Beavers report: Notes, quotes

May 2, 2008
The Sports Xchange

Notes, quotes · Strategy and personnel · Inside slant

SPRING OBJECTIVES
Make sure starters settle in on defense, with new faces being called upon to take over for graduation losses. There are junior-college players in the mix and some of the people who will help won't be there for spring. Mike Riley also has to solidify the running-back position with Yvenson Bernard gone and is looking for a kicker and punter after the loss of Alexis Serna.

BUILDING BLOCKS
Wide receiver/punt returner Sammie Stroughter was granted another year with a medical redshirt and is the star of the offense, which also gets guard Jeremy Perry back from injury, even though Perry was missing the spring with knee surgery. Mike Riley still doesn't know if Sean Canfield or Lyle Moevao will settle in as the starting quarterback. Safety Al Afalava and defensive end Victor Butler are keys on defense, with Afalava suspended for the opening game for an off-the-field incident.

SCHEDULE SITUATION
Not an easy one. The Beavers start the season at Stanford and Penn State and play eight bowl teams in 2008. They do have the Civil War with Oregon at home. "We have been slow starters the last couple of seasons, we can't afford that this year," said OSU coach Mike Riley.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"We certainly lost a lot of very good football players who were probably the most or one of the most successful classes in Oregon State history. But, at the same time, our entire coaching staff is excited about what lies ahead. We have watched a young group gain experience playing behind veterans, now it's their turn to be the veterans." -- Oregon State coach Mike Riley before the start of spring camp.