The Barometer Online

Issue date: 5/3/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Luke Wenker Bryant Cornell made a good impression on coaches and players last Saturday by taking the ball from Lyle Moevao for an easy touchdown.

With the completion of the spring football season, Beaver fans are counting down the days until August 30th, Oregon State still has plenty to work on. But with 25 returning seniors, the Beavers have started to get a hold of things once again and look to develop even further heading into the summer.

"We are looking for development," explained coach Mike Riley. "We are looking for overall development of people in the program. And we did get that at tight end, receiver, and safety, and really in the offensive line."

The offensive line is led by anchor Kyle DeVan, who was recently named to the Rimington Trophy watch list, the award for top Center in the nation. Along with guard Roy Schuening, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury over the spring, and tackle Tavita Thompson, the Beavers are rock solid at the position. And it is one that can certainly protect quarterbacks Sean Canfield or Lyle Moevao.

"Coming into the winter, after our running groups, all of the offensive linemen and tight ends get together and we do technique work with each other," explains DeVan. "I think that is the biggest thing. We spend so many hours out on the field with the coaches, and that will get you better, but it is what you do when there is nobody around, when it is just the offensive linemen and tight ends. We are working hard, especially on our technique and footwork."

Speaking of Canfield and Moevao, nothing has been solved yet in the quarterback controversy and will certainly go into fall camp. Canfield has impressed coaches and fans with his rocket arm and calm pocket presence, receiving numerous comparisons to former USC Trojan Matt Leinart. Moevao also has fans and coaches talking about his accuracy, and mobility with the ability to escape the pocket when under pressure.

"They have been doing well," DeVan said. "The spring is designed for the younger guys. They came in and they both spent time in the meeting rooms learning the offense and applying that to the field. I think they have both matured a lot over the spring. They both showed great potential for what they can do, and I think any one of those two kids could be in the starting quarterback role. Right now, I feel comfortable with both."

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools