2000-09 ALL-DECADE TEAM

OFFENSE

BF.C All-Decade Team

What others say:  Former Oregon State quarterback Sean Canfield - “As a quarterback, you like the way he comes out of breaks. He is instinctive and smart. He’ll catch a pass and instead of trying to run outside, he’ll knife up the field. You put that together with his physical tools and his athleticism – he’s not the biggest kid, but there aren’t many like him.”

Career synopsis:  Although his body of work is still in progress James Rodgers is one of the most lethal offensive weapons to ever put on the Orange and Black -- and he's still improving each year.

Rodgers ability to pick up the offense quickly allowed him to play as a true freshman in 2007 and for the coaches to insert the deadly fly sweep that has become synonymous with Beaver football the last couple of years. 

After mastering the fly sweep the 5-foot-7 dynamo turned his attention to route running and blocking where he has currently become one of the best.

A tireless gym rat Rodgers has improved his game each year.  As a freshman he accumulated 916 all-purpose yards, as a sophomore 1,833 all-purpose yards and as a junior a school best 2,328 all-purpose yards.

Oregon State coach Mike Riley says Rodgers is, "one of the hardest workers, and probably the most conscientious player, I have ever coached.  He is the perfect picture of a Beaver football player.”

One of Rodgers more memorable plays was his 25-yard run on a fly sweep in the second overtime against Oregon to win the 2007 Civil War.

Career statistics: 154 rushes for 1,339 yards (8.7 ypc) and nine touchdowns | 161 receptions for 1,845 yards (11.5 ypc) and 14 touchdowns | 74 kickoff returns for 1,780 yards (24 ypr) and one touchdown | 13 punt returns for 151 yards (11.6 ypr)

BF.C All-Decade Team

WR
#28 | 6-1, 210

What others say:  Former Louisville coach Bobby Petrino - "He does a good job on the line of scrimmage, runs really good routes, has good hands and adjusts to the football as well as anyone I've watched in a while."

Career synopsis:  There have certainly been more athletically gifted players that have suited up at Oregon State, but few, if any, had more solid hands and ran more razor sharp routes than Mike Hass.

From leaping in the air, to tipping the ball to himself, Hass would haul in the pigskin if it was anywhere in his vicinity - and sometimes when it wasn't. His hand eye coordination and body control were off the charts as he caught at least one pass in his last 30 games while he topped the 100-yard receiving mark 19 times.

After earning a scholarship in 2002 Hass became the first player in school history and just the 10th in NCAA history to have three consecutive 1,000 yard receiving seasons.

In 2005 he led the nation in receiving yards (1,532) and receiving yards per game (139.4). As a result he was given the Fred Biletnikoff Award which is awarded to the best receiver in college football.

Although he played just three seasons as a starter Hass smashed school and Pac-10 records:

• Holds the OSU record and is third in the Pac-10 for receiving yards in a career with 3,924
• Is the only player in Pac-10 history with two 225-plus yard receiving games and the only player in school history with three 200 plus yard receiving games
• His 293 receiving yards against Boise State in 2004 is an Oregon State and Pac-10 record for most receiving yards in a single game.
• His 14 receptions against Arizona State in 2004 is an Oregon State record for most receptions in a game
• His 20 receiving touchdowns ties him for the school record for receiving touchdowns in a career
• His 90 receptions in the 2005 season was an Oregon State record for most receptions in a single season before James Rodgers broke that mark in 2009
• His 220 receptions in his college career is an Oregon State record for most receptions in a career
• His 1,532 receiving yards in the 2005 season is an Oregon State and Pac-10 record for most receiving yards in a single season.

Career statistics: 220 receptions for 3,924 yards (17.8 ypc) and 20 touchdowns

BF.C All-Decade Team

What others say:  The Sports Exchange - "Doug Nienhuis is a player with prototype size, smooth athletic ability and provides good production as both a pass protector and drive blocker."

Career synopsis:  A three year starter at right tackle Doug Nienhuis earned second team all conference honors in 2003 before being named a first team member as a senior in 2004.

