Smith said that they will not name a starting QB in Bend. More below
Smith video interview here ----> https://oregonstate.rivals.com/news/watch-jonathan-smith-post-practice-day-16
Smith video interview here ----> https://oregonstate.rivals.com/news/watch-jonathan-smith-post-practice-day-16
Day 16 Practice Nuggets
- Oregon State’s final practice before heading for Bend for two days had several newsworthy pieces of information but none perhaps as important as the air quality. Due to nearby wildfire smoke, the state of Oregon is experiencing some of the worst air quality it’s seen. Head coach Jonathan Smith addressed the topic with the media, noting that OSU elected to go with a shorter and earlier practice before heading to Bend. With air conditions not expected to be much better in Eastern Oregon, Smith said the Beavers will see if the conditions reach an unsafe level before the scrimmage on Thursday.
- After being away from OSU’s practices for the past week or so, safety David Morris was back on the sidelines, sporting a scooter to keep the weight off his left foot. Smith has already ruled Morris out for the start of the season, but it’s a welcome sight to see his recovery already in progress.
- With practice just being a touch over an hour today, it was interesting to see how OSU adapted its practice gameplan. Today, the team focused on 7-on-7, special teams, individual drill stations, and some 11-on-11 work. Given that Smith said after practice that OSU’s team doctor Dr. Aukerman, athletic director Scott Barnes, and himself had conversations about the air quality as it relates to the well-being of the student athletes, it makes sense that the Beavers elected to have today be less intense than some of their previous practices.
- Another day and no new news on OSU’s quarterback battle. Smith indicated to the media that he and his staff will not name a starting QB in Bend, meaning the the soonest we would find out would be Smith’s press conference on 8/27. Smith did however indicate that the practice reps would be winding down to Jake Luton, Jack Colletto, and Conor Blount exclusively.
- All three quarterbacks took reps during practice today and all three relatively matched each other stride for stride. Luton still looks like the guy to beat, but Colletto and Blount are still earning 1st team reps as well. At this point, it’s hard to tell who might have the upper-hand in the race given that they’ve waited this long. The scrimmage in Bend on Thursday could be the final audition for these QB’s so-to-speak.
- Cornerback Dwayne Williams might have had his best fall camp practice today as he looked like he finally found his stride on the field. Williams spent all of spring and a decent amount of fall camp recovering from a torn acl in his left knee and was sporting a lighter and smaller brace on his left knee that allows for more movement. After beginning fall camp with a heavier brace that limited his range of motion and speed, it looks like Williams is much more comfortable now.
- Speaking of Williams, he was able to find paydirt today as he stepped in front of a Jack Colletto pass over the middle and raced down the left sideline for a TD during the 11-on-11 work.
- Jaydon Grant is another cornerback who was limited in the spring and the first half of fall, but is back on the field and making an impact. After having high expectations prior to last season, Grant wasn’t able to see the field because of an injury, but since being back on the field for the last 2-3 days, it’s easy to see why the previous coaching staff, particularly Cory Hall was so high on him. He’s a very smart player and always seems to be in the right place at the right time. He’s been running with the 3’s and 2’s, but don’t be surprised if Grant works his way into regular playing time.
- Adam Soesman is an outside linebacker that doesn’t get any headlines, but he certainly made a headline type of play today. Soesman, who has playing in the hybrid linebacker position, jumped up to bat down an Aidan Willard pass and came down with the ball and returned it for six much to the delight of his ecstatic teammates. Soesman is a guy who’s been waiting for an opportunity to make his mark on the field and perhaps in his senior year, he’ll get a chance to showcase his talent.
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