2008 Prospectus
Oregon State will have much work to do in order to defend their 2007 PAC-10 title. Wholesale changes on the defensive front and in the offensive backfield will require the Beavers to start or provide playing time to several underclassmen. Just three starters return on defense, and three of four players on the line will likely be freshmen. Offensively, the passing attack should improve, but Oregon State has little experience at running back. Expect the Beavers to have some growing pains as they gear up for a tough schedule in 2008.
Returning starters in bold.
Offense
Six starters return on offense, including quarterback Lyle Moevao. With the departure of Yvenson Bernard and the return of Sammie Stroughter, expect the Beavers to run a more open attack. Oregon State may not become BYU or Hawai’i overnight, but with only one returning player with any carries in the backfield, the passing attack will need to improve for the Beavers to compete.
Quarterback
| No | Name | Class |
| 3 | Lyle Moevao | Jr |
| 5 | Sean Canfield | Jr |
| 14 | Jake Geloaska | Fr |
| 11 | Ryan Katz | Fr |
Lyle Moevao, the former high school defensive end, returns to helm the Oregon State offense this year. Moevao didn’t always show a total grasp of the offense – he had a PAC-10 leading 14 interceptions – but compensated with a love of contact and aggressiveness. In order to defend the PAC-10 title, Moevao will need to improve on his accuracy and consistency this season.
Sean Canfield has been dogged with nagging shoulder injuries, but has proven to be a capable backup. Blessed with a strong arm, Canfield will likely get some snaps from time to time. Jake Geloska is coming off a redshirt year and is more in the mold of Derek Anderson, while fleet-footed Ryan Katz will likely redshirt.
Running Back
| No | Name | Class |
| 4 | Jacquizz Rodgers | Fr |
| 34 | Patrick Fuller | Sr |
| 44 | Ryan McCants (FB) | Fr |
| 22 | Jeremy Fisher | Fr |
| 38 | Jovan Stevenson | Fr |
Inexperience domimates the running back competition, with Patrick Fuller (29-100, 2 TDs) as the only non-freshman at the position. "Mr. Touchdown" Jacquizz Rodgers, brother of budding superstar James Rodgers, will likely get the start at halfback, with Fuller also getting touches. Ryan McCants will get the first look at fullback. The Beavers would prefer to redshirt Jeremy Fisher and Jovan Stevenson, but there is a chance they will still be in the mix during the season.
Recievers
| No | Name | Class |
| 19 | Sammie Stroughter | Sr |
| 15 | Darrell Catchings | So |
| 8 | James Rodgers | So |
| 7 | Kyle Brown | So |
| 83 | Brandon Wimberly | Fr |
| 26 | Jordan Bishop | Fr |
Sammie Stroughter returns for his senior season after missing 2007 with a kidney injury. His return will help provide another downfield threat and should improve the passing game. Fabulous Freshman James Rodgers returns as the slot receiver after a record-breaking year that saw him haul in 57 passes for 924 yards and a school record 13 touchdowns. Darrell Catchings will line up at the outside and expects to improve on a strong freshman year that saw him haul in 21 passes for 206 yards.
Kyle Brown and Brandon Wimberly make up in size in what they lack for experience. Brown stands 6-4 and 214 pounds, while Wimberly is 6-3 190. Both may see some touches in the red zone offense. Speedy Jordan Bishop will likely redshirt this season.
Tight End
| No | Name | Class |
| 81 | Gabe Miller | So |
| 31 | Daniel Weis | Sr |
| 24 | Ahmed Mokhtar | Fr |
| 86 | Kevin Pankey | Fr |
Occasionally overlooked due to the spectacular performance of James Rodger, Gabe Miller also returns off an impressive freshman year that saw him catch 41 passes for 392 yards and two touchdowns. Miller should have many opportunities to get open this year. Daniel Weis reprises his role as the #2 tight end, while running back convert Ahmed Mokhtar should provide depth on three tight-end sets. Monster recruit Kevin Pankey (6-2, 260) will likely redshirt this year.
Offensive Line
| No | Name | Class |
| 76 | Tavita Thompson (OT) | Sr |
| 62 | Jeremy Perry (OG) | Sr |
| 60 | Alex Linnenkohl (OC) | So |
| 65 | Marcus Henderson (OG) | Sr |
| 74 | Gerald Parker (OT) | Sr |
| 64 | Nathan Hannah | So |
| 66 | Andy Levitre | Sr |
| 51 | Adam Speer | Sr |
| 71 | Mau Nomani | So |
| 72 | Timi Oshinowo | So |
| 63 | Colin Kelly | Fr |
| 56 | Colin Lyons | Fr |
| 70 | Brent McNeil | Fr |
| 67 | Rory Ross | Fr |
The offensive line returns three starters and six seniors, making it the most experienced group on the offense. Lombardi candidate Jeremy Perry anchors the left side of the line and along with Tavita Thompson provides athletic ability as well as strength. Marcus Henerson and Gerald Parker also provide senior leadership and experience on the right side. Alex Linnenkohl makes his first start at center, but has experience as a reserve and long snapper. Seniors Andy Levitre and Adam Speer will be the first off the bench, while sophmores Nathan Hannah, May Nomani, and Timi Oshinowo provide depth.
