Front line is crucial to OSU’s hopes for another high Pacific-10 finish

One of the primary issues for the Oregon State football team when training camp opens Friday is finding answers along the offense line.

That area is the backbone of the offense and vital for success.

Dynamic receivers, quarterbacks and ball carries never reach their potential if the five men blocking for them are not on top of their game.

“Offensively, the biggest question mark is to solidify the offensive line,” coach Mike Riley said. “We don’t know who will be starting there, yet.”

The Beavers have two of the better linemen in the country returning, that is when they are healthy, in guard Jeremy Perry and tackle Andy Levitre.

Perry will get a good look by NFL scouts, but he is returning from an injured knee and broken ankle. Levitre is fundamentally sound and has been the most consistent lineman the last three years.

“Jeremy told me that his leg feels better than it has in a year,” Riley said. “The hard part is he did not get as much time to get ready for the season. But he does feel good and that’s a good sign going in.”

Adam Speer filled in for all the injured players the last three years, and he’s finally an official starter at guard. Beyond them, the Beavers have their work cut out for them.

There will be two new starters, led by center Marcus Henderson. He began his OSU career as a walk-on, earned a scholarship and will be given the chance to start after three years of preparation.

Gregg Peat and Ryan Pohl are standout interior reserves. Pohl can play the outside if needed, and is challenging for the center spot.

The other tackle spot is the big concern. Senior Tavita Thompson was supposed to be in his second season as a starter there, but was ruled ineligible for a calender year by the NCAA at midseason last year due to using banned diet pills. He won’t be available until Nov. 1, missing the first seven games.

Until then, it’s going to be a hodgepodge. Sophomore Wilder McAndrews and redshirt freshman Mike Remmers get the first shot at playing time, with McAndrews in the lead at this point.

“Both are good young prospects, but neither one of them played,” Riley said. “And that’s a little scary.”

Junior college transfers Una Smiley or Brent McNeil may get the nod, depending on how fast they understand the offensive system. Smiley was here during spring practice, so he has an edge. McNeil showed up in the summer.

Once that’s settled, the Beavers must established a running game. The emergence of a tailback, or maybe a committee of ball carriers, is crucial to control the tempo of games and set up the pass.

Ryan McCants starts out as the No. 1 back, with newcomers trying to earn playing time. Junior college transfer Jeremy Francis showed well in spring practice and August will be used to determine how best to use freshman Jacquizz Rodgers.

“It’s real explosive,” receiver James Rodgers said of the offense. “That’s all I can say. We have a lot of weapons on offense, so we are going to take advantage of that.”

The Beavers are known for developing players, and now that reputation will be put to the test. If athletes waiting in the wings come through, the offense should continue to produce.

If not, it’s going to be a rebuilding year.

“We have talent and depth in the receivers,” quarterback Sean Canfield said. “Yes, there are holes in the line but there are guys ready to step up. And we have a bunch of talent at running back. So I’m expecting big things from the offense.”

Veterans at receiver, tight end and experienced quarterbacks are the strengths of the offense.

The receiving lineup of Sammie Stroughter, Darrell Catchings and James Rodgers will give Lyle Moevao and Canfield options they didn’t have last year.

Stroughter’s return after missing most of the year because of a kidney injury is the biggest difference. The Beavers should be able to stretch the field again because of his speed and hands.

“It’s great to have Sammie back,” Riley said. “I’m thankful he got the year back (as a medical redshirt). He’s just a great young man. He’s talented. He had a great offseason and spring practice. I think he’s ready to go.”

The quarterback position is still being contested, but Moevao begins camp as the starter. He took over for Canfield, who suffered a shoulder injury with three games left in the regular season.

With a surgically-repaired throwing shoulder, a refocused Canfield will challenge Moevao during training camp. Either could start, so Riley hopes this camp will bring out the best in both of them.

If everything goes according to plan, the Beavers have their sights on a breakout year.

But to what extent? They’ve been top three in the Pacific-10 Conference the last two years.

“As a team we want to get to the Rose Bowl, and we know it’s going to take a lot of work,” James Rodgers said. “We want really big things this season and we are working hard.”

FIVE KEYS

There are five offensive areas to concentrate on for Oregon State once training camps opens Friday:

Find an OT: Andy Levitre is one tackle but Tavita Thompson won’t be eligible until Nov. 1, seven games into the season. Someone must step in until then, or just take over.

Prepare Henderson: Marcus Henderson is expected to be the starting center. The senior, but first time starter, must make the blocking calls in a split second.

Prepare McCants: The redshirt freshman RB is the No. 1 ball carrier going in, and he needs to be ready for the a heavy load once the season begins.

Find backup RBs: There’s no Division I experience among the running backs, so Jeremy Francis and Jacquizz Rodgers must get up to speed fast to relieve McCants.

Use talent: Veteran quarterbacks, receivers and tight ends must come together to show off how dynamic they can, and should, be.

— Cliff Kirkpatrick