Corvallis Gazette-Times

CORVALLIS — There are three unresolved issues for the Oregon State football team the rest of training camp.

• Coach Mike Riley must name Sean Canfield or Lyle Moevao the starting quarterback.

• A backup to tailback Yvenson Bernard must be found.

• Wide receiver Sammie Stroughter must resolve his ongoing personal issues, or the Beavers have to move on without him.

Stroughter wasn’t with the team for the fourth straight day, missing the first scrimmage of camp Saturday in Reser Stadium.

Riley didn’t indicate when he will return.

Chris Johnson is being prepped to take his place at split end, and freshmen Darrell Catchings and James Rodgers may not redshirt, Riley said.

“It’s a big blow,” Moevao said of if Stroughter doesn’t return. “He’s such a big addition to our team.

“He’s always out here trying to get everybody motivated. He’s really a leader.”

Progress was made during the 114-play scrimmage to reach the first two decisions Riley must make.

Both quarterbacks had similar numbers, but Canfield was the only one of the two to lead the offense on a scoring drive.

Moevao completed 7 of 19 for 79 yards, while Canfield was 9 of 14 for 80 yards.

They looked smooth at times, but mistakes happened.

“There’s obviously a situation for them,” Riley said. “We don’t talk about it a lot. It’s there, it’s real. The competition for them is big. I’m sure there are some nerves. It’s good to practice with some nerves. There will be more on game day.”

It has been difficult for Riley to come to his decision. Stats and video have been taken at each practice for him to review, and he hopes to pick a quarterback early next week.

“I will tell you this,” Riley said. “I hopefully won’t do this again; go into fall camp like this. It hasn’t hurt our team. It was the right thing to do with these two guys. But I’m going to get this thing done soon.”

The quarterbacks are ready for a decision, too. Both say they will support whatever way Riley goes.

“It still seams pretty close to me with the feedback they are giving me,” Moevao said. “The fact he wants to hurry up and pick the starting quarterback is a great idea. Our offense can get use to playing with one of us and learn how we are playing and get that chemistry.”

Bernard and some of the other veterans didn’t participate in the scrimmage. That allowed plenty of work for running backs Andy Stewart, Patrick Fuller, Ryan McCants and Tony Carrasco.

Stewart was used at tailback for the first time. He’s usually the fullback, but Riley likes his consistency and pass blocking.

McCants, however, may not redshirt if how he was used is any indication. He carried the ball seven times for 22 yards, and caught it twice for 25 yards.

“Everyday Ryan McCants has stepped forward one more step,” Riley said. “I think he showed people today he has some stuff. It has been a steady, everyday improvement. When he knows what he’s doing and where he’s going, he has looked good doing it.”

Catchings led the receivers with seven receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown. He and Rodgers have impress Riley.

Both add depth to the receivers if Stroughter doesn’t play this year, and Rodgers can return punts for him.

“A week ago I would have said I wanted to redshirt both of those kids,” Riley said. “Today, I would say I’m not sure we can. I think they both can contribute to our team. I want to make sure I don’t blow their year with a backup role. They have to get in there and play.”