Dismissal, academics change the face of the Beavers personnel

Mike Riley sat back Wednesday to review his Oregon State football team roster and ponder what a different look it will take for the coach from what came out of spring practice.

The biggest blow to the team that opens training camp Friday came when senior cornerback Coye Francies was dismissed from the team for violating team rules.

He was originally suspended indefinitely for being arrested June 2 in Multnomah County and charged with possession of a loaded firearm in Multnomah County Circuit Court on June 11. However, all charges were dismissed on July 2.

Francies was a part-time starter last year and the primary kickoff returner. He played in 14 games and had 39 tackles, seventh on the team. He had five pass break ups, 41/2 tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception and a forced fumble.

“I thought of Coye as a starter, as a third starting corner, he was capable of a lot of things.” Riley said. “The event surprised me, but it was one that we couldn’t turn back. There was only one solution there.”

The Beavers still have regular starters Keenan Lewis and Brandon Hughes, veteran reserve Gerard Lawson and up-and-coming players such as Tim Clark, Patrick Henderson and James Dockery. Dockery has been a safety, but will be tried out at corner this fall.

A second kickoff returner must be found to go next to Lawson, who takes over the primary duties. Riley hinted that it could go to a young receiver or defensive back. Newcomer James Rodgers was a standout returner at Lamar Consolidated High in Richmond, Texas.

Running back Micah Strickland and punter/holder Jon Strowbridge are not academically eligible, with no chance to come back this year.

Strickland was a true freshman fullback last year, but started having academic issues in the spring. He was going to be given the opportunity to compete for the No. 2 ball carrier this season if eligible.

Strowbridge’s grade-point average was solid, but the senior walk-on hasn’t made enough progress toward his degree. The Corvallis High alum was the backup punter and starting holder for place-kicker Alexis Serna.

Quarterback Ryan Gunderson or wide receiver Taylor Kavanaugh are expected to be the holder. Serna is the emergency backup punter.

Redshirt freshman Mau Nomani decided to return to school. He previously planned to take two years off to go on a Mormon mission. He’ll challenge junior Tavita Thompson for playing time at right tackle.

Offensive tackles Michael Cole and Jon Ioane are expected to be in camp at some point, but they are waiting for the paperwork from junior college transfers to be complete.

Junior college linebacker Danzel Issac didn’t make it in academically after two years of trying.

“We have not been counting on that for a long time,” Riley said. “There was a point in the spring we thought he was on track, but he was not.”

Several high school recruits won’t be showing up. Defensive back Reggie Dunn and wide receiver Leaualofa Liilii are going to play junior college ball first, and work on their grades.

“We are not surprised about those situations,” Riley said.

There are 11 players who are greyshirting, which means they will delay enrollment until at least the winter term. They still have five years to play four seasons once they arrive.

The Beavers are at their 85 scholarship limit and signed players knowing many of them were going to greyshirt. Some needed the extra time to develop or wait until there’s room on the roster.

“That’s a good thing for them,” Riley said. “There’s a silver lining to that. A couple of them have had some injuries.”

Quarterback Jake Gelakoska had foot surgery. Rivals.com reports he’s going to junior college, but Riley says he’s greyshirting. It probably means he’s going to junior college part-time, so his eligibility clock won’t start until next year.

Offensive tackle Kevin Pankey had knee surgery, and offensive lineman Una Smiley is still recovering from gun shot wounds received on a recruiting trip to New Mexico.

Defensive back Josh LaGrone, defensive linemen Jesse Fifita, offensive lineman Castro Masaniai, long snapper Marcus Perry, tight end Colby Prince (West Albany High), offensive tackle Rory Ross, defensive back Anthony Watkins and wide receiver Brandon Wimberly are the other greyshirts.