Colby Prince became a rare mid-valley recruit for the Oregon State football team after Oregon tried to get into the picture.

The West Albany High senior verbally committed to the Beavers last week after receiving his first scholarship offer.

OSU originally wanted to see how Prince played his senior season with the Bulldogs, but when Oregon showed similar interest in him, the Beavers offered Prince a scholarship.

“I was surprised they offered so early, but when they did I jumped on it,” Prince said. “I’m very relieved this happened. It took a lot of pressure off me this season.”

He became OSU’s sixth commitment, and fifth from the high school ranks. Four of the recruits have ties to the state.

California was the only other team interested in Prince at this point, after attending camps at the three schools. Verbal commitments are not binding, so he could change his mind. However, he says that’s not going to happen.

“I visited the school preview days at Oregon State and Oregon, and I felt Oregon State fit me best,” Prince said. “I liked the coaches and I like what the program was all about. This is perfect because I get to play close to home, and still be in a small town.”

Prince said the Beavers want him to change positions to play tight end with his 6-foot-5, 220-pound size. That’s why they wanted to see how he performed as a senior.

It’s going to be an adjustment because he has played wide receiver and safety, but never on the line. Prince was second-team all-Valley League as a receiver and first-team as a safety last season. He also plays basketball and runs track.

Blocking is his forte as a receiver, but he hasn’t worked out of a three-point stance. The Bulldogs ran the option, so coach Randy Nyquist said Prince’s efforts were a big reason the team’s tailback ran for more than 1,300 yards.

The Bulldogs are planning to position him on the end of the line of scrimmage to prepare Prince for OSU, and see how it works in their offense.

“It’s a good fit for him, and for Oregon State,” Nyquist said. “They do neat things with the tight end. He’s a big kid, but very athletic. He’s a true team player. He’ll make that transition to tight end, and do anything they ask him.”

RECRUITING UPDATE

The Beavers have six known verbal commitments from athletes for next year’s recruiting class. Here’s a look at who’s expected to be with the Beavers next fall.

Player Pos. Ht/Wt Hometown (School)

• Michael Cole OL 6-7/290 Lake Oswego (Foothill College)

• Kevin Frahm DE 6-2/244 Portland (Central Catholic High)

• Jake Gelakoska QB 6-3/206 Mill Creek, Wash. (Jackson High)

• Ahmed Mokhtar RB 5-11/196 Santa Ana, Calif. (Mater Dei High)

• Colby Prince TE 6-5/220 Albany (West Albany High)

• Carl Sommer TE 6-4/230 Wilsonville (Wilsonville High)