Fall Camp '16: Week 1 Rewind

First week of fall camp is in the books (and then some), so we thought we’d share some quick thoughts, as well as recognizing some Week 1 standouts.

Jordan Villamin. While Seth Collins has grabbed headlines so far, we’d be amiss not to recognize Villamin, who has been steady as he goes, while mixing in big plays here and there. He’s always oozed talent, and now it’s time for the junior to really break out and shine. And if he can get the ball more consistency, there’s no reason he can’t dominate, with his size and speed. A successful Villamin will only open things up more for the rest of the OSU receivers and offense.

Artavis Pierce. Prior to fall camp, we touted this guy as one to watch. Well, he’s the first newcomer to have his stripes removed from his helmet, meaning that he’s earned the respect of the coaching staff. Pierce has performed well enough that he has received reps with the 1s, and as of now, he appears to have a good shot at propelling himself into the conversation for the No. 2 back behind Ryan Nall. He’s displayed good burst and runs hard.

Treston Decoud. Fully recovered from a scary injury that caused him to miss some games last season, Decoud looks primed for a huge season. During the first week of camp, he was seemingly all over the place, and had some nice interceptions and pass breakups. Could he have an impact similar to another OSU JUCO standout, Steven Nelson? But just as important, Decoud seems like he could be the leader the OSU defense desperately needs. Look for him to assert himself even more as the season goes on, while lending a physical presence to the Beavers’ defense.

Say it ain’t So

How frustrating is it that Christian Wallace and Isaac Garcia are the latest victims of the joke that’s becoming the NCAA Clearinghouse? Assuming they make it to campus, they will be a week or more behind, because of a mandated acclimation period. And each day they miss, is a day more that their teammates are bonding and getting the playbook down. At this point, both will likely have to redshirt, and who knows if the Beavers can afford that? If Wallace and Garica don’t make it in, well, it will mean OSU’s top 3 signings in the 2016 class didn’t make it. The harsh reality is that a program like OSU likely will always have to take chances to land elite talent, even if it leads to heartbreak.

Wasn’t Expecting That One

Position changes happen all the time. But that doesn’t mean I was expecting Kenny Turnier of all players to be moved, especially to tight end. After all, it was barely a month ago that the freshman was listed as a potential starter at defensive end — and with Garcia being absent, all the more reason to keep him there. But there’s no denying the Beavers are thin at TE, especially if Tuli Wily-Matagi has to miss any time. Coach Andersen says Turnier at this point can help the Beavers more at TE. However, we won’t know until we see him in game action. Also, one has to wonder if Garcia doesn’t make it to OSU, will Turnier move back to DE?

So Little Time, So much Left to Determine

It’s hard to believe but September 1 is less than three weeks away. EEK! While there’s plenty of excitement surrounding the season, there’s also a lot of questions. And don’t expect all the answers to become to clear until the Minnesota game. For example, Andersen recently said that he’d like to identify at least six starters for the OSU defensive line, that is have a solid rotation. Who those players will be is anyone’s guess, as so far in camp, it has been a carousel on the defensive side of the ball. On the other side of the ball, things seem clearer. But what happens if Sean Harlow redshirts and Gavin Andrews isn’t 100 percent by the Minnesota game. Also, where do Collins, and Paul Lucas fit into the picture.