Redshirt lineman will leave in April, reducing depth

Mau Nomani decided he is going on his Mormon mission in April.

The redshirt freshman offensive tackle for the Oregon State football team planned on going after his redshirt season, but delayed until after winter term.

His destination is unknown until the end of the month, but he plans to return to OSU in two years. He will have three years of eligibility remaining.

“I was supposed to leave this summer, but I stayed back to finish up on school and leave on good terms,” Nomani said. “I wish I would have gone on my mission first, finished that up, and then stayed a straight five years here.”

Nomani couldn’t do that because he was too young after graduating from Tigard High. He needed to wait a year to be old enough to go on a mission, according to church policies.

Instead of sitting around and doing nothing with his time, Nomani attended OSU to get started on school. When it was time to leave in the summer, he had family issues to attend to and needed to be close to home.

“I was able to stable those things up, and now I’m ready to go after next term,” Nomani said.

His departure is a blow to the team’s depth next season. He’s a 6-foot-4, 327-pounder who Rivals.com rated the third-best prospect out of Oregon after the 2005 season.

Nomani played in one game this season. During bowl game practice he has been working in at guard.

Schuening honored

Offensive guard Roy Schuening was named to the first Pro Football Weekly Collegiate All-America First-Team. He will start his 50th consecutive game, an OSU record, Dec. 28 when the Beavers play Maryland in the sixth annual Emerald Bowl at AT&T Park in San Francisco.

Schuening plans to play in the all-star Senior Bowl on Jan. 26 in Mobile Ala., and was selected first-team all-Pacific-10 Conference.

The Senior Bowl is the most prestigious all-star game that showcases talent for NFL scouts.

“Everybody who has anything to do with the NFL will be there,” Schuening said. “It’s the best opportunity to get good exposure. I was going to the Hula Bowl because coach (Mike) Riley was coaching in it, but I just made the decision to focus on the Senior Bowl.”

Canfield throws

Quarterback Sean Canfield threw passes for the first time since injuring his throwing shoulder Nov. 3 at Southern California. He was crisp and hit the deep ball.

“That was good,” coach Mike Riley said. “I was amazed he threw it the way he did today.”

Quick hits

PK Alexis Serna will join Schuening in the Senior Bowl. … CB Gerard Lawson has been slowed by back spasms for three days, but continues to feel better. … The Beavers are going on a team field trip to watch the Dec. 19 Portland Trail Blazers game.