After a tremendous career at Oregon State, sensational running back Jacquizz Rodgers opted to leave for the NFL a year early instead of staying for his senior year. This came as somewhat of a surprise to Beaver Nation, who had high hopes of Quizz and older brother James playing together for one final year in Corvallis. Since Jacquizz was projected as a late second or early third round pick, coupled with being a running back (who generally have short shelf lives at the next level), his decision to leave was a logical, albeit disappointing one. His skill set wasn't necessarily going to improve with another year of college, and running the risk of an injury just wasn't worth potentially hurting his professional future.
Now that one of the most productive players in Oregon State football history has departed, the big question heading into Spring and the off-season is who will take over for Quizz behind Ryan Katz in the OSU backfield? Let's take a look at some names to get familiar with.
Returning Players:
#19 Jovan Stevenson, 5'11" 186 lbs (So.): Stevenson played a bit as a true freshman behind Quizz in 2009, but sat out last season due to injury. He should be back to full strength by the time Spring ball rolls around. He is a little slight of weight, but is very shifty and has good acceleration and could be a nice weapon, although it remains to be seen if he can get the bulk of the carries.
#24 Ryan McCants, 6'1" 228 lbs (Sr.): McCants was supposed to be the all-star running back to take over for Yvenson Bernard in 2008, but after a lackluster performance in his first start, he took a back seat to Jacquizz for the next three seasons. A bruiser who has had an inconsistent career, McCants is looking to redeem himself for his senior year and play up to the hype he had when he landed here.
#34 Jordan Jenkins, 6'1" 211 lbs (Jr.): Jenkins rose up the depth charts this past season to be the primary backup to Jacquizz in 2010. Not exceptionally fast or shifty, but has good vision and runs hard and always falls forward.
#22 Malcolm Marable, 5'7" 157 lbs (rFr.): Built in the same mold as Jacquizz and Bernard, Marable redshirted last season, getting most of his action on the practice squad. A very shifty back, he will be looking to prove himself and continue the trend of diminutive running backs at OSU.
Incoming Players:
Malcolm Agnew, 5'10" 180 lbs (Fr.): A three star running back from St. Louis, MO, his father played for the St. Louis Rams in the 90's and was a part of their Super Bowl winning team. His coaches rave about his instinct and his durability. Don't be surprised if he contributes right away.
Storm Woods, 5'11" 205 lbs (Fr.): Another three star back, Woods hails from Pflugerville, Texas and will join the team presumably in the Fall. Woods makes quick cuts and has decent breakaway speed and could also be a contributor in 2011.
Terron Ward, 5'7" 185 lbs (Fr.): A 2010 recruit, Ward greyshirted last season and will have four years of eligibility left. Another shorter back, Ward was a sprinter in high school and played at California powerhouse De La Salle.
It's always hard to tell who will come out atop the depth charts by the time the first game rolls around, but these are names to get familiar with. Most likely, one of these guys will separate themselves from the pack and become the next productive running back for the Beavers in 2011.
No comments:
Post a Comment