Gazette-Times Reporter

There are two positions loaded with talent and experience for the Oregon State football team.

Much has been written about quarterback with Sean Canfield, Lyle Moevao, Ryan Katz, Justin Engstrom and Peter Lalich in the high-profile spot.

The other position is right side outside linebacker with juniors Keith Pankey and Dwight Roberson rotating with the first and second strings, followed by several up-and-comers.

Competition is always going on with Pankey and Roberson, but they share the position more than battle for the No. 1 spot.

"They are both in our minds starters," coach Mike Riley said. "We feel real good about both of them. They compete and play. One guy will start the game, and he'll deserve that. But the other guy is good and plays a lot."

Riley believes it's a better situation than not having quality players. The problem is giving them enough playing time to keep them happy.

Both say the right things when asked about it, but they want more action.

"I'm not going to say I like it or don't like it," Roberson said. "I just play my role. Me and Keith are cool. We have no problem with it. I don't see anything wrong with it for the time being."

Said Pankey: "It is what it is. The more people you have playing at a high level, the more chances to make plays."

Pankey was the official starter last season and made 43 tackles, had one quarterback sack and forced a fumble.

Roberson rotated in frequently, and at times was one of the most dominant players on the field. He's the second-leading returning tackler on the team with 61 and two sacks.

As spring practice goes on through April it's more of the same for them, sharing the position. Pankey usually goes first followed by Roberson.

"We've grown from last year, and we are pushing each other," Roberson said. "Last year it was a hesitant thing for me because it was my first time out there. Now I'm not thinking about things, I'm just playing."

Both expect a lot out of themselves in the fall, Pankey especially. He began last season in sole possession of the starting role, and was thrust into a pressure situation for the first time.

There were some rough outings early, which gave Roberson the opening to play and force the rotation.

A more confident Pankey believes those breakdowns are a thing of the past and it's time to show his potential.

"Finally, it's starting to click," Pankey said. "Last year I had to really think about things. I didn't have reaction developed, yet. I'm doing things not thinking about it. I'm just reacting to the plays. I'm playing the game a lot faster now."

So why not play one at the other outside linebacker position? Senior Keaton Kristick mans the other spot and is the defensive leader.

There was another option to get both Pankey and Roberson on the field at the same time. Kristick started out as a middle linebacker three seasons ago and slid outside.

Riley briefly thought about moving him back for this spring, but sophomore David Pa'aluhi's development as a middle linebacker allowed Kristick to stay in the position he excelled in last year.

Pa'aluhi played well in the middle last season, going in when the Beavers used the nickel package.

Those four lead the linebackers and the whole defense, being the group with the most experience.

They have to help a defensive line with three new starters and a secondary with four new starters.

"Last year it was us who where the young guys," Roberson said. "Day 1 of spring practice (linebacker) coach (Greg) Newhouse told us we are the strength of the defense this year. So we have to take it in our hands, and go with it. That's what we plan on doing."

Whether it's Pankey or Roberson the Beavers have depth and talent at linebacker now and in the future.

After Kristick moves on after next season the Pankey-Roberson combo will break up. Sharing until then keeps them on their toes and forces improvement to keep up with the other.

"You want to keep them hungry and competitive," Riley said. "You have to remember the other option is worse. One of them doesn't play. It might make one guy happy, but you might lose the other guy. And they both deserve to play. And they both know that, so we've not had one bit of a problem."