The Barometer Online

Issue date: 4/30/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Cory Reed Quarterback Sean Canfield drops back for a pass during an Oregon State spring practice. Canfield will take snaps with the number one offense this weekend during the spring game.

Spring football is officially coming to an end this Saturday at Reser Stadium as the Beavers play in their annual spring game, getting the team ready for next season.

Heading into the game, Oregon State head coach Mike Riley is very pleased with what he's seen from the team in the past month.

"There's been a lot of football. We've done everything from goal line to third down to two-minute," Riley said. "We've had a smorgasbord of practice, and I just love it. A lot of the stuff the guys are improving at - there's still a ton of things to do, but to this point it's been very, very good."

The productive thing has been a very refreshing thing to see for Riley as his team is currently playing without several key stars. Quarterback Lyle Moevao has missed all of spring ball because of a shoulder injury, while both Rodgers brothers remain sidelined as precautions from their pair of season ending injuries last year. However, despite the lack of star power, the Beavers have managed to show something on the field with every practice.

The patent run-defense of the Beavers continues to look good as it does year in, year out. Despite losing the bookends of the defensive end from last year, the front seven have regrouped and shown why Oregon State is routinely tops in the nation for stopping the run.

"All day long it was very hard to run," Riley said following one of the team's scrimmages. "Which is always a good sign for what we want to do defensively."

Defensive tackle Stephen Paea is the only returning starter along the defensive line, and he has been the unit's anchor all spring. But that hasn't stopped some of the younger guys from stepping up, especially converted defensive end Gabe Miller, who seems right at home in his new position.

"It's a natural fit for Gabe," Riley said, "He's got that body. It appears to be a very good move for him right now."

This Saturday will be most Beaver fans' first glimpse of Miller's play-making ability on the defensive side of the ball, as his coach is not the only one who thinks the position change was a positive thing.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools