Advertisement
football Edit

Beavers search for punter to add to 2012 class

Finding quality special teams players is essential for any college football program, especially kickers and punters. Oregon State is currently in the market for a punter as senior Johnny Hekker is in his final year with the Beavers and the Beavers recently welcomed one of Southern California's best to their Premier Performance Camp.
Thousand Oaks (Calif.) Thousand Oaks kicker/punter Jamie Sutcliffe has had a busy summer. The 6-foot-1, 174 pound athlete works out with Chris Sailer and although he has yet to pick up his first offer, he's been hearing from some prestigious universities.
Advertisement
"Recruiting is going really well and I've had lots of interest," he said. I've mainly been hearing from Utah, Penn St., Brown, Yale, and Oregon State."
One of the PAC 12's newest members, the Utes seem to be closest to pulling the trigger though.
"Utah has been the most interested in me," he said. "They've told me that a lot will depend on their season and that they'd most likely offer me if they don't have a good season."
He also took the time to take in Oregon State's camp in mid-June and walked away impressed with what he saw in Corvallis.
"I went a day early and when I took a step onto the field I was just amazed," he said. "They have great facilities and the coaches were all so kind and generous. Corvallis was just so peaceful and calm, not industrialized like California."
"Coach Read told me that they are really looking for a punter and he thought I did well on all three phases and I was able to get good height," he continued. "The strongest part of my game is kick-offs and field goals, but I'd definitely be interested in being a punter."
Sutcliffe was a teammate of current Beaver Richard Mullaney who just started the Bridge Program last week.
"Mullaney is one of my good buddies," Sutcliffe said. "I actually talked to him yesterday and he said that he's working hard and having fun. I would absolutely love it if we were to play together; he's a great guy with a good head on his shoulders."
Now all Sutcliffe can do is prepare for the season ahead and hope that an offer will spring up before signing day. He's been working hard this summer and is expecting a strong season for the Lancers.
Sutcliffe promised to keep BeaverBlitz updated on his recruitment as we continue to follow Oregon State's recruiting efforts heading into the 2011 season.
Advertisement