Beavs' OL line depth takes a hit

OREGON STATE'S OFFENSIVE LINE DEPTH has taken a hit heading into the Beavs' season opener with Wisconsin. Walk on Jake Welch, who would have been a redshirt freshman this season, has left the football program, the Oregon State SID confirmed to BF.C.

Welch, 6-2, 320 pounds and one of the strongest players on the team, was listed as the backup right guard on the pre-game depth chart for Week 1 against Nicholls State behind junior Grant Enger.

The reasons for Welch's departure are unclear but he looked to be one of those caliber walk ons who could likely eventually earn a scholie and quite possibly, a starting job at Oregon State at some point in his career.

Welch was locked in a battle back in the spring for the starting center job with Roman Sapolu. But in fall camp, true freshman Isaac Seumalo arrived and that battle became moot with it becoming clear Seumalo was not only ready to start, but perform at a level well beyond his years. Prior to Seumalo's arrival, Mike Riley post-spring had said Sapolu and Welch were both in the mix for the starting center job but also noted that Sapolu's improvement was dramatic.

The Oregonian and other sources this summer said Welch was going to move to the defensive line in an unconfirmed move but nothing ever came of it.

The Beavers are likely to have a walk on addition in the next 24 hours or so to take the place of Welch on the roster, another source told BF.C.

Oregon State has Josh Mitchell and Justin Addie listed as the backup left guards, one of whom is likely to now be the No. 2 behind Enger assuming Welch's role on the depth chart.