Oregon State Football Notebook: QB Depth, OL Continuity, & MORE

With the Oregon State football team conducting its first spring practice of 2023 on Tuesday morning, BeaversEdge.com gives you the latest in this in-depth notebook!

Oregon State Football Buzzing After Day 1

Leading into Oregon State 2023 spring football practices, there was certainly a narrative brewing that this was the most excitement this program has seen in a long time.

Head coach Jonathan Smith spoke on Monday about how ticket sales/renewals are up and that the program has a buzz created from the 10-win campaign and resounding Las Vegas Bowl victory over Florida.

It's hard to put into words, but you could just feel like this was a spring practice conducted by a big-time football team. Having covered nearly a decade of OSU spring practices, I've seen my fair share of day one's, and there was certainly something different about Tuesday and the start of this season.

Whether it was a high-energy level right off the bat, players being hungry to continue to build upon the success of last season, or the coaching staff speaking on raised expectations, there's no question Oregon State football has entered a new realm.

"The expectation is greater," offensive lineman Joshua Gray said. "There's a lot more to live up to now and we can't take any steps back, only forward."

Quarterback Room Welcomes DJ Uiagalelei & Aidan Chiles

Oregon State infused the quarterback room with a dynamic amount of talent in the offseason, landing the most highly-touted transfer in program history in former five-star Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalalei as well as signing four-star high school quarterback Aidan Chiles who comes to Corvallis with high expectations…

Speaking on Uiagalelei, offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren said it's been a blast getting to know him during the recruiting process and now on the field. He also added that the phone conversations he and Smith had with Uiagalelei left a lasting impression.

"He's been an awesome guy to get to know, and he's played a lot of football," Lindgren said. "He's played in some big-time games and has had an awesome attitude coming into a new program and respecting some of the guys who have been here. That humble confidence sat well with coach Smith and me during the recruiting process. I'm excited to see him develop throughout the spring, it's going to be fun to be a part of."

During Tuesday's first practice, Uiagalelei's arm talent was on full display as he was able to launch a few deep passes.

"He's got a big-time arm and we just have to get his eyes and feet all right, "Lindgren said. There are some things schematically that are different from (Clemson), but that will come."