Haskins Discusses his Switch
When BeaverBlitz.com caught up with Damien Haskins after his official visit to Oregon State it was easy to tell that he had a lot to think about. The Memphis commit didn't need to think long, as he flipped to the Beavs shortly thereafter.
The 5-foot-9, 213-pound running back was effusive in his praise of the Oregon State coaches and football program upon leaving Corvallis and he still can't say enough good things about the Beavers now that he's on board as a member of the football program's recruiting class.
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"First, I just liked the coaches," Haskins said in explaining his decision. "Coach (Mike) Riley really seems like a pretty good man. Coach Brasfield and the other coaches seem great, too.
"I met all the guys that will be my teammates and I saw the community there, and how nice everybody around the school is. It just seemed like a great fit for me."
The New Boston (Tex.) running had been previously committed to Memphis, a member of Conference USA, and a place where he would have likely arrived with high expectations and the opportunity to play very early.
But when the Beavers offered him the chance to play in a BCS conference, and for a Top 10 team no less, Haskins had a lot to think about. It was the visit that put them over the top, however.
How does Haskins see himself fitting into the Beavs' offensive attack?
"They run a pro-style offense which is similar to what we run in high school," he said. "I watched the game this past weekend and of course you have to throw it but they run it, too."
Haskins is the 10th prospect from the Class of 2013 to verbally commit to Oregon State. He's the first running back but the fifth offensive skill position player, as the Beavs also have commitments from three receivers and a tight end.