Receivers look for big season

The Oregon State receiving corps are looking for a big year and with veteran leadership within the unit and new faces looking to emerge, fans are expecting some big things as well.

"I thought some guys made some plays which was good and they are getting more and more comfortable with the scheme and playing faster," wide receiver coach Brent Brennan said. "I thought we blocked on the perimeter pretty well, that can always be better, but it was a good start."

Last seasons' top three returning receivers are back (Victor Bolden, Jordan Villamin, and Hunter Jarmon) who combined for 105 catches for 1,298 yards and nine touchdowns. Coach Brennan has been happy with the growth that he has seen from the trio.

"Jordan has come a long way with his route running," Brennan said. "In Vic I've seen a lot of leadership from him. He has always kind of been a quiet guy, but he is getting confident in who he is as a person and player."

"Hunter has grown strength wise," Brennan continued. "He isn’t getting tossed around anymore and he is a lot tougher to cover."

Villamin has worked hard in the offseason on his strength and body.

"I'm at 220 right now," Villamin said. "I've done everything the coaches asked me to and have been eating lots of broccoli and vegetables and some lean meats. I feel faster and more explosive and it is helping me get into my breaks. Obviously I can do better, I'm always working to get better."

Coach Brennan and Coach Baldwin have also had former Beaver wide receiver Kevin Cummings assisting as an Offensive Quality Control Coach. As such, he spends a great deal of time watching film and communicating with the players helping them learn the nuances of playing the position.

Who has Cummings seen emerge this fall?

"The big one this fall camp (for me) has been Seth," Cummings said. "He's been learning the offense as a receiver and he’s handled it perfectly. He’s willing to learn and he has crazy athleticism."

True freshman Trevon Bradford has also opened some eyes, especially helpful is the fact that he arrived in Corvallis this spring to get a bit of a head start.

"Trevon has done a good job," Brennan said. "He is still picking it up (offense) and doing a nice job. The toughest thing for him is that this isn’t high school and he isn't the fastest guy on the field anymore."