The search for a steady pass rush during the first half of the season for the Oregon State football team started to deliver results.

Quarterback pressure improved in the last two games with six quarterback sacks, compared to four in the first seven games.

Some of what the Beavers looked for came from unlikely sources - a converted tight end and a former basketball player.

Improved play by juniors Gabe Miller and Matt LaGrone at defensive end made a difference. They were promoted to the starting lineup last weekend during the defense's most dominating performance of the season.

The experiment worked so well the plan is to keep them there until further notice, defensive line coach Joe Seumalo said.

"It felt good out there," Miller said. "I've been working hard, and it paid off. Now we are going to be starting, and it's our spot to lose."

Their next game is at 12:30 p.m. today in Reser Stadium against Pacific-10 Conference rival Washington. Bowl rankings are on the line in the final home game of the season.

"They did a lot of things consistently, and now they are productive members of our football team," Seumalo said. "We needed a change in our look, and it worked out pretty good. They are so athletic. They are good in recovery. If they are out of position they can make it up."

Miller and LaGrone moved in front of Kevin Frahm and Ben Terry. They've been the most productive of the group even when they rotated into games.

LaGrone is the leading tackler of the four with 14. Miller has the most sacks with two, one last week.

"All those guys are virtual starters for us," coach Mike Riley said. "Joe gives the start to guys who deserve it. They all know they are going to play. There's a fight for the staring position."

Miller began his career at OSU as a tight end. Injuries his first three seasons slowed his development, which resulted in limited playing time.

He thought about his situation and asked Riley if he could move to defense during spring practice. Miller was the Oregon 4A Defensive Player of the Year as a linebacker for Lake Oswego High in 2006.

Riley figured Miller had the ability to play tight end or defensive end, so he granted him his wish. He wanted him happy and productive.

"It has been a great change," Miller said. "I'm enjoying things a lot more playing defense. It's more natural for me. Nothing is scripted. I can go out there and freestyle, and do my own thing."

The Beavers were also in the market for ends at the time. They weren't having luck in recruiting and needed depth.

Just think, where would OSU be if Miller didn't ask for the change?

"That appears to be a wise thing Gabe did," Riley said. "Because of the way he approached it I knew he didn't just think about that over night."

LaGrone started his career at Nevada as a basketball player. He wanted to play football, too, but it wasn't allowed.

His brother, Josh, plays safety for the Beavers and convinced him to join him at OSU. Matt LaGrone walked on in the middle of last season and redshirted. He worked with the scout team and strength staff, and eventually earned a scholarship.

"It's exciting to know you are starting things out first in a game," LaGrone said. "It was a good feeling out there, and I took advantage of my opportunity. I felt I made the right decision (to transfer) before I made the start. Just as long as I'm here playing, I'm fine."

Steady development combined with their physical ability helped Miller and LaGrone catch up to the others who have been in their position longer. Experience in games helped them rise to the top.

If they keep improving they can stabilize the defensive line for the rest of this season, and next year.

"We are working toward that," Miller said. "Every week we make strides. We are just going to keep working on that, and get better."

Hekker nominated

Oregon State sophomore punter Johnny Hekker was named one of 10 semifinalists for the 2009 Ray Guy Award, given annually to the nation's top punter.

Hekker, from Bothell, Wash., was a walk-on prior to the 2008 season and was awarded a scholarship in the offseason, after being named the Sun Bowl Special Teams MVP after booting 10 punts for an average of 45 yards.

He averages 42.7 yards per punt this season. Hekker has had 15 punts downed inside the 20-yard-line, five touchbacks and nine of 50-plus yards.

The other semifinalists are Drew Butler of Georgia, Peter Caldwell of Utah State, Desi Cullen of Connecticut, Ryan Donahue of Iowa, Chas Henry of Florida, Jeff Locke of UCLA, Rob Long of Syracuse, Zoltan Mesko of Michigan and Matt Reagan of Memphis.

The winner will be announced as part of the College Football Awards Show Dec. 10.