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(UWIRE) CORVALLIS, Ore. -- After a year filled with a sub-par passing game, the return of a healthy and hungry Sammie Stroughter has been long anticipated by fans. Last year Oregon State averaged a meager 196 yards per game passing, while scoring only 11 touchdowns through the air in 13 games.
It didn't help having new quarterbacks being broken into the system, along with numerous injuries forcing true freshmen James Rodgers and Darrell Catchings into starting roles at receivers. This year the Beavers anticipate a large boost in production thanks in part to the quarterbacks and receivers gaining valuable experience. But the real reason to celebrate is the return of All-Pac-10 caliber receiver and punt returner, and 2006 third team All-American Sammie Stroughter.
This will be Stroughter's fifth season of on-field competition, due to the granting of a medical redshirt from the Pac-10 conference for the upcoming season.
"He played just little enough last year to qualify for his medical redshirt," head coach Mike Riley said. "So when returning became a possibility I became real excited about it because all the time he has spent in the program and what he was pointing towards for his senior season he had no chance to accomplish last year. So now it's a new life, a second chance and all those kinds of things for Sammie."
Stroughter missed the majority of last season's games due to personal issues near the end of fall camp and then eventually was sidelined for the season due to a lacerated kidney he suffered during the fourth week of the season at Arizona State.
"We're really excited to have him back," Riley said. "And he's a good player. He adds to our picture tremendously."
Even while only participating in three games last year, Stroughter was able to pile up 262 yards receiving on 15 catches, giving him the second most yards receiving of any returner from last year. It is his 2006 stats that all Beaver fans are hoping to see again. Stroughter had totals of 74 receptions for 1293 yards and five touchdowns, along with 30 punt returns for 470 yards and three more touchdowns.
Expect that the fire and passion of Sammie Stroughter will be back in full force for the 2008 season. We already see the famous smile and urge to play at 100 percent during every drill, inspiring his teammates to do their personal best at all times.
"He's always just had a lot of fun out here," Riley said. "You always know he's out here because he plays with a lot of enthusiasm."
(C) 2008 OSU Daily Barometer via U-WIRE
