Aug. 12, 2010

CORVALLIS, Ore. - The Oregon State defense is strong. It is fast. It is stingy.

It's the kind of defense that keeps opposing offenses on their heels and enables the Oregon State offensive to gain nearly more than 1,000 yards than opponents, as was the case last season. On Thursday, the Beavers' fourth day of fall practice, that defense was on display in team workouts and drills. Running backs found few holes and the secondary was tighter than a snare drum.

The defense even earned praise from head coach Mike Riley.

"They were flying around," he said. "It was a good deal. It was a lot of third-down stuff, so it was new today. It's fun to see that speed out there."

That's not to say the offense didn't make some spectacular plays during the workout. Wide receiver Aaron Nichols, who earned praise from Riley Wednesday, made a diving catch down the sideline on an out pattern toward the end of practice. And Ryan Katz, who continues to throw the ball well, found Joe Halahuni on a short pass up the middle that the tight end turned into a big play. That was with the help of offensive lineman Alex Linnenkohl who was seen almost 30 yards down field blocking for Halahuni.

There was a big media contingent at the workout, which marked the final day of just shells as the Beavers are slated to go full pads in their Friday afternoon workout. Paul Buker and Jim Beseda from The Oregonian were in attendance, as was Cliff Kirkpatrick from the Corvallis Gazette-Times. Reporters from KEZI-TV and KVAL-TV were on hand to capture the practice on camera, while Beaver Sports Radio Network personality and former Oregon State quarterback Steve Preece roamed the sideline to do his homework for the season.

Isaac and Big Suke from 1080 The Fan broadcast live during the practice, where they talked about the 2010 season and what to expect from the Beavers. They spoke with current Oregon State baseball head coach Pat Casey during the workout, and got Riley, Mark Banker, Danny Langsdorf and others on the air after practice.

There was no confirmation on who won the home run derby at Reser Stadium Wednesday night, but word from Dan Van De Riet is that nearly 50 tennis balls were launched into the upper deck on the East side. Apparently, the dimensions were shortened to make "moon shots" a little more likely.

Tonight's activity will include the chance for the team to listen to Willamette head coach Mark Speckman, who has been described as a great motivational speaker. Speckman was in attendance at the practice, as was former Beaver Tim Clark.

Friday's practice is scheduled for 2 p.m. PT., and as mentioned above, will feature the Beavers in full pads for the first time this fall.

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