Nienhuis was a superb pass blocker with nimble feet and strong arms.  As one of the smarter members of the football team he picked up techniques quickly and finished his blocks well.

The California native blocked for Beaver greats Ken Simonton and Steven Jackson.

Career statistics: 47 games played, 38 consecutive starts

BF.C All-Decade Team

What others say:  ESPN's Ivan Maisel - “Roy Schuening has been a model of consistent play.  In a year where few guards have grabbed the attention of NFL scouts; Schuening has grabbed it week after week after week.”

Career synopsis:  One of the more versatile offensive lineman this decade Roy Schuening played both guard and tackle moving between the two spots seamlessly.

The Oregon native is just one of three redshirt or true freshman to start on the offensive line during the Mike Riley era.

Back in 2004 senior center Matt Brock said, "I have never seen a freshman offensive lineman so technically sound.  Roy is going to be real good."

Brock's words proved to be prophetic.

Battling through sickness and injuries on multiple occasions Schuening started a school record 50 consecutive games.

He was a honorable mention all conference selection as a sophomore and junior before being named a first team pick as a senior.  He was also named an All-American by ESPN and Pro Football Weekly.

Career statistics: 50 consecutive starts, a school record

BF.C All-Decade Team

What others say:  From Pro Football Weekly - "Gibson is an excellent worker and competitor with fine intangibles. He plays with good technique and has a sound understanding of the game."

Career synopsis:  One of the tougher offensive linemen to come through Corvallis Chris Gibson became the first OSU offensive lineman to earn All-American honors since Fletcher Keister (1992) when he landed on the Associated Press' third team in 2000.

Gibson served as the "brain" on the 2000 offensive line that dominated its opponents en route to an eleven win season.

The Oregonian started out at offensive guard before moving to center in 2000 where he earned first team honors as a junior and second team honors as a senior.

Career statistics:  23 consecutive game starter

BF.C All-Decade Team

What others say:  Oregon State offneisve line coach Mike Cavanaugh - "Jeremy can be as good as I've ever had. What separates him is he is a real nasty guy on the field, as tough as them come, but all smiles off the field. He has the tools to do it all. He is a good run blocker and has great ability in pass protection."

Career synopsis:  Downright filthy.  That is a perfect phrase describing Jeremy Perry's game.

The aggressive offensive lineman was one of the nastiness offensive lineman to ever play for Oregon State.  He possessed it all.  Strength, speed, athleticism and that killer instinct to punish his opposition into the ground each and every play.

Perry started on the offensive line as a redshirt freshman, just one of three redshirt or true freshman to start on the offensive line during the Mike Riley era, earning Pac-10 Co-Freshman of the Year and first team honors.

Following his stellar redshirt freshman campaign he again landed himself on the the first team all conference squad as a sophomore and was destined to be a first round pick in the NFL draft.

But disaster struck late in 2006 when he was broke his leg late in a game against Hawaii.  He rehabbed, but reinjured his leg early in 2007 and unfortunately never returned.

If he could have stayed healthy Perry would have become the most dominant lineman in school history.

Career statistics: 26 career starts

BF.C All-Decade Team

What others say:  Oregon State offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh - "He's an intelligent guy.  You don't have to tell Andy Levitre anything twice. That's what the great ones do. It's his great work ethic and athletic ability. He has all the tools you are looking for - feet, balance, power. He's a real athletic guy for a big fella."

Career synopsis:  The 6-foot-3, 317-pound offensive lineman did a little bit of everything during his career at Oregon State, starting out at guard before moving to tackle.

He shined brightest his senior year, earning first team All-Pac-10 and first team All-American honors by several publications.  One of the most technically sound offensive lineman in school history he capped his OSU career with 35 consecutive starts.

Levitre, a co-team captain in '08, was a rock on the left side of the line and ends his time in Corvallis as one of the most decorated offensive lineman in Oregon State football annals.

