Seven greyshirts join the team

Seven football student-athletes who signed national letters of intent to attend Oregon State University last February, have enrolled for winter term and are attending classes head coach Mike Riley announced Monday. The “greyshirts” will be eligible for spring practice in late March and all have five years to complete four playing seasons.

Joining the program on defense are linemen Jesse Fifita of Menlo Park, Calif., Taylor Henry of North Hollywood, Calif., and Castro Masaniai (Mah-sahn-ee-I) of Waipahu, Hawai’i, and defensive backs Josh LaGrone of Reno and Anthony Watkins of Burien, Wash. The new additions on offense include tight end Colby Prince of Albany and lineman Rory Ross of Peoria, Ariz.

Fifita started his sophomore and junior seasons at defensive end for Menlo-Atherton High School, before suffering a season ending injury early in the 2006 season. Henry accounted for 37 sacks over his final two seasons and earned All-CIF Southern Section honors as a senior at Campbell High School. Masaniai, who is a cousin of current Beaver Tonu Tuimalealiifano, earned all-league honors on both sides of the ball and honorable mention all-state as a senior at Waipahu High School.

LaGrone was the High Desert League Player of the Year in 2006 while playing for McQueen High School. He also was a standout receiver and kick returner. Watkins was a ’06 first team all-league quarterback and second team safety.

Prince was a 2006 5A First Team All-State tight end and defensive back at West Albany High School after accounting for 48 receptions for 878 yards, and 76 tackles and eight interceptions. Ross was a second team all-league selection as a senior and also played tight end at Peoria High School.

The national letter of intent period for 2007 seniors begins Feb. 6, concluding April 1.

Check out the premium message board for the case files on each recruit.