OSU NOTEBOOK

Heralded junior college transfer recruit Simi Kuli will not be with the Oregon State football team when training camp opens Friday, coach Mike Riley said Tuesday.

The five-star defensive end is not expected to join the Beavers until after Sept. 1 because he is still working on finishing his academics at El Camino College in the Los Angeles area. It might be as late as the winter term before he arrives.

Kuli has three years to play two, so he could redshirt this season. If he adapts to the system quickly and doesn’t miss much of the season, he may play this year.

“He’s going to be here, when, I’d say the soonest is the first of September,” Riley said. “At this time I’m not counting on him for this season. When he arrives, then we’ll play that out a little bit.”

Kuli was expected to make an immediate impact in helping the team rebuild its defensive line that lost all four starters.

Uniform reaction

Nike approached the Beavers about changing the team’s uniform to better fit the personality of the team, and Riley was thrilled with the plan.

“I’m very appreciative with Nike,” coach Mike Riley said. “They called about this and wanted to go on a new course with our uniforms — one that fit the theme of Oregon State better. And I agree whole heartedly. I see Oregon State pretty much a simple identity, hard working. Just what you see is what you get. I see our group as hard working, lunch bucket and the simpler lines fit with me. I always liked that in uniforms.”

True freshmen

Running back Jacquizz Rodgers and defensive back Anthony Watkins are the only freshmen who might not redshirt this season. Rodgers will be looked at as a kickoff returner and part-time ball carrier, while Watkins can make an impact on special teams

“I tell all freshmen to be ready to play,” Riley said. “In my mind, they are going to redshirt. It’s good for them to do that as players and academically. I’d rather not push them in. But we talked with Anthony Watkins as a viable special teams player, but not as a safety, yet. He was a greyshirt in spring practice. He impressed enough that this guy can start on four special teams for us and not redshirt.”

Roster moves

n Senior offensive lineman Michael Cole left the team on his own accord, but will stay at OSU for school.

n There is only one greyshirt coming in the winter: running back Jovan Stevenson. He was scheduled to greyshirt for a long time, and was only going to be brought in if there was a scholarship available.

Injury updates

n Running back Jeremy Francis (knee) is at full strength after being hurt in spring practice.

n Offensive guard Jeremy Perry (ankle) feels good, but must get back into playing shape.

n Redshirt freshman defensive end Tonu Tuimalealiifano (knee) might miss this season after a spring injury.

n Redshirt freshman tight end Joe Hulahuni (knee) will be back from his spring injury, but won’t be 100 percent at the beginning.

Strength staff

Clete McLeod has joined the strength staff as an assistant to the newly appointed sports performance coordinator Bryan Miller. McLeod was the strength coach at Southeast Missouri State last year and had worked at Northern Illinois and Southern Illinois, among other places.