, Beaver head coach Mike Riley sat down with the “Voice of the Beavers” Mike Parker to preview the offense. It’s a group that is led by one of the top quarterbacks in the country in senior Sean Mannion and new offensive coordinator John Garrett.
The two-time team captain Mannion, and likely the only player in the program’s history to be elected captain three years, returns for 2014 with some gaudy numbers. The 31-game starter already is 10th in the Pac-12 Conference for career passing yards with 10,436 and is easily on pace to unseat former USC great Matt Barkley as the top passer of them all needing just 1,839 yards. Coach Riley said that while Mannion has certainly proven himself there is still room to improve.
Of course some of the biggest questions are who will replace 2013 Biletnikoff Award recipient Brandin Cooks and some of the experienced offensive linemen that have graduated. But, maybe the biggest question at least this spring, is who will be Mannion’s backup? It’s the first season since 2010 that OSU has not had more than one quarterback who will enter the season as of March that has not taken a snap.
This is the second post of a three-part video series that will also have Coach Riley dissecting the defense in the coming days.
Spring practice officially opens March 31 with the 15-day session that culminates with the Spring Showcase May 3 at Reser Stadium. Stay tuned for details for the autograph session, Fan Fair and for the first time in recent years the 50-Yard Line Sale that will be held in the Truax Center and feature actual athletic apparel, including game jerseys, t-shirts, shoes and much more.
Deposits are being accepted for 2014 OSU season tickets for home games that include Portland State, San Diego State, Washington State, Arizona State, California, Utah and Oregon.
