Aug. 15, 2012

Corvallis, Ore. -

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It would be interesting to be in an opposing team’s meeting room where a defensive coordinator gets to pick his poison when facing the Beavers’ wide receivers. Do you attempt to stop the speedsters by double teaming co-team captain Markus Wheaton and Brandin Cooks or do you take away the middle routes by gambling with single coverage on the wideouts? Quite the dilemma.

If you are quarterbacks Sean Mannion, Cody Vaz and company that has to be a pleasant thought to think of the conundrum the opponents are in.

This is arguably Oregon State’s most talented group of receivers in years if not ever from top to bottom, even with the unfortunate loss of Jordan Bishop to health reasons. There is Wheaton, a Biletnikoff Award (top receiver) candidate, who already is ninth for career receptions at OSU with 136 and will break into that honors list for yards (currently with 1,750) early in the season.

But, unlike years past where visitors could key on one receiver (think Sammie Stroughter and Mike Hass); opponents will have a much more difficult time this year. Cooks, a sophomore, is already destined to make a run into the record books before his time is done and head coach Mike Riley has continually praised the development of sophomore Obum Gwacham – who you can bet is going to be a favorite target in the red zone with his high jump leaping ability.

Junior Kevin Cummings has had considerable playing experience also, and redshirt-freshman Richard Mullaney strikes people as a Hass-like player. Sophomore Micah Hatfield and junior Mitch Singler have certainly had their moments as well and will likely see quality time this season.

OSU’s video team had the opportunity to “mic up” receivers coach Brent Brennan Wednesday in the first of two practices. Enjoy the accompanying video.

SIDELINES                                                                                                                                                   

• It’s launch day for the much-anticipated Pac-12 Network. At 6 p.m. Pac-12 Networks go live. If you are Comcast subscriber the Network will appear on 420, 421 and 721. To find the Networks please follow this link.
• The Pac-12 Conference has a new dynamic website – pac-12.com. It’s the place to go to get the Networks schedules.
• If you haven’t made plans to join Mike Riley and company for the BBQ with the Beavs event at the World Trade Center Aug. 31 in Portland please do so by registering. Exciting late-breaking news former Beaver running back great Yvenson Bernard will be the keynote speaker at the event.
• Dwayne Ballen and Kelly Stouffer will be in front of the cameras for the Sept. 1 season opener and OSU’s live event debut on the Pac-12 Networks. Stouffer has worked several Beaver games recently for the then-Versus Network and is a former NFL and NCAA quarterback.
• La Pantera KWBY 940 is the new home of the Beavers’ Spanish Radio broadcasts. The station has a strong signal in the Portland Metropolitan area.
• Director of Athletics Bob De Carolis is the guest on Beaver Nation Live Wednesday on 620 KPOJ with KEX Sports Director Scott Lynn. The show airs weekdays 6-7 p.m. and you can listen live via the internet here.
• Wells Fargo has joined into the sponsorship of the Civil War Series with Pacific Source Health Plans and the Northwest Ford Dealers. 

Support Oregon State University Athletics by making your tax deductible donation to the Beaver Athletic Student Fund. For more information follow this link or call 541-737-2370. To purchase tickets online go to osubeavers.com. Follow the Beavers on the team’s official YouTube page.