Gazette-Times Reporter

Even with the concerns on the offensive line, Lyle Moevao expects big things in the coming season.

The starting quarterback for the Oregon State football team has faith in the linemen to protect him. And if that happens, Moevao thinks his job will be manageable with the talent of everyone else around him.

Veterans at receiver and tight end make good targets to spread the ball around. Coach Mike Riley says the receivers are the most well-rounded group of players he has had in his eight years with OSU.

Couple that with young running backs with vast potential, and that means a productive offense should be seen.

“Our expectations as a team are to come out strong,” Moevao said. “We have a lot of things to work with. The passing game is doing great. Our running game is coming along and our offensive line is doing a great job handling both those areas.”

Much progress has been made in the offensive line during training camp. It was the biggest area of concern for Riley going in.

Injuries and sickness upset the depth chart and forced multiple changes in the lineup. A right tackle in Mike Remmers and center in Alex Linnenkohl have been found, at least to start the season.

How they perform in games is the next step to see if they stick.

“They’ve come a long way,” Riley said of the line. “I think we’ll know for sure as we get going into the season. But I’ve liked the way they’ve grown. I like how a guy like Mike Remmers had to go day-in and day-out against a guy like (defensive end) Victor Butler. He hasn’t won a lot of those, but what it will do is it will prepare him for as good an athlete as you will see. And Alex has worked hard and earned his spot.”

Moevao’s inborn leadership abilities were vital last season. The linemen took to him right away, and the team won four straight to end the season after starter Sean Canfield was hurt.

He continued his bond with them, doing the extra workouts line coach Mike Cavanaugh creates for his players after practice. Moevao can be found doing sprints and bear crawls with the guys asked to protect him.

“I trust those guys as much as they trust me,” Moevao said. “We’ll have a few breakdowns early on because it’s part of the game and we have to replace all those offensive linemen with what they’ve gone through in fall camp. It’s how the game is, and I know it’s going to be a learning curve for the guys out there.

“Mistakes will be made, and it’s a matter of keeping the mistakes below a certain amount.”

One of the best ways to predict how an OSU offense will do is through the play of the quarterback. With Moevao, a junior, back for his second season of being prepped for games is playing faster and making better decisions.

He started his career by throwing an interception on his first pass, and had three more picks in his second game. However, Moevao completed 77 of 147 his passes for 876 yards and two touchdowns last season.

The four games he started, the Beavers won. After his first four interceptions, he only threw two more.

His efficiency improved with experience, so another step forward is expected this season.

“I still have to prove myself,” Moevao said. “I still have a lot of things to prove to people. Our passing game wasn’t the best last year. That was obvious. But going in we are pretty confident as a team, offense especially, compared to last year. All the work we’ve done since the spring, we’ve come a long way. We’re really confident and optimistic about the season coming up.”

Moevao doesn’t have to do it alone. He’s in a situation where he just needs to help others make plays, and it will all work out.

He just has to remember that, and not try to do too much.

“I feel like we are real powerful,” receiver James Rodgers said. “The only way we can’t score is if we stop ourselves. We are a few steps ahead of last year. Everybody is more experienced and is ready for the season to start.”

OREGON STATE OFFENSE

Quarterback

LYLE MOEVAO (5-11, 220, Jr.): Is playing faster and smarter after last season’s experience.

SEAN CANFIELD (6-4, 220, Jr.): If his shoulder heals, he’ll be the back up. If not, it’s Justin Engstrom.

Tailback

RYAN McCANTS (6-1, 240, Fr.): The big power back who can wear defenses down.

JACQUIZZ RODGERS (5-7, 1938, Fr.): Can make people miss. He’s a big play waiting to happen.

Split end

SAMMIE STROUGHTER (6-0, 186, Sr.): The go-to receiver is back, and wants to finish strong.

DAMOLA ADENIJI (6-3, 215, Jr.): Redshirted last year after playing at a JC. He has good hands.

Slot back

JAMES RODGERS (5-7, 185, So.): Adapting well to the slot back, and can be used in many ways

SHANE MORALES (6-1, 209, Sr.): More of a blocker, but has improved his hands dramatically.

Flanker

DARRELL CATCHINGS (5-11, 179, So.): If Stroughter is double covered, look for him.

CHRIS JOHNSON (6-1, 195, Sr.): Speedy true backup to both outside positions.

Tight end

HOWARD CROOM (6-3, 254, Jr.): A well-rounded player who can block and catch well.

BRADY CAMP (6-4, 258, So.): Good for the jumbo package, but a receiving threat, too.

H-back

GABE MILLER (6-3, 231, So.): The receiver of the group, and fast enough for a deep threat.

JOHN REESE (6-3, 240, Jr.): Very similar player to Miller with good hands and improved blocking.

Left tackle

ANDY LEVITRE (6-3, 317, Sr.): Leader of the line can play all spots, and is on track for NFL.

UNA SMILEY (6-6, 325, Jr.): Coming on strong after recovering from being shot in the legs.

Left guard

ADAM SPEER (6-3, 286, Sr.): Veteran reserve has started many games for the injured, now has own spot.

RYAN POHL (6-3, 285, So.): Versatile player who can play all positions on the line, and may need to do so.

Center

n ALEX LINNENKOHL (6-2, 288, So.): Moved from center to guard and back to center in his career.

MARCUS HENDERSON (6-5, 275, Sr.): Began as starter, but battled sickness much of training camp.

Right guard

JEREMY PERRY (6-2, 338, Sr.): If his knee is at full strength, he’s one of the best in the nation.

GREGG PEAT (6-3, 296, Jr.): Will play a lot if Perry can’t go, or will rotate in with him.

Right tackle

MIKE REMMERS (6-4, 286, Fr.): Walk-on redshirted last year and leads a hotly contested position battle.

WILDER McANDREWS (6-4, 290, Fr.): Walk-on led the position battle before a broken thumb slowed him down.