CORVALLIS - Spring practice concludes for the Oregon State football team today, and the feeling from the coaches is that several players improved and are in good position for the fall.

Quarterback Sean Canfield is one of the main players who made major strides. Now the senior hopes to hold down the starting job this season.

Canfield took advantage of the added playing time when Lyle Moevao missed practice to recover from reconstructive shoulder surgery.

Canfield has one more day as the undisputed starter in today's spring game at 12:15 p.m. in Reser Stadium. Then it's wait-and-see if Moevao can compete for the starting job in August.

"Getting a lot of reps was an advantage," Canfield said. "I'm playing faster. I've watched the film and I can see I've improved."

Canfield used the spring to show off the potential that was put on hold a year after a torn labrum at the end of his sophomore season. He has thrown the ball accurately to all areas of the field and made wise choices during practice and scrimmages.

His leadership has progressed and he was voted by his teammates as one of the five team captains for the fall with Moevao, offensive guard Gregg Peat, linebacker Keaton Kristick and defensive tackle Stephen Paea.

"Sean has had an outstanding spring, his approach, his command and competitiveness have been good," coach Mike Riley said. "And the commitment he made was good. He has lost 20 pounds working out. He is quicker. And with his athletic ability coupled with his knowledge, this has been very good. I'm very impressed."

There are no lingering affects from the injury that kept him out most of last season. Canfield has stretched the field with wide receiver Darrell Catchings, a combination that lit up the defense the first two scrimmages.

"I'm beyond that, just with everything I've been through," Canfield said of the injury. "And I know a lot more with this being my fifth year. It feels great to be out there. I'm playing with a sense of urgency now, so everything is slowing down for me."

Canfield's command and confidence translated into the passing game doing well throughout the spring, beyond he and Catchings. James Rodgers was steady in drill situations as he rested his collarbone injury by staying away from contact.

Damola Adeniji and Casey Kjos improved. Up-and-coming Jordan Bishop and Geno Munoz showed why Riley considers them the future of the receivers.

"We just have to keep doing what we've been doing," Canfield said. "The two scrimmages have been awesome. If we continue that momentum in the spring game that would be great. The only thing is the running game hasn't been what I expected it to be as far as production in the two scrimmages."

Running the ball hasn't been easy because the defense is always tough against the run, and All-American running back Jacquizz Rodgers is being held out of contact until the fall.

And it doesn't help that most of the offensive linemen are young and in an intense learning phase. There will be three new starters in the fall.

"It's a combination of those things," Canfield said of the poor running game. "Quizz is a one-of-a-kind of guy back there. Then we have a lot of guys to fill in for on the line. But that's what spring ball is for. We'll have another tackle in camp, so we'll see there. But the running backs are doing a good job. I don't think we are off track. I just expected more production in the running game, but I have no worries for the fall."