Editor’s Note: This is a column and does not reflect the views or opinions of the Daily Barometer.
The Oregon State University football team continued their second week of fall camp on Thursday, August 8, evaluating new and old players alike.
The depth charts still need to be determined, and the Beavers are amidst intense competition for coveted starting roles. Not only are they trying to establish the team’s pecking order, but the Beavers are also attempting to create bonds between players and generate chemistry.
At the QB position, Ben Gulbranson is the apparent frontrunner to start on August 31 against the Idaho State Bengals. His passes had more velocity and were more accurate than any of the quarterbacks on the roster. His confidence and composure in leading the offense were on display for the entirety of the passing section portion of the practice.
As for the running backs, Anthony Hankerson and Jam Griffin both looked strong, getting in and out of their cuts with speed and agility. They may end up forming a committee of running backs, with both players contributing significantly to the offense.
With the two receiving approximately equal playing time during the practice, one might distinguish their play via their receiving skills. In an ever evolving college football landscape, running backs who can catch have never been more valuable.
For the defense, coaches were fiery throughout the practice, yelling after almost every play. At the conclusion of the session, Head Coach Trent Bray gave an impassioned speech about the value of effort. Bray also provided his vision that the players who put forth the greatest effort would get playing time over those with the greatest talent.
After the practice, outside linebacker Oluwaseyi Omotosho was interviewed by the media and spoke about the changes in defensive scheming with former Defensive Coordinator Trent Bray, who is now the head coach.
“It’s pretty much the same, to be honest…I’m really on the line, at defensive end most of the time. Sometimes I’ll drop, depending on the play, but sometimes I’m at the edge…I think once we all click in and get on the same page about everything, we’ll be just fine.” Omotosho said.
Defensive line coach Ilaisa Tuiaki chimed in about the skills he wants the D-line to refine during fall camp.
“We’re working on take-off, we’re working on hands… There’s a base block, there’s a reach block, there’s a double team, there’s a scoop block, there’s pass [blocking], screen [blocking].” Tuiaki said.
Tuiaki went on to describe the nature of the battle between the offensive and defensive lines. “It’s hand-to-hand combat with the offensive line, and they’re trying to move or influence the defensive line, and we’ve gotta continue to stay powerful and vertical, because that’s the style of defense that we play.”
The Beavers will certainly hope that Tuiaki’s analytical assessment of the nature of defensive line play translates to pressure on opposing quarterbacks, sacks and tackles in the backfield. As the second week of fall camp nears a close, it is apparent that there is a lot of excitement for the upcoming season.
