Lucas talks Oregon State commitment

Lost in the shuffle of the Beavers playing a huge road game at USC was the fact that on Friday the team earned a commitment from Katy (Tex.) Taylor offensive tackle Zach Lucas. One of coach Mike Cavanaugh's top remaining targets in the 2015 class, Lucas chose Oregon State among offers from ASU, Colorado, Missouri, and a handful of others.

Lucas has seen the Oregon State campus before, making an unofficial visit in late April for the Beavers Spring Showcase. He also participated in the Get It Done Camp, coached by Oregon State coaches in June. What made him commit now?

"I've had my decision made for awhile, but I was waiting to (commit) face to face with the coaches," Lucas said. "I was going to do it a few weeks ago when Coach Cavanaugh was supposed to come down, but his plans changed so I committed to Coach Brasfield on Friday."

"I was able to talk to Coach Cav on the phone," he continued. "He was really excited. We've been talking often and I knew that he liked me a lot."

The 6-foot-5, 265 pound tackle has had a great start to the 2014 season, which has meant increased recruiting exposure. What is it about Oregon State that sold him?

"Oregon State was the first college to talk to me and the first to offer me," Lucas said. "As soon as I walked onto campus I liked it, from the small town family feel and the family atmosphere with the football program. I liked the campus and academics, and of course the football program and facilities. Oregon State had everything that I was looking for.

"Then to be able to play for Coach Cav and the fact that the coaches are going to be there," he said. "I mean I think Coach Riley has a contract through 2020 or something like that. Plus Coach Cav sends his players off (to the NFL)."

Lucas also watched the entire Oregon State game at USC.

"We did good in the first half and the offensive line played well," Lucas said of the Beavers 35-10 loss to the Trojans.

Lucas is the fifth commitment from Texas and the fourth offensive line commit in the 2015 class. He confirmed that the Beavers want him to play tackle. He is solid in his commitment and has not set up his official visit yet.