Beavs sign JUCO LB Cade Cowdin

AS EXPECTED, Cade Cowdin of the College of the Desert in California has signed a National Letter of Intent to Oregon State, the school annouced Wednesday. It's the first official day a junior college mid-year transfer can sign a letter of intent.

OSU is expected to use Cade Cowdin in both a blitzing role and in dropping back into coverage in order to utilize his speed.

A big benefit will be that he can enroll and begin taking classes at Oregon State in January, and thereby go through spring ball with the Beavs.

Cowdin posted 61 tackles this season, including 5.5 tackles-for-loss, 2.5 sacks and two interceptions as a sophomore. He has three to play two at Oregon State.

The 6-2, 220-pound linebacker lettered two years for the Roadrunners and helped the 2011 team to the California Junior College Beach Bowl.

“Cade is an outstanding human being, a proven leader both on and off the field, and plays with a great sense of urgency and focus,” College of the Desert Head Coach Dean Dowty said. “He can make plays in and out of the box, has great speed and I am sure he will prove to be a great leader, teammate and student for Oregon State.”

Cowdin played linebacker and fullback while at St. George High School in Utah. He was an all-state selection by the Deseret News and Salt Lake Tribune, and honorable mention all-region following his senior year in 2009.

The mid-year JC transfer signing period runs through Jan. 15. High school seniors LOI day begins Feb. 1.

Spring practice for the ‘12 season begins March 12 at Oregon State.