Freshman Colin Kelly, Colin Lyons, Brent McNeil, and Rory Ross will redshirt this year.
Defense
The daunting task facing the coaching staff is the replacement of the entire front seven from a year ago. The task will be made easier by the return of three starters from the secondary, including Thorpe winner Keenan Lewis. The key will be whether the young players up front will generate enough pressure to allow the secondary to tee off and make interceptions over the course of the season.
Defensive Ends
| No | Name | Class |
| 55 | Jesse Fifta | Fr |
| 46 | Kevin Frahm | Fr |
| 52 | Latu Moala | Jr |
| 96 | Kyle Bell | Fr |
| 93 | Simi Kuli | Fr |
Expect growing pains on the defensive front, as Latu Moala is the only returning player who is not a freshman. Moala will likely provide support to Jesse Fifta and Kevin Frahm, both of whom are slated to be speed rushers. Kyle Bell will also see some playing time and promsing freshman Simi Kuli will redshirt. No defensive end has a sack from last year.
Defensive Tackles
| No | Name | Class |
| 99 | Pernell Booth | Sr |
| 94 | Stephen Paea | Fr |
| 98 | Castro Masaniai | Fr |
| 91 | Jesse Fifita | Fr |
Pernell Booth is the only defensive lineman returning with any game experience, with 8 tackles and 2 tackles for loss in 2007. True freshman Stephen Paea will likely be on the first rotation with Booth, and Latu Moala will also see some time in the interior. The coaching staff would prefer Castro Masaniai and Jesse Fifita to redshirt, but both may need to see some time in the rotation.
Linebackers
| No | Name | Class |
| 1 | Dennis Christopher | Sr |
| 41 | Bryant Cornell | Sr |
| 12 | Isaiah Cook | Sr |
| 59 | Dwight Roberson | So |
| 53 | Johnny Clark | Jr |
| 32 | Keaton Kristick | So |
| 30 | Paul Jones | Fr |
| 48 | Will Darkins | Fr |
| 43 | Tony Wilson | Fr |
| 49 | Anthony Watkins | Fr |
| 47 | Keith Pankey | Fr |
| 58 | David Paaluhi | Fr |
Things look slightly better at the linebacker position, where no starters return but several players with game experience. Isiah Cook and Dennis Christopher should start at the outside, while Bryant Cornell makes the move to the middle. Chistopher had an interception while Cornell had 19 tackles. All are seniors. Dwight Roberson and Keaton Kristick will be the first off the bench and see time on special teams. Six freshmen will either redshirt or play a reserve role.
Cornerbacks
| No | Name | Class |
| 6 | Keenan Lewis | Sr |
| 36 | Brandon Hughes | Sr |
| 27 | David Ross | So |
| 80 | Chris Johnson | Sr |
| 35 | Brandon Hardin | Fr |
| 20 | Kenyan Parker | Fr |
| 39 | Brian Watkins | Fr |
Things appear much better in the secondary, as All-Americans Keenan Lewis and Brandon Hughes return. Both are pro prospects who will greatly help the defense through the growing pains of the front seven. David Ross and converted wideout Chris Johnson will battle for the nickel and dime spots, and Brandon Hardin will see time as a reserve. Kenyan Parker and Brian Watkins both bring speed, but both will likely redshirt this season.
Safeties
| No | Name | Class |
| 9 | Al Alafava (FS) | Sr |
| 25 | Cameron Collins (SS) | Fr |
| 23 | Bryan Payton | Sr |
| 2 | Anthony Watkins | Fr |
| 37 | Josh Lagrone | Fr |
| 7 | Lance Mitchell | Fr |
| 40 | Kameron Krebs | Fr |
Pro prospect Al Alafava also returns to bolster a young group of safeties. Fellow senior Bryan Payton is also likely to see time at safety and cornerback. Freshman Cameron Collins has the inside track to be the starting strong safety, but will be pushed by Payton and Anthony Watkins. Josh Lagrone and Lance Mitchell will likely see time on special teams, while fast safety Kameron Krebs will redshirt.
Special Teams
| No | Name | Class |
| 28 | Justin Kahut | Fr |
| 7 | Johnny Hekker | Fr |
Replacing two-time Groza Award winner Alexis Serna will be difficult to say the least. Justin Kahut will have the opportunity to handle the placekicking duties, while another true freshman, Johnny Hekker will punt.
Fortunately, Sammy Stroughter and James Rodgers will be available to return kicks and should help the team with good field position.
