The Barometer Online

Issue date: 4/8/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Cory Reed (Left) Running back Jovan Stevenson will enter his career at Oregon State as a freshman after using a grayshirt season. Oregon State hopes for Stevenson to add depth to the backfield. (Right) Redshirt freshman wide receiver Jordan Bishop looks to help Oregon State replace Sammie Stroughter and Shane Morales.

Spring football is a time of transition, a time of mixing in the old with the new; it's a time when the redshirted players of yesterday attempt to step into the spotlight today.

A couple of different players in particular who are attempting to make that giant leap this season and who have been turning heads so far this spring are grayshirted running back Jovan Stevenson and redshirted wide receiver Jordan Bishop.

Although Stevenson signed with the Beavers in 2007, the talented running back out of Sunnyside High School in Tucson, Ariz. grayshirted and didn't join the team until January of 2009. However, since his arrival in Corvallis, there's been nothing but good things said about this versatile runner.

"I like Jovan," Oregon State head coach Mike Riley said. "The other day when we got in pads for the first time, I was impressed. He's got some quick feet and has a good feel for running the ball, hitting the lanes and making cuts. I was impressed."

It wasn't the first time Stevenson has been impressive. He ran for 1,470 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior and went over the 1,800 mark in his junior year, earning him a top-100 ranking for running backs in his class.

Stevenson could end up playing a crucial role on this Beavers team, especially if Jacquizz Rodgers has another injury. But even if the whole backfield does stay healthy, don't be surprised to see Stevenson on the field in 2009.

"My expectations are just to come to practice pumped and ready," Stevenson said. "This is my first time getting on the field again so I can't show I'm not hungry for this. You've got to be hungry to get all the plays down and master them and just feel confident."

Continued...

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