Five Questions Facing The Beavers As Camp Opens

JFizzleRaider · Aug 10, 2011

5 questions the Beavers face as they open practice today

1. Can the Beavers overcome the loss of tailback Jacquizz Rodgers to the NFL and the possibility that brother James might not be the same player after two knee operations?

If Rodgers can no longer be an impact wide receiver OSU has other options --
Markus Wheaton, Darrell Catchings, one or more of the touted true freshmen --
but it would be a serious blow. Rodgers is also an emotional leader in the
locker room. His work ethic is legendary.

2. Will a re-shuffled offensive line that returns four starters be able to make
a big improvement from last year?

It better. The left side looks good with Mike Remmers and Josh Andrews. Grant
Johnson was impressive at center in the spring. The right side is less secure,
and coaches will be watching to see if Colin Kelly beats out Michael Philipp at
right tackle. Philipp did not have a strong spring. Riley has less concerns here
than most fans and he says all of the key players are much improved from last
season. Run-blocking must take a huge leap from last season because Jacquizz
Rodgers -- who could often create his own holes -- is now in the NFL.

3. What about two other key players coming back from injury, tight end Joe
Halahuni and slotback Jordan Bishop?

Halahuni might not return until late September vs. UCLA. His absence leaves a
huge hole and puts a lot of pressure on redshirt freshman Connor Hamlett to make
early noise at H-back. Tight end Colby Prince, if he stays healthy, can do some
damage to Pac-12 defenses. But having a healthy "Joe The Tank" would be a boon
for the offense. Bishop is the X factor here. If he has a great season, it could
compensate for not having a completely healthy James Rodgers.

4. Is the hand-wringing over the Beavers' defense warranted?

Yes and no. The defensive line isn't very big, but it's quick. Redshirt freshman
defensive end Scott Crichton is a breakout player waiting to happen and the
linebacking trio of Cameron Collins, Kevin Unga and Michael Doctor could be a
pleasant surprise. OSU is potentially very strong in the secondary, even if
there are concerns with right corner Brandon Hardin's cover abilities. If the
pass rush is there, the Beavers' defensive backs will make plays.

5. Can quarterback Ryan Katz take the next step?

Yes. He has one of college football's strongest arms, but he needs to make
quicker decisions, find the right receivers and avoid sacks. Katz grew leaps and
bounds, Riley says, in the leadership department leading teammates through
winter and spring workouts. "He's got to be the glue," Riley says. "I think he's
growing up in front of our eyes."

--Paul Buker
Click to expand...

http://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/index.ssf/2011/08/oregon_state_football_five_que.html

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Five Questions Facing The Beavers As Camp Opens

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