Tight end play for the Oregon State football team has come into prominence in recent games.

Five players are used for the one position. Sometimes two of them go in at a time, but it's always a group effort.

Howard Croom is technically the starter, while Brady Camp, John Reese, Gabe Miller and John Halahuni get playing time. They've combined for 19 receptions, 144 yards and a touchdown.

When not running patterns they are used in various ways for blocking. They are vital in protecting the quarterback and run blocking, helping the offensive line when facing strong defensive pressure.

"What they do at their position, that's one of the great positions in football," coach Mike Riley said. "They have to block and be receivers. Within that group we have good versatility. Some are better hybrids, some are better blockers and some are better receivers. Because of that we try to find roles for all of them."

The tight ends appear to be quiet this season considering past players at the position such as Joe Newton and Tim Euhus, who is their position coach this season.

However, they have been active.

Croom and Camp combined for three catches last Saturday. Reese was used more as a third receiver when slot back Shane Morales couldn't play due to an injured hip at UCLA.

"Every game plan has some possibilities for every position," Riley said. "These guys are very capable, but we've had a lot of other guys making plays in the passing game."

All three starting receivers are playmakers, so the quarterback rarely gets to the tight ends when he's looking for an opener receiver.

The tight ends are also being used differently this season, which is why so many play. And they like the way it works.

Croom and Miller were the primary tight end and H-back combination last year, and another one was Camp and Reese. They just switched out a series here or there.

Now they all have their own plays that suit them best. Tight ends are shuttled in and out depending on the situation.

"It's really cool that everybody has their own niche," Croom said. "We all contribute in our own way. We are put in the position to contribute the best. We all have different strengths, and we play off that."

Camp and Halahuni are the better blockers, while Reese and Miller are the receivers. Croom is the most well-rounded.

There's a strong feeling of camaraderie among them since they understand how they are used. They say there is no rivalry among them for playing time.

"That's surprising, but we are pretty good friends," Croom said. "We all help each other. I don't think about that at all."

It is such a tight unit that Halahuni joined them midseason after recovering from a knee injury and improved the team without distraction.

Halahuni tore his anterior cruciate ligament during spring practice and required surgery. He spent the summer, training camp and early part of the season in rehab. He was limited in running and lower body weight lifting.

"My knee is feeling pretty good now, and I came back pretty fast and didn't expect to play so soon," Halahuni said. "My teammates helped me stay positive. Coach (Euhus) had knee surgery (in the past), so he told me what to expect and how to come back strong."

Halahuni returned to practice after the third game and shared the load. The Beavers even brought back the fullback plays, and use Halahuni in that role.

So whatever opponents throw at the Beavers, there are a variety of tight ends to adapt. It's the position that helps everyone out, so they miss a lot of the glory.

"We get along great, and we work well together and know our jobs," Halahuni said. "Whatever they want us to do to help the team, we'll do it."