Quarterbacks Matt Moore and Ryan Gunderson
Word leaked out during the summer that Moore grabbed the starting spot despite
not having a firm grip on the passing attack. While Moore is the starter heading
into August that does not mean he has the position locked up. Home grown
talent Ryan Gunderson badly wants the starting gig and is working double time
to refine his mechanics.
The battle for the starting spot has heated up and it is time to put up or
shut up. There is an immense amout of pressure on both Moore's and Gunderson's
shoulders to succeed. Whoever can take on the pressure and excel with
the offense will distance themself from the other and earn a start against Portland
State.
Cornerback Aaron Miller
With one corner position locked up by Keenan Lewis the secondary is leaning
heavily on Miller's athletcism and natural football skills. Miller will feel
right at home as soon as he hits the field as he is a tough, physical player
who loves one-on-one coverage and jaming at the line of scrimmage.
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound player has a lot to learn, but should adjust quickly
to the speed of Pac-10 football and integrate nicely with the Orange and Black.
Let's hope he qualifies.
RT Josh Linehan
Linehan was in the best shape of his life before spraining his posterior collateral
ligament in the first week of April. His injury hurt his development as a player
and the development of the offensive line as a unit. But his injury did
allow for every offensive lineman to play both guard and tackle positions.
The Oregon native stayed in shape during the summer months and is fully healed.
He will have no problem integrating back into the squad and if he can stay healthy,
the right side of the line could become a domintating force.
DT Ben Siegert
With a team-high 25 consectutive starts under his belt Siegert is the most experienced
defensive lineman on the team. Since Bill Swancutt graduated it is Siegert's
squad. He had a decent year in 2004 but the Beavers need him to have a breakthrough
year in 2005.
Other players to keep an eye on:
- DE John Mayberry: a late addition to the 2005 class, he
is big, strong and runs well
- CB Rickey Herod: has picked up the cornerback position
quickly and will provide the team with qualify depth, a potential special
teams standout
- RB Patrick Fuller: an all-world back in high school
that has stayed in shape while working through academic issues, could push
for playing time
- RT Alvin Smith: one of the more experienced and largest
players on the team who is a good at filling the gaps