It's Always Good When You Get the Pads On
“It’s always good when you get to put the pads on.”
As you might expect that quote from a defensive member of the football team, in this case from coordinator Kalani Sitake following the practice that pushed the Beavers past the halfway point of spring drills.
Coach Sitake talked in length Thursday about the odd man front that has raised eyebrows among the media. He describes as – “the goal is to get the best 11 on the field, whether that’s an odd or even front.”
You can watch Sitake’s complete recap of Thursday’s practice by accessing the embedded video.
On the offensive side of the ball an interesting note on former quarterback and now current tight end Tanner Sanders. Sanders made the Sporting News “Gridiron to Hardwood: 25 players who would make intriguing hoops players.” Sanders is a redshirt freshman for head coach Gary Andersen after playing 21 games for Wayne Tinkle’s basketball team in the recently completed season as a walkon. The Corvallis native is amongst an impressive group of student-athletes from across the country.
“Coach” Mannion was in attendance today as usual since his arrival back on campus for last month’s Pro Day. This “coach” Mannion is the Pac-12’s record setting quarterback Sean Mannion and not his father who coaches the Silverton High School football team. Coach Mannion will be a moniker he wears in the future after his professional career is complete. His pro career begins with the NFL Draft April 30-May 2.
As for the current team, seven more practices remain this spring, including Saturday’s open workout to the public (weather permitting) in Reser Stadium at 11:30 a.m. If inclement weather pushes the team inside the Truax Center, space limitations and safety concerns forces a closure to the public. Please watch the Beavers’ football twitter account for updates Saturday morning at @OSUBeaversFB.
There are two scrimmages remaining on the docket for this spring, Sat., April 11 and the annual Spring Game April 18. Details for the new-look Spring Game can be found here and it promises to be a fun day for the family.
The response has been strong to the Coach Andersen hire as season ticket sales are pacing at a record rate for this time of the year as the excitement continues to build for the new era of Beaver football. The season officially kicks off Friday, Sept. 4 at Reser Stadium vs. Weber State in a nationally televised game. To get in on the action go to beavertickets.com or call 800-Go-BEAVS during business hours.
