OSU’s football coach looking forward to creating a winning formula for 2006

By Cliff Kirkpatrick
Corvallis Gazette-Times

CORVALLIS — Several items are on Mike Riley’s to-do list this offseason, and the coach for the Oregon State football team is not shying away from them.

He’s looking forward to what it takes to create a winning program for 2006.

Most of his time will go into recruiting, but he also plans to evaluate offensive and defensive systems, personnel and then find the best way to get the most out of his players.

“I think through the development of guys here, recruiting and growth of the quarterbacks, we can be better,” Riley said. “I’m really looking forward to this offseason and spring practice. I have confidence in the direction we are going.”

The offense needs some tweaking, but it was the most productive 11-game season in OSU history in terms of yards and points. Quarterback Matt Moore and tailback Yvenson Bernard were responsible for gaining most of the yardage.

Moore threw for 2,711 yards in 10 games, which is ninth best for a season for the Beavers. The only knock — and it’s a big one — was the junior’s 19 interceptions because of his aggressive nature of forcing passes into coverage.

“Matt is a good quarterback and he’ll be better next year,” Riley said. “I like (him being aggressive). There was a lot on him, and it was a lot for a first-year starter. So I’m looking forward to Matt’s growth.”

Freshman Sean Canfield provides depth now that he’s done with his redshirt season. He’s considered the quarterback of the future, and will push for playing time.

With Canfield, Moore and Ryan Gunderson available, Riley said he’s not looking to sign just any quarterback this season. He has to be special.

“I think Canfield will make a run at Matt,” Riley said. “He’s capable of doing some things. He’ll get a lot of reps in the spring.”

Bernard rushed for 1,380 yards and 13 touchdowns on 299 carries. The sophomore delivered the sixth best season for a running back in OSU history.

He returns behind an offensive line that’s back in its entirety for next season. So there’s high expectation for a powerful running game.

“I’m excited about that,” Riley said. “Not only are all those guys coming back, they are all hard workers.”

The only flaw in that plan is if Bernard can hold up physically for two more seasons. He has two bad knees, a shoulder problem and is susceptible to stingers.

Riley hopes to bring in at least one junior college running back to be the second-string ball carrier, and one out of high school. Nate Wright and Patrick Fuller still have a chance to emerge as a secondary back, so spring practice is important to them.

“I’ve got to get another guy who can get 15 carries a game,” Riley said. “I would like to develop the guys who are here and see if they are capable of doing it. I haven’t seen it yet from them. That’s why they haven’t played. Maybe they won’t.”

The biggest offensive concern is replacing Mike Hass, the most productive receiver in OSU history. Riley has faith someone will emerge, because someone always does.

Slot receiver Anthony Wheat-Brown returns as a two-year starter. If he can stay away from the nagging injuries, he could be a standout. The position could get a boost with the expected return of Marcel Love.

He’s been at Linn-Benton Community College working on his academics. Love, a starter in 2004, was deemed ineligible before fall camp. He had a redshirt year available and took it this season.

Wideouts Sammie Stroughter and Ruben Jackson finally receive an opportunity to be the initial go-to receivers. Riley was also impressed with the work of Anthony Crosby during his redshirt season.

Jackson worked his way into the lineup after a slow start and a shoulder injury. Riley regrets not redshirting him, but didn’t have the luxury with the lack of depth.

The most significant addition will be tight end Joe Newton, who’s one of the best in the country at his position. He’s expected back after a preseason leg injury kept him out his junior year.

“I’m hoping somebody comes to the front,” Riley said. “I can’t name an heir apparent in this crew. There are a number of great prospects, though. But with Joe and if Marcel comes back, that’s gaining two starters back.”

Riley admits he needs impact players from junior colleges next season, even though he prefers developing athletes out of high school. Many of the JC players committed are on defense, according to recruiting services.

The defense was tough against the run, but there was limited pass rush with the Beavers last in the Pacific-10 Conference in quarterback sacks with 22.

Ben Siegert should be better next season. The tackle was troubled with a shoulder injury. After surgery to clean it out again, he should be ready for the spring.

“That’s not bad having all those guys back,” Riley said. “Our junior college focus has been on defensive line and linebacker, though. If we can find two or three who can impact playing time that would be great.”

Four defensive linemen are expected to enroll in January and be ready for spring practice. The Beavers have 25 scholarships to give, and have nine more to go.

The linebackers and defensive backs are loaded with athletes who played significant roles this season. They should be better after this year’s experience.

One of Riley’s side projects is finding where to use sophomore Lamar Herron. He began the season as the starting free safety, but lost his job to freshman Al Afalava.

With both starting safeties back, Riley is considering moving Herron to outside linebacker, receiver or running back. He is quick with good moves, proving that on kickoff returns the past two seasons.

“It’s our job to find the best spot for him,” Riley said. “We can’t have one of our best guys watching the game. He could be on offense. One of our latest discussions is where is the best place this guy can start.”

Much of the offseason will be used in planning and studying by the coaches. Several strategy sessions are scheduled to match the offense and defense with the athletes.

Young players made several mistakes. The coaches are evaluating if they will be better next season or if changes in players or schemes is in order.

First-year athletes frequently say the play book is complicated, but Riley believes it just takes time to comprehend. It’s challenging for them to pick up the system in a season, even two.

“It is hard to for them to use their ability without being tied down thinking,” Riley said. “Learning plays is not hard, it’s hard learning them with the motions and the shifting. But that’s something we have to think about. Football is a pretty complicated game, and we have to make it easy for the players. If we are not, we must evaluate that.”

It’s now what Riley likes to call the research and development stage begins. A winning season next year starts now.

“Hopefully next year’s team will go 10-1 and go to a BCS bowl,” senior linebacker Keith Ellison said. “You never know what could happen. I’ll be rooting for them.”