BeaversEdge.com staff members Mike Singer, Marcus Greaves, and Brenden Slaughter took questions from Twitter and the Beaver Central premium message board for this week's mailbag.
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* QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY BRENDEN SLAUGHTER *
Q: What's our starting 5 on the OLine?
Right now, it’s hard to say exactly where everyone is going to line up, but the five guys are pretty solidified in my opinion. Blake Brandel, Gus Lavaka, Sumner Houston, Trent Moore, and Fred Lauina are the guys for the opener against CSU based on everything that I’ve seen. From how they have performed in the past and in fall camp, this seems like the most logical lineup as only two guys Houston and Moore haven’t taken starting snaps. Even with the inexperience of Houston and Moore on the line, I’m very confident that this group will succeed in 2017.
Q: Who steps up for @_SethTheGreat (Seth Collins) if he's out?
It’s pretty safe to assume that Collins will not be playing in the opener against CSU. Gary Andersen mentioned after the spring game that he wasn’t overly concerned with Collins’ injury and that he would be back in the fold soon. With that being said, the Beavers will need a guy to step up in Collins’ absence. That guy in my opinion is Trevon Bradford. Bradford played very well both in the spring and fall camp and appears ready to take on whatever role the team needs him to do. I really believe that his play will be superb for the Beavers while Collins is out.
And [who] are our top 3 secondary guys?
Xavier Crawford, Brandon Arnold, and Dwayne Williams. There could be an argument here for Jay Irvine, but I’ve always been very high on Williams. Last season, the Beavers won all four of their games with Williams in the lineup and didn’t win a game while he wasn’t in the lineup. While there are other factors in play with OSU’s record with and without Williams, there is no doubt that he is OSU’s best nickelback and plays the game with a relentless fire. Before it’s all said and done, Crawford might be the best cornerback that the Beavers have ever had. He’s that good. And finally we arrive at Arnold who is the veteran leader of this secondary. His grit, determination, and refuse-to-lose mentality, are exactly what the Beavers need as they are trying to make a bowl game.
Moorheag asks: What is your score prediction for the Colorado State game?
I am predicting OSU to win the first game of the season, but it’s going to be extremely close. I expect Jake Luton to struggle in his first game as a Beaver and OSU will have to heavily on their dynamic ground game. OSU will be pounding the rock with Nall and Tyner and will be very hard to stop. OSU just needs Luton to manage the game and not make any mistakes in order to come out with the victory. Mike Bobo and the Rams will be prepared to play and will give OSU all they can handle, but a late Jordan Choukair field goal gives the Beavers a 30-28 win in Fort Collins.
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* QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY MARCUS GREAVES *
QBeaver asks: How much effect will the altitude have in the opener versus Colorado St?
The altitude in Colorado is always a big subject when playing there. From what I have experienced, the players must be in extremely good shape. With such a high altitude, the players will get gassed extremely quick. I don’t see this being much a factor though with a training staff like the Beavers have. I am sure they will be ready to go.
Moorheag asks: Marcus what kind of initiations does a freshman go through his first year on the team?
I wouldn’t call it “initiation” but more of proving themselves. Every player gains their respect by how hard they work as well as how committed they are to trusting the process. What coach Andersen has succeeded in is finding guys who are willing to go through the process. Whatever that may be, being a scout team player, being a starter, whatever it is, he wants his freshmen to commit to their role and prove themselves through that.
Q: How has Kesi Ah-Hoy looked? Possible starter?
Kesi Ah-Hoy looks like a young guy who truly deserves some playing time. Ah Hoy looks like a very young Manase Hungalu. His movements, his understanding of defense, and his physicality are very identical to Hungalu's. The sky's the limit for this kid. If he continues to be a playmaker like he has, then I think he can most certainly be a starter. He must beat out Andrzej Hughes-Murray as well as standout Wesley Payne for the spot, which won't be easy.
Moorheag asks: What do you miss most about being on the other side of the camera now?
It's hard to pinpoint everything that I miss. This game will always have a place in my life, and I loved my experience. I will say not being able to overcome any obstacles on the field with my teammates is something I will always miss. Having a feeling of triumph with my teammates is one of the best feelings I have ever experienced.
Hailtheflattail asks: Marcus, if you could do it all over again would you chose Oregon State?
No question I would absolutely choose Oregon State all over again. The entire program from top to bottom believed in me since I got there. The program prepares you for life, not just life during football. There is also no other fan base better than Oregon State's. Being a player who had the opportunity to go to a handful of schools, I will always be grateful I made the right choice.
* QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY MIKE SINGER *
OSUBEEF asks: What's up with Craig Evans? When will he be practicing?
This is honestly the million dollar question right now. Evans has not practiced yet because he is finishing coursework, per head coach Gary Andersen. Plenty of rumors have been flying around with when Evans will suit up and play. At this point, it's obvious that he will miss at least the first couple of games and could miss up to six games depending on when he can get everything settled in the classroom.
Freakyforeman4 asks: Who's your prediction on the next commit?
This is a very common question with these Q&A type stories. I'm expecting September to be a pretty big month of commitments as the Beavers will have official visitors for the Minnesota and Washington home games. My best guess for the next commit is in-state talent Cole Turner. Oregon State did land a tight end commitment in Isaiah Smalls, and while OSU is looking at Turner as an H-Back, but I think Turner is a guy that's too good not to take.
Freakyforeman4 asks: What are the chances that we land Talanoa Hufanga? Isaah Crocker?
I'm not going to put a number on it as their recruitments still have a long ways to go. In my opinion, they are easily the top two targets on the board for Oregon State. I feel pretty good about Oregon State's chances to land one of the two guys, and my prediction has been for a while that Crocker will end up a Beaver.
Rogerder asks: Are we looking at any pure centers?
To my knowledge, the only pure center that Oregon State has offered is Justin Dedich, who committed to USC over the summer. The Beavers lose just one offensive lineman after this season, and it's not Sumner Houston. OSU doesn't need a center in this class and could always move a current guy over to center if need be.
Jcrbeav asks: GA has said he wants to fill the class with the December signing period. Is that reasonable?
Of course you'd like to sign 100% of your class in December, but it's unlikely. There could be a couple of commits that don't sign in December and want to weigh out their recruitment until February's National Signing Day. At that point, Oregon State would recruit other prospects at that position because that "commit" isn't really "committed." It could work out the other way as OSU could get a late steal.
Moorheag asks: What is your score prediction for the Colorado State game?
I have Oregon State winning 24-21. Luton will have his moments but will throw an interception or two. I think that Thomas Tyner will have a great performance right out of the gates, and the Pac-12 will be put on notice with Tyner and Ryan Nall as arguably the best backfield in the conference. The OSU defense is strong and will limit the high flying Rams offense to only three touchdowns.
