Beavers have a deep group of receivers for this year and beyond

By Cliff Kirkpatrick
Gazette-Times Reporter

When talking with Oregon State football coach Mike Riley about the strength of this team, he points to wide receiver.

That’s easy to say with All-American Sammie Stroughter at full strength, the dynamic James Rodgers and steady Darrell Catchings as the starters this season. Then there’s the two reliable, well-used reserves in Chris Johnson and Shane Morales.

Looking ahead without seniors Stroughter, Johnson and Morales next year, Riley still says wide receiver.

“I really like the depth there,” Riley said. “It’s way too early to say this, but this is as good a group of three young freshman receivers as we’ve seen. All three guys look really good to me. That’s exciting. I like it.”

Riley is referring to Jordan Bishop of West Salem High, Kevan Walker from Arcadia, Calif., and Geno Munoz of Tacoma, Wash.

The Beavers found a way to get by last season without the injured Stroughter, using true freshmen Catchings and Rodgers. They went that route because of the lack of depth, so that was addressed in the recent recruiting class.

This trio has made training camp interesting for the coaches with their steady hands. They have to prepare for this season, but they don’t want to ignore the future.

Keynan Parker was a fourth receiver brought into the program this season, but the first three have done so well he moved to cornerback to fill out the depth at that position.

“What they’ve shown is very good athletic ability,” receivers coach Jay Locey said. “I think they have the potential to fit in and be outstanding receivers. Right now we are trying to find time to get them some technique work. They all have different backgrounds, and we have to get them up to speed with the technique we are teaching.”

Bishop is a speedster who was a track star. He won the Oregon state long jump title at 23 feet, 5 inches and took second in the high jump and 400 meters.

Munoz was a track and basketball standout, and a two-time all-league receiver at Mt. Tahoma High. Walker excelled as an all-purpose player at corner, safety, receiver and quarterback.

“I don’t think we could have come out of it any better,” Riley said. “I’m pleased with the athleticism and intelligence.”

The freshmen add to a group backing up the leading core of five for this season. Sophomores Kyle Brown and Casey Kjos have been slowed by injuries early in their careers, but are ready if needed this season.

Also being prepped for this season are three better-than-expected walk-ons in Damola Adeniji, Taylor Kavanaugh and Aaron Nichols.

“We’re looking for someone to make more of an impact in that group,” Riley said. “They flash at times, but are not consistent enough. But they are good players.”

However, health issues are ready to be addressed if needed now with this depth.

Recruiting and development have also met at the right level. The freshmen are projected to be the starting lineup in 2011 — three seasons away.

Individually they may make a move sooner. They have to get through the likes of Kjos and Brown, while they learn from the veterans now.

“The competition is awesome,” Bishop said. “Every down we are getting pressed, so we are getting better every day. Sammie, Darrell, James, all those guys are great to learn something different from. We’ve got good QBs. This is a great place to play — it’s the Pac-10 and we pass a lot. It’s a good fit if you want to be a receiver.”

With recruiting being an ongoing process, the Beavers must replace three players after this season. Now there’s less pressure to replenish this area.

The Beavers can find the right players for the program. They have already received one verbal commitment from Tramaine Thompson from the new recruiting area of Oklahoma.

“We have three scholarships when those seniors leave,” Locey said. “That’s what you want; you want to reload vs. rebuild. I think we have a special group of guys in here, and everybody continues to get better. Our depth looks good.”

RECEIVER BREAKDOWN

Split end

No. 19 Sammie Stroughter: Big things are expected out of the All-American, go-to receiver. He is physically and mentally healthy.

No. 84 Taylor Kavanaugh: Walk-on is very steady in all phases and can fill in for a few plays. He’s the backup punt returner to Stroughter, too.

No. 80 Damola Adeniji: Catches nearly every ball thrown his way in practice. He has two seasons left after redshirting at OSU and playing at a junior college.

Slot back

No. 8 James Rodgers: Moved from flanker in the spring so the top three receivers would be on the field at the same time. Look for more passes to him this season.

No. 29 Shane Morales: Very dependable receiver and blocker. There are certain packages he and Rodgers will run in and out of the lineup for.

No. 25 Casey Kjos: Injuries have slowed him his first two years at OSU. When healthy he can be a steady receiver and tough blocker.

Flanker

No. 15 Darrell Catchings: Moving to the secondary spot now that Stroughter is back should take pressure off him so he can develop.

No. 2 Chris Johnson: Speedy athlete and can play either outside position, so he’s really the first backup at flanker and split end.

No. 7 Kyle Brown: Big, tall target has developed for two-plus years. He’s trying to get into the lineup.

Others: Shawn McGarity, Aaron Nichols, Jordan Bishop, Kevan Walker and Geno Munoz