Beavers open preseason camp
Coach Gary Andersen said the players got stronger this summer.
Beavers open preseason camp Coach Gary Andersen said the players got stronger this summer. Check out this story on statesmanjournal.com: http://stjr.nl/1NicCJN
Gary Horowitz, Statesman Journal Published 2:53 p.m. PT Aug. 8, 2015 | Updated 7:05 p.m. PT Aug. 8, 2015
OSU coach Gary Andersen talks about the first preseason practice on Aug. 8, 2015.
Oregon State head coach Gary Andersen watches drills during the first day of fall practice on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015, in Corvallis, Ore.(Photo: ASHLEY SMITH / STATESMAN JOURNAL)Buy Photo
CORVALLIS Oregon State football coach Gary Andersen stressed getting stronger over the summer would be a major key in the team's success this season.
Apparently, his players took that advice to heart.
The Beavers took the field Saturday at Reser Stadium for their first preseason practice leading up to the Sept. 4 season opener against Weber State.
"I don't know if I'll ever have a team that I'll say, 'Yep, they're right where we want 'em to be from a strength standpoint," Andersen said after Saturday's practice. "It's a work in progress every day.
"(But) we're stronger than we were and I can't ask 'em to work any harder than they did."
Senior running back Storm Barrs-Woods called strength and conditioning coach Evan Simon's summer workout program "a blessing."
"You turn on that spring ball film and you turn on today's, it's two different teams out there from pure strength and quickness," Barrs-Woods said.
Whether a stronger team translates into more wins on the field remains to be seen.
The Beavers were 5-7 last season and tied for fifth in the Pac-12 North with a 2-7 mark. They have lost 12 of their last 14 conference games dating to the 2013 campaign, and were picked to finish last in the North in the preseason Pac-12 media poll.
With Pac-12 career passing yardage leader Sean Mannion off to the NFL, OSU will open the season with a quarterback who has never played in a college game. True freshman Seth Collins and redshirt freshman Nick Mitchell are the frontrunners to replace Mannion.
To be kind, the passing game was inconsistent in the spring. Based on what Andersen saw Saturday, Collins, Mitchell and redshirt freshman Marcus McMaryion appear to have made strides this summer.
"Overall much cleaner. I think we threw the ball better," Andersen said.
Their chemistry with the receivers also appears to have improved.
Oregon State center Isaac Seumalo looks on during the first day of fall practice on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015, in Corvallis, Ore. (Photo: ASHLEY SMITH / STATESMAN JOURNAL)
For the first time in recent memory the Beavers could have a run-first mentality this season, especially with growing pains anticipated at quarterback.
And if the receivers are asked to block more, so be it.
"If we need to block so we can set up the pass, that's fine with me," said sophomore receiver Jordan Villamin, the Beavers' second-leading receiver last season behind junior Victor Bolden.
"If it makes it easier for the quarterback to get us the ball, it's cool. We're all playmakers out there."
There have been many changes since Andersen arrived in December after spending the previous two seasons as coach at Wisconsin. He replaced long-time coach Mike Riley, who left for Nebraska.
A new spread offense was installed in the spring to replace the pro-style philosophy of Riley, and a base 4-3 defense has given way to the 3-4.
"Everyone's getting used to having (the coaches) around," junior linebacker Caleb Saulo said. "It all feels so natural."
Players were in helmets and shorts for the first practice, and they'll be in full pads for the first time Wednesday. Practices are scheduled for Sunday and Monday, with a day off Tuesday.
Oregon State Ryan Nall (34) makes a catch as Rommel Mageo looks on during the first day of fall practice on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015, in Corvallis, Ore. (Photo: ASHLEY SMITH / STATESMAN JOURNAL)
Senior cornerback Larry Scott said everyone was excited to get back on the field and open preseason camp.
"Anytime you get back to football it's a beautiful thing," said Scott, one of two returning starters on defense along with senior end Jaswha James.
"Football is not an everyday thing. It's a once a year thing. So every time it comes back around I'm ready."
Andersen expected the excitement level to be high Saturday. But maintaining that intensity as preseason practices continue will be important.
The Beavers have their first two-a-day practices Friday.
"It was great today, but it always is Day 1," Andersen said. "So we have to have consistent practices."
ghorowitz@StatesmanJournal.com, (503) 399-6726 or Twitter.com/ghorowitz
Oregon State defensive tackle Kyle Peko, center, collides with teammates during the first day of fall practice on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015, in Corvallis, Ore. (Photo: ASHLEY SMITH / STATESMAN JOURNAL)
Coach: Gary Andersen, first season
2015 record: 5-7, 2-7 Pac-12 North, tied for fifth
Starters returning: Nine on offense, two on defense, one kicker
Season opener: 5 p.m. Sept. 4 vs. Weber State at Reser Stadium (Pac-12 Networks)
Tickets: Visit beavertickets.com or call 800-Go-Beavs
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