The 3-2-1: Fall Camp in Bend

Oregon State football has kicked off the 2016 season with a week long stint in Bend, Oregon, while construction crews finish the Beavers new locker room. With the start of the season, it is time for a new weekly feature at BeaverBlitz, The 3-2-1, where we examine three things we learned, two questions and one prediction.

1. Players missing from first week of fall camp

Oregon State opened camp without three players, junior offensive lineman Brayden Kearsley remained in Corvallis due to injury, while 2016 signees Christian Wallace (CB) and Isaac Garcia (DE) are home finishing up academic requirements.

Wallace was with the team during the summer conditioning program, but returned home to Texas to take care of academic work. Garcia is finishing an online class and told BeaverBlitz that he will join the team on Friday when they return to Corvallis.

2. Turnier changes positions

Freshman Kenny Turnier has moved from defensive end/linebacker to tight end after four days of camp. He is fairly new to football, playing only one season at Miami (Florida) Central High, after being a standout on the basketball court. The coaching staff likes Turnier's athleticism and feel that tight end may be the position which leads him to early playing time.

3. The defense is young

The Beavers have six seniors on defense, making it one of the youngest units in the conference. Of those six, three are listed #1 on the depth chart (released 7/12/16) at their respective positions, including linebacker Caleb Saulo, safety Devin Chappell, and cornerback Treston Decoud.

1. New center = snapping woes

Breaking in a new center is never an easy task, especially after the Beavers had a four year run with Isaac Seumalo and Josh Mitchell anchoring the line. Sophomore Yanni Demogerontas has been running with the first team this week and he and the quarterbacks have had some miscues early on. The good news is that there is still time to work on the nuances before the Beavers hit the road for Minnesota on September 1.

2. Who is #2 & #3 at running back?

Ryan Nall is the starter at running back, but after him the Beavers have a stable of backs vying for carries. In the mix is speedster Paul Lucas (who will also play wide receiver for the Beavers) and power back Tim Cook. Newcomer Kyle White is also in the mix as is true freshman, Artavis Pierce. The next two weeks will be big for these young men.

Watch for freshman Trevon Bradford to have a big fall camp. After joining the team early this past spring, he turned heads for his speed and athleticism, both as a return man and as a wide receiver. Look for the extra spring practice sessions to help push him into one of the true freshmen who will play on Saturday this fall for the Beavers.