Tuel is making waves on the recruiting front

Since he served as the backup to a future Pac-10 quarterback last season, Jeff Tuel didn't amass a ton of game film to send out to colleges as a junior. So the eager 6-foot-3, 188-pound signal caller from Fresno (Calif.) Clovis West High School knew he'd have to hit the camp and combine circuit hard and try to show college coaches his skills. Oregon State is one place he wanted to make a good impression and Tuel is hoping he earned enough respect from the Beavers coaching staff to possibly get his first scholarship offer.

Currently in the midst of Fresno State team camp with his Clovis West squad, Tuel has attended a number of events this off-season. He kicked things off well by posting a 86.64 SPARQ score at a Nike combine in Oakland and has been at camps at Nevada, San Diego State, and Oregon State this past weekend. All of the feedback he's been getting so far has been positive.

"After Nevada, I talked to the coach and he said that I'm their number one guy," Tuel said. "Basically Coach (Chris) Ault said that they would likely offer me after one game in my senior year, or it could be even sooner. At San Diego State, they said that they were going to talk it over and that I was in their Top Five for sure."

As for Oregon State, Tuel went into a little more detail for BeaverBlitz.com.

"I really, really enjoyed it there," Tuel said. "I like the campus and the community and when I went in there, I threw with Coach (Danny) Langsdorf and Coach (Mike) Riley on the stadium field on Saturday. They said that they liked my arm strength, athleticism, and accuracy."

"I talked to them afterward and they said that they've got to talk and that they'll give me a call later this week," Tuel continued. "Depending on what they come up with, they could offer me after a couple of games this season."

Tuel understands that schools may be wary of offering someone with limited game experience. So he's staying patient as he checks out each college and program, looking to see if they are a possible match for him first.

"I'm really looking at the quarterback depth chart and who would be ahead of me," Tuel said. "I'm also looking at the campus, facilities, academics, coaches, and the overall environment and the community."

So far, Oregon State seems to match all of his qualifications.

"I really liked the Oregon State community," Tuel said. "I really think that I might jump on Oregon State if they were to offer. I was really impresed with the camp and the coaches and what I saw."

Until Tuel hears the good word from the Beavers coaching staff however, he'll remain open while trying to get ready for his turn at the controls his senior season.

"I'm just keeping on working on the fundamentals as well as my footwork," Tuel said. "Also my reads - in pads, it's a lot different with five guys coming at you as you've got to stay cool in the pocket. And for me, it's all about repetitions."

Will Tuel be Oregon State's choice to offer first at QB in the Class of 2009 or will it be another prospect? Stay tuned to BeaverBlitz.com to find out.