Analysis

CORVALLIS — Before spring practice began I brought up five areas of concern for the Oregon State football team.

After 14 workouts and Saturday’s spring game in Reser Stadium, progress was made but a complete answer as to where the Beavers stand won’t be revealed until deep into training camp in August.

Injuries on the offensive line from the spring created a sixth problem. Depth has the Beavers worried.

Walk-ons Mike Remmers, Wilder McAndrews and Ben Motter were thrust into a heavy load at tackle, and it was why the running game struggled in scrimmage situations and was hit-and-miss during the spring game before a crowd of 6,852.

When guards Jeremy Perry (knee), Adam Spear (chest) and Gregg Peat (shoulder) return in the fall, the offense should run smoother.

However, tackle remains a question mark.

“I’m glad to see that we could move the ball,” coach Mike Riley said. “We’re still trying to find our starting tackle. We’re worried about that.”

The initial concern was in the defensive line. OSU’s defensive success begins with the ability to stop the run and pressure quarterbacks.

Six key players graduated. That left a major burden on three returners with part-time experience, a host of youngsters and incoming recruits.

It’s evident that junior college transfers Simi Kuli and Ben Terry are needed to be key factors at defensive end when they arrive in the fall. Victor Butler and Slade Norris have been impressive, but the others need more work.

Next up for the defense was the development of the linebackers after three starters, considered the best group in the Riley Era, left.

Projected starters Bryant Cornell, Keaton Kristick and Keith Pankey haven’t disappointed. Younger players such as Will Darkins, Dwight Roberson and Walker Vave have looked good, while Isaiah Cook is ready for a bigger role.

“We are feeling pretty comfortable with the new guys,” senior cornerback Keenan Lewis said. “We still have a lot of speed. We didn’t lose too much. Those guys have a lot of experience from last year.”

As for the offense, the questions begin at running back. Redshirt freshman Ryan McCants gets the first shot to replace three-year workhorse Yvenson Bernard.

After watching him close the last month, McCants conjures up images of Steven Jackson with his size and moves.

The Beavers are confident they have depth with junior college transfer Jeremy Francis, who adapted fast before injuring his ankle. Add incoming all-everything freshman Jacquizz Rodgers, and that position should be a key cog in the offense’s success.

Who plays center is another offensive problem. It started out with long-time backup Marcus Henderson fighting it out with Ryan Pohl, but because the line was reworked so much, Pohl split time at guard.

So a final decision must wait until August. Henderson has the understanding of the offense as his edge, but Pohl has the physical upside.

The final point of emphasis wasn’t really a concern. It was an opportunity for quarterback Lyle Moevao to establish himself as the No. 1 quarterback going into the season.

Former starter Sean Canfield sat out the spring to recover from shoulder surgery. All he could do was workout, throw lightly on the side and watch Moevao take command of the offense.

Canfield will have a chance to win back his job later, but he has fallen behind with the strong work Moevao put in.

“From one year ago to now, his confidence and how quick he is playing, it’s neat to see,” Riley said. “You can tell he’s getting that feel. He’s throwing the ball with better anticipation and is more comfortable.”

So the spring had its success and problems, and now a summer of healing and training is ahead.

We’ll begin to sort through what the Beavers will look like come July 31 when players report.

“I’m very happy with spring practice in what occurred,” Riley said. “I’d like to have some more days. I’d take them without gear if we could get them, just to keep practicing. We got a lot of stuff in offensively — a lot of progress made. And a lot of new faces on defense got to play a lot of football.”

Cliff Kirkpatrick covers the Oregon State football team for the Corvallis Gazette-Times. Read more about the team on his blog at www.gazettetimes.com/sports.