OSU offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh says he is the best lineman he has ever coached and if there is one player that young offensive lineman should pattern their game after it is Levitre's.

Career statistics: 39 career starts, 35 consecutive

BF.C All-Decade Team

What others say:  Oregon State coach Mike Riley - "Joe’s a big target as a receiver. Tight ends that are versatile are hard to come by; that’s what makes Joe so valuable."

Career synopsis:  The physical tools that Joe Newton possessed where out of this world -- a big frame and great hands made Newton a deadly redzone target.

As a sophomore Newton burst onto the scene hauling in 56 catches for 687 yards and seven touchdowns.  Unfortunately, injuries marred a good career that could have been great as his junior campaign was sidelined after he injured his leg.

As a senior he caught 36 passes for 466 yards and seven touchdowns.  At the end of the year he started to look like his former self.

Although Newton never made an all-conference team, he was an honorable mention pick in 2006 and 2004, he finished with 15 career touchdowns, good for fifth most in school history and the most ever by a Beaver tight end.

A couple of memorable catches from Newton's career include his 19-yard touchdown on fourth and four at LSU to potentially send the game into a second overtime and his 14-yard touchdown to bring the Beavers within one against Missouri with 23 seconds left in the 2006 Sun Bowl.

Career statistics: 105 receptions for 1,308 yards (12.5 ypc) and 15 touchdowns

BF.C All-Decade Team

What others say:  Former Oregon State coach Dennis Erickson - "He knows the offense as well as we know it,. He is 5-10. That's a deficiency to some people. But he's smart, he understands what's going on, he knows where to go with the ball, he knows exactly what we want. That makes him very efficient."

Career synopsis:  Sure, other quarterbacks at Oregon State have put up more passing yards in a season, more touchdowns and completed a greater percentage passes than Jonathan Smith, but none this decade have taken their team to a BCS bowl game, earned a share of the Pac-10 title and finished a season in the top five.

Smith was the first of Mike Riley's many walk ons that earned a scholarship, shattered school records and helped turn Oregon State into one of the most successful programs in the Pac-10 during the last 10 seasons.

Even though Smith wasn't the most accurate quarterback, he completed just 50.6-percent of his passes, he did not turn the ball over much.  Each one of the quarterbacks after him, Sean Canfield, Lyle Moevao, Matt Moore and Derek Anderson all had at least one year where they basically had a 1:1 ratio of touchdowns to interceptions - Smith never did that.

When Smith graduated he owned seven school passing records.  Currently he is second on the school's passing list for career yards (9,680) and career touchdowns (55).

Career statistics: 638 of 1,261 (50.6%) for 9,680 yards, 55 touchdowns

BF.C All-Decade Team

What others say:  Cal coach Jeff Tedford - "Great, great player. You just don't bring him down with one guy and with an arm tackle. You know he's got great speed when he does hit the corner or find the crease, and he can get around and go. He's a tremendous running back."

Career synopsis:  Besides being selected to just about everyone's All-Pac-10 decade teams, Steven Jackson is arguably the best running back to ever play in Corvallis -- and one of the best of all-time in the Pac-10.

Jackson combined a physical, bruising presence with top notch speed to lead the conference in rushing in 2002 (1,690) and 2003 (1,545).  He is the only player to lead the conference in rushing twice this decade.

In 36 games Jackson topped the 100-yard mark 19 times while rushing for 200 or more yards four times.

The El Dorado Kid became the first player from Oregon State to leave early for the NFL after scoring five touchdowns against New Mexico in the 2003 Las Vegas Bowl.

Despite starting just two years he finished his career with 3,625 rushing yards, good for 10th on the Pac-10 career rushing list.  His 1,690 yards in 2002 is the most in school history and the sixth most in conference history.

