Extra-Extra, OSU news links 4/30

WILL RB JACQUIZZ RODGERS, Oregon State's most heralded incoming recruit, see playing time this year now that Ryan McCants and Jeremy Francis shined brightly this spring? One of the hot topics on the BF.C message boards this spring, Mike Riley weighed in recently. That, plus much more in a collection of recent black and orange hued stories and links.

Riley says McCants will enter August camp as the No. 1 tailback. But he will have competition from JC transfer Jeremy Francis - who soon will undergo minor knee surgery but is expected to be ready for camp - and incoming freshman Jacquizz Rodgers. "Ryan is leading, but I wouldn't put too much stock in that yet," Riley says. "Ryan will probably get the first turns, but Jeremy was looking very good before he got hurt, and Jacquizz will be given an opportunity to compete (for playing time).

OSU's McCants is the early favorite to succeed Bernard

And was anybody outside of Benton County surprised to read about late hits by Beaver defenders? The Ducks will try to avoid any of those in a Civil War road game on Nov. 29.
A look at major spring developments around the league

Most of all, Sammie Stroughter is having fun. Stretching during warmups, running routes against defensive backs during practice, doing extra conditioning after the organized workout ends, he's the life of spring practice at Oregon State.

Stroughter and his infectious style are back and proving contagious

Spring hasn't provided much of a break for Oregon State offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh. Not that he seems overly bothered by the situation. Injuries have made for some interesting lineups on the line and Cavanaugh has shown himself to be adept at trouble shooting.

Cavanaugh keeps OSU going on the offensive line

Like many boys, Stephen Paea grew up dreaming about being a professional athlete. He imagined carrying the ball through defenders and tackling opponents. However, football wasn't on his mind.

Changing the dream

If only the Big Ten and Pac-10 weren't so stubbornly loyal to the Rose Bowl, the BCS would be on its way to a playoff.

Pac-10 plays the role of BCS villain

A list of the top-rated players from Oregon State and Oregon, according to NFLDraftScout.com.
2009 Draft Prospects - Never Too Early