When I got home Wednesday evening, the first thing I did was turn on my computer. I opened the internet and zoomed down the information super-highway. I had to open my presents. Oh and what wonderful presents they were. A six foot five offensive lineman who weighed in at over 300 pounds, a kicker who was willing to grey shirt and a six foot three athlete were just some of the 24 presents I found under my Signing Day tree. I make no secret of the fact that I am a huge Oregon State fan; I wore orange and black all throughout last year’s three win season. Since signing on with Oregon Sports News in January, I haven’t had a real reason to write about them but one of my favorite days of the year gives me an opportunity to do so. I love signing day it is probably my third favorite day of the year, just behind the first day of the NFL draft. I love finding out who’s going to be gracing Reser field over the next few years. Every year it’s a great day for me and this year it was especially nice to have a rather solid signing day after such a bad season.
This year’s 24 person class has me excited, in large part due to it including an entire offensive line. I was a high school defensive lineman so I know the importance of a good O-Line. This year’s recruiting class includes some offensive line gems, one of which made ESPN’s top 150 recruits. The class includes seven offensive linemen, each of whom is six foot three or taller and weighs at least two hundred and ninety pounds. As a football fan, I like it when the offensive line is full of some large men.
When you have a large offensive line, you are going to have better luck running the ball. Teams that run the ball well win games; just look at the success Wisconsin has had. Year in and year out, they recruit massive offensive linemen and every year, they run the ball spectacularly well. Speaking of running the ball, the Beavers class this year included a six foot tall running back who runs a 4.5 forty and rushed for over 5,000 yards in his high school career. Joining the runner and the seven offensive linemen are two tight ends, a quarterback, a wide receiver, and a player designated as an athlete that will probably end up playing wide receiver. That’s the extent of the offensive players in this year’s Oregon State recruiting class.
The defensive side of the ball received its own share of players as well. Ten defensive players signed on to play at Oregon State. The defensive group includes five linebackers, all of whom are at least six foot two inches tall. It also contains three safeties all of whom are at least 190 pounds. The other two defensive players are a 5 foot 11 corner and a 290 pound defensive lineman. Rounding out the class is the number three place kicker in the nation. Frankly, I’m excited about the upcoming seasons of Oregon State football. This recruiting class includes some intriguing line prospects, some players with the potential to replace some former stars, and some other interesting players. February 1st really was like Christmas for me and many other Beaver fans. Here’s to some exciting seasons.
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