Career statistics: 743 carries for 3,625 yards (4.9 ypc) and 39 touchdowns | 66 catches for 680 yards and six touchdowns | 7 kickoff returns for 240 yards and one touchdown

BF.C All-Decade Team

What others say:  Oregon State coach Mike Riley - “Sammie is a terrific story; he is one of the most gifted athletes in the Pac-10. He gives us options that stretch opposing defenses. Sammie is an outstanding route-runner, has terrific hands and has great awareness on the field. He really is the total package as a receiver and special teams player.”

Career synopsis:  If there is one player that defines the last 10 years of Oregon State football then it is Sammie Stroughter.

Some words and phrases that describe Stroughter are:

• Under recruited - only Boise State and Oregon State offered him a scholarship
• Undersized - his senior measurements of 6-0, 186 are generous
• A tireless worker - Sammie was always in the film room watching tape with Riley
• A high character individual - Stroughter was the consummate team player who never got in trouble
• A player who smashed through adversity to break school records - after falling into deep depression and suffering injuries Stroughter bounced back his senior season to grab 1,040 yards

The California native suited up as a true freshman soaking up the teachings of Mike Hass in 2004 and 2005 before kicking open the door to the college football world in '06

As a junior he led the Pac-10 and was 10th in the nation for receiving yards in ‘06 per game at 92.4.  His 1,293 receiving yards is the fourth most in school history whiles his 223-yard performance against Washington is the fourth-highest mark ever at OSU.

As a senior he again led the Pac-10 in receiving yards per game at 80.0.  His 1,040 yards in 2008 is the sixth highest single season receiving mark in school history.

Stroughter was instrumental in both the wins against USC in 2006 and 2008.  In 2006 he brought a bag of rocks to the team meeting before the game and gave each of his teammates and then told the story of David and Goliath.

One of the most popular players this decade concluded his career at OSU third for career receptions (164) and yards (2,963).

Career statistics: 164 receptions for 2,653 yards (16.2 ypc) and 14 touchdowns | 4,299 all-purpose yards

DEFENSE

BF.C All-Decade Team

What others say:  Oregon State head coach Mike Riley - "He's one of those hybrid-type players who can run with people and do some things athletically that you don't think about with defensive linemen. He is truly one of the best examples of development, ever, in our program. Vic is a special guy and a special player. It was fun to watch him grow into the player he is. He was the heart-and-soul guys of our team; a cornerstone."

Career synopsis:  At just 235-pounds Victor Butler gave away at least 40 pounds to the offensive lineman he lined up against every week, but it didn't matter as he went on a sack spree his junior and senior years.

Butler played as a true freshman and sophomore primarily on special teams before exploding onto the scene as a junior.  With a lightning quick first step and closing speed to boot Butler came off of the bench and led the team with 10.5 sacks in 2007. 

As a senior he easily transitioned into an every down player tying the school record for sacks in a year (12) and forced fumbles (4) while setting the school record for tackles for loss (21.5) in a season.

Despite starting just 14 games in his career Butler, a co-team captain in 2008, finished his career as the school's second all-time sack leader (25.5) and fourth all-time tackles for loss leader (39.5).

One of his more memorable moments came in the 2008 Sun Bowl when he dominated the Panther offense grabbing 11 tackles, including five tackles for loss and four sacks.  His five tackles for loss in a game is the second most in a single game in school history while his four sacks tied a school record.

Before the game on his eye black he penned FEAR under his right eye and ME under his left eye - Pittsburgh, and the nation, got the message loud and clear.

Career statistics: 118 tackles, 39.5 tackles for loss, 25.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, four pass breakups, one interception

BF.C All-Decade Team

What others say:  Former Oregon State offensive guard Adam Speer - "He's pretty much the complete package. He's a power rusher, and he's a finesse guy. He can work different moves or he'll just bull right through you. You never know what he's going to bring."

Career synopsis:  "The Hulk" is a fitting name for 2009 Morris Trophy winner Stephen Paea.  The Tongan player is one of the strongest players in the Conference of Champions as he benches over 525 pounds and squats over 720 pounds.

That natural strength and the ability to pick up schemes quickly has pushed him into one of the better tackles in all of college football. 

Amazingly Paea started playing football just four years ago as a senior in high school.  He attended one season at Snow Community College before transferring to Oregon State where he earned a starting spot as a sophomore.

In his first year of Pac-10 football he was one of the biggest surprises in the Pac-10 creating havoc in the middle of the field and earning honorable mention all conference honors.

As one of the top players on the Orange and Black side of the ball Paea faced double and even triple teams as a junior, but still managed to get in the backfield on a regular basis.

Paea earned first team All-Pac-10 honors and was named the winner of the 2009 Morris Trophy which is given to the top defensive lineman as voted on by the Pac-10 starting offensive linemen.

Paea has the chance to become the first Oregon State lineman to earn back to back first team all-conference honors since Eric Manning did it in 2001 and 2002.

There is also a high chance that Paea could repeat as the Morris Trophy winner which would make him only the third player in Pac-10 history to earn the award in back to back seasons (UW Steve Emtman 1990/92, USC's Sedrick Ellis, 2006/07).

Career statistics: 84 tackles, 19.5 for loss, 8 sacks, 4 forced fumbles

BF.C All-Decade Team

What others say:  Former Oregon State defensive line coach Michael Gray - “Eric is the most talented guy I have had at Oregon State. He has the physical skills to get it done.” | Former Beaver linebacker Nick Barnett - “He is a force to be reckoned with in the trenches."

Career synopsis:  One of the few two-time first team All-Pac-10 picks in school history Eric Manning was a rock in the middle.

Surprisingly Edwards came to Corvallis as an offensive lineman and originally wanted to play linebacker, but there was only a scholarship available for a defensive tackle.

With powerful legs, a great first step and his ability to disengage from blocks he dominated the inside of the field. In his upperclassman years teams were required to double team Manning to keep him from making too many plays.

Manning, who took over starting duties as a sophomore in 2000, relished mixing it up in the trenches while Beaver linebacker greats Richard Seigler and Nick Barnett wracked up the tackles.

As stated in a previous article, the Manning/Dwan Edwards combination in 2001 and 2002 is one of the best defensive tackle combinations in school history.

Career statistics: 118 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks | 36 consecutive starts

BF.C All-Decade Team

What others say:  Oregon State coach Mike Riley - "Bill is the cornerstone of our defense. He is the kind of guy who exemplifies who we want to be. He plays with tremendous passion and is relentless. He never takes a down off and always plays at full speed.

Career synopsis:  A mainstay on the defensive line since a sophomore Bill Swancutt recorded three straight years of double digits sacks before becoming the best defensive player in the Pac-10 as a senior.

As a senior he was literally unblockable at times.   In his final home game Swancutt single handedly dominated Oregon as he posted six tackles, including three sacks, an interception and a fumble return. And that doesn't include his reception on a fake punt.

Swancutt was named the Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2004 becoming the first Oregon State player ever to be selected a Pac-10 Player of the Year.

In 2004 he was also named a unanimous first team All-Pac-10 selection and was the recipient of the Morris Trophy, which is given to the top defensive lineman as voted on by the Pac-10's starting offensive linemen.

Currently the Oregonian holds the school records for career sacks (37) and tackles for loss (59.5).  Swancutt made at least one sack in 24 out of 38 career games and holds three of top 10 spots for single season tackles for loss.

He was an honorable mention all-conference pick as a sophomore and junior.

Career statistics: 181 tackles, 37 sacks, 59.5 tackles for loss, six caused fumbles, six pass breakups | 38 consecutive starts

BF.C All-Decade Team

What others say:  Oregon State coach Mike Riley - "He has great speed and is extremely tough. He’ll throw his body around. He’s a great weight-room guy, a great team guy. I have a lot of respect for what he means to this team as both a person and a player.”

Career synopsis:  At 210-pounds Derrick Doggett never put the fear of God in his opposition with his size, but what did make his opponents sweat was his speed and ability to deliver a big hit.

Doggett came to Oregon State at only 170-pounds and almost transferred after redshirting in 2003.  As he added weight he got more time on special teams where he blocked three kicks in his first two years and got a reputation as a big hitter.  As a sophomore he earned second team All-Pac-10 honors as a special teams player.

Doggett, a co-team captain in 2007, transitioned into a fulltime starter in '06 earning second team All-Pac-10 honors after making 87 tackles, including 14.5 for loss.

As a senior he lead the team in tackles with 93 stops, including 14 for loss, while capping off the regular season with a stellar game in the Civil War wrapping up 18 tackles, which is the eighth most in a single game in school history. 

The native of California had a knack for making big plays in the Civil War as he intercepted and returned a touchdown against the Ducks in 2006 and 2007.  For his career he intercepted four passes and returned three for touchdowns tying the school career record.

At the end of his career he grabbed 235 tackles, including 32 for loss, the sixth most in school history, while returning three interceptions for touchdowns which ties a school record.

In his final game in Orange and Black Doggett earned defensive MVP honors against Maryland in the 2007 Emerald Bowl after making eight tackles and one sack.

Career statistics: 235 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, eight sacks, six pass breakups, eight interceptions, four blocked kicks | 32 career starts, 27 straight

BF.C All-Decade Team

What others say:  Former Oregon State coach Dennis Erickson - "Seigler has a tremendous feel for what is going on. He can run and he has great instincts."

Career synopsis:  One of the great trash talkers of the decade, and perhaps the program's history, Richard Seigler had all the tools to back up his fast moving mouth.  Mean, aggressive, fast and fantastic football instincts Sielger is one of the best linebackers ever to play in Corvallis.

As a freshman he earned Sporting News Freshman All-American honors after making 72 tackles, good for third on the team, and 10 pass breakups as a starter for the Fiesta Bowl team.  There was no sophomore slump for as he landed on the Pac-10's second team before jumping to the first team for his upperclassman years.

Seigler is just one of two linebackers, the other being Steve Brown, in school history to be named a first team selection in back to back years.

His 356 career tackles is the fourth most in school history while his 53 tackles for loss is third most.  The Nevada native's seven tackles for loss against Arizona State in 2001 is the most ever in a single game in school history.

Career statistics: 356 tackles, 53 tackles for loss, seven sacks, four recovered fumbles, 17 pass breakups, nine interceptions

BF.C All-Decade Team

What others say:  Former Oregon State coach Dennis Erickson - "Nick is one of the best I've ever been around."

Career synopsis:  The transformation of Nick Barnett from a scrawny 175-pound kid with toothpick legs to one of the top linebackers in the Pac-10 is one of the best stories in Beaver football history.

The under-recruited player came to Oregon State as an undersized safety who had tremendous speed, but not enough meat on his body. Barnett started put on significant weight after getting into a college training program, but still kept his speed.

A natural leader and a nose for the ball Barnett was just one of two true freshman to play in 1999 when he recovered two fumbles returning one for a touchdown. In 2000 he continued this work on special teams, but moved into playing more with the linebackers.

After adding around 40 pounds he moved into a starting role as a junior. Barnett turned in a career high 18-tackles against California in 2002, but the best was yet to come. He as an honorable mention All-Pac-10 pick.

Barnett, a co team captain in '02, put in one of the more impressive single season performances this decade as he wracked up 121 tackles which is the ninth most in single season school history and the second most in a single year this decade. he also added 21 tackles for loss and six sacks.

During his senior year everything started to click. He was at his then peak physical condition. He tracked the ball very well. He read the defenses and played fast. And he rarely missed a tackle. As a result he was named to the Pac-10's all-conference first team.

Career statistics: 249 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 12 pass breakups, eight sacks

BF.C All-Decade Team

What others say:  Oregon State cornerbacks coach Keith Heyward-Johnson - "He's smart and he's savvy.  He was just won of those guys who led by example and was always working hard with with work etch.  I'll miss that I don't have to repeat what I am saying all of the time; he' will just know what needs to get done on certain plays."

Career synopsis:  Humbly starting his days in Corvallis as a receiver Brandon Hughes was switched from receiver to cornerback as a redshirt freshman and never looked back. 

The days of his early college career were rough as Hughes was thrown to the wolves. Teams consistently exploited his inexperience in his underclassman years, but his positive attitude and competivie nature helped him through the trying times.

His diligence on the practice field and the weight room started to pay off as a junior.

Between his sophomore and junior years Hughes added 15-20 pounds of muscle making him a force to reckon with at the line of scrimmage. Although he was only 5-foot-10, 182-pounds Hughes had long arms and a powerful jab at the line of scrimmage.

He was one of the more physical players on the team and was not afraid to mix it up with anyone.  Case in point came in 2007 when he made the initial hit on Cal running back Justin Forsett on fourth and goal from the 1-yard line to turn away the Bears from a first and goal situation.

As a senior Hughes continued to blossomed becoming a beast in run support and capable of locking down one side of the field. He entered the season on the Jim Thorpe Award and Lott Trophy watch lists.

Hughes, a co-team captain in 2008, earned second team all-conference honors as a junior and senior.

Career statistics: 178 tackles, 12.5 for loss, 27 pass breakups, three interceptions | 43 starts

BF.C All-Decade Team

What others say:  Oregon State coach Mike Riley - "Mitch is another one of those guys who seems to be around the ball.  He is a playmaker. He's got great instincts and gives us a lot of leadership."

Career synopsis:  One of the amazing aspects about Mitch Meeuwsen's career is the damage he did despite fighting through injuries for most of his career.

A natural, intelligent athlete with a nose for the ball Meeuwsen tallied honor after honor as soon as he stepped foot on campus.

The Forest Grove High graduate had great football instincts and was named to the 2001 Sporting News Freshman All-American team before nagging injuries slowed him down as a sophomore.

But he returned back to form in 2003 and 2004 grabbing six interceptions in each year. As a junior he was named an all-conference honorable mention pick, and jumped to the first team as a senior after leading the Pac-10 in interceptions.

In his final year at Oregon State he became the school's all-time interception leader (20), was a semi-finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award and made the Associated Press' All-American third team.

Career statistics: 217 tackles, 10.5 for loss, 29 pass breakups, 20 interceptions | 40 consecutive starts

BF.C All-Decade Team

What others say:  Former Oregon State coach Dennis Erickson - "He has meant a lot to us. He's so talented that we can put him on a team's best receiver - one-on-one - and that allows us to do a lot of other things defensively.  He'll just take that receiver right out of the game. Dennis has such great physical skills, he's tall, has long arms and can run with anybody."

Career synopsis:  You won't find Dennis Weathersby's name at the top of many statistical categories when thumbing through the Oregon State annuals.  In fact, Weathersby had only five interceptions in his career.  But make no bones about it - Weathersby was one of the best, if not the best, cornerback in Oregon State football history.

At 6-foot-1, 206-pounds Weathersby could lineup against any receiver and more than hold his own.  His 62 career pass breakups is by far the top mark in the program.  The funny thing is Oregon State was the only school to offer him a full ride.

Weathersby was so smooth at cornerback that he earned the nickname "Lazy D" because it looked like he wasn't even trying.  But teams knew better than that.  Just ask Cal in 2002 when Weathersby broke up a school record five passes in one game.

The California native was the definition of a lockdown corner.  When Weathersby was on the field, half of the field was instantly taken away.  Most of the time teams didn't even bother looking his way - that's how good he was.

Career statistics: 128 tackles, 16 passes defended, five interceptions

BF.C All-Decade Team

What others say:  Oregon State coach Mike Riley - “Sabby is unique.  He might be the fastest player on the team, he’s big, and he loves to hit. But what I like about him most is he just works and works and works. He wants to be absolutely perfect on the football field. He can’t wait to watch video after each practice."

Career synopsis:  One of the fastest, and perhaps the most gushed about player by the women of Beaver Nation, in Oregon State football history Sabby Piscitelli finished his career with the second most interceptions in the school annuals.

Similar to many of the all-decade members Pisictelli paid his dues on special teams where he dispalyed his ability to get down the field and cover kicks. In fact, Piscitelli was so valuable on special teams he continued to be a gunner as a senior even though he was a key cog in a stout defense.

The three year starter earned honorable mention All-Pac-10 honors in his first year as a starter. He grabbed five interceptions, including one each in the first three games.

As a junior Piscitelli landed on the honorable mention all-conference team once again after leading the team with four pilfers. His 23-yard interception return for a touchdown against Washington State in 2005 is one of the more memorable plays of his career.

Heading into his senior year Piscitelli was one of the top safeties in the conference landing on both the Nagurski and Thorpe award watch lists. The co-team captain served as a leader on defense as well as the entire team.

After breaking up 15 passes, the second most on the team, he was named a first team All-Pac-10 player.

Career statistics: 188 tackles, nine tackles for loss, one sack , 28 pass breakups, 15 interceptions

SPECIAL TEAMS

K
#13 | 5-8, 157

What others say:  Oregon State coach Mike Riley - "Serna has become a bit of a legend because of the way he came back after the LSU game. He has an inner toughness that is so important for kickers.”

Career synopsis:  Perhaps the easiest selection on the all-decade team Alexis Serna is not only the best place kicker this decade, but in Oregon State football history. His 80 career field goals are nine more then the previous two kickers combined total.

Serna was a second or first team all-conference pick during his four years as a starter and earned All-American honors in two of his four years in Corvallis.

And he did all of that after a crushing game at LSU, played in conditions that resembled more a mud puddle than it did a football field. Serna missed three extra point attempts in a game the Beavers lost 22-21. But he went on that season to hit 29 consecutive extra points and make 17 of 20 field goals.

The pinnacle of the former walk-ons career came in 2005 when he booted 23 of 28 field goals, including 15 straight which tied a school record, and all 32 extra point in route to being honored with the Lou Groza Award. During that same year he broke an OSU record and tied a Pac-10 record by making 6 of 6 field goal attempts versus Washington.

The California native was automatic against the Huskies during his career making all 18 attempts with many coming in blustery, soggy conditions.

As a senior he was forced into punting duties, which hurt his field goal accuracy, but he still was a Lou Groza semifinalist.

At the conclusion of his career he was the second all-time leading scorer in conference history with 384 points, the eighth most in the NCAA for kickers, made the most field goals in OSU history (80), connected on a Pac-10 record 144 consecutive extra points and matched the school record for longest field goal (58).

Career statistics: 80 of 104 (.769) field goals, seven of 50-plus yards, long of 58, 144 of 147 extra points (144 straight)

P
#35 | 6-0, 194

What others say:  Oregon State coach Mike Riley - “I don’t think there’s a better punter in the country.  If we let him punt for distance, he could lead the Pac-10. We use him as a directional punter, and he has been sensational."

Career synopsis:  Never has there been a more deadly punter in Oregon State's modern history then Sam Paulescu.

His 42.7 career average is the second highest in school history while his seclection to the Pac-10's first team is the only time a punter at Oregon State has earned that honor.

As a senior Paulescu was instrumental in the team's success as he placed the ball anywhere he wanted helping the team win the field position game. His 43.0 average as a senior is the fourth highest total in school history.

Career statistics: 128 attempts for 5,464 yards, 42.7 average, long of 69

KR
#8 | 5-7, 185

What others say:  Oregon State coach Mike Riley - “Leading receiver in the conference by a lot, leading all-purpose player by a lot, runs our fly sweep for almost 300 yards, returns punts and kickoffs.  We’re getting about four players in one person.”

Career synopsis: The great kickoff returners get the ball and head straight up the field and that's exactly what James Rodgers does.

The 5-foot-6 dynamo doesn't dance around and he doesn't shy away from hits. He explodes through the hole and punishes any player that is in his way.

With one more year to go Rodgers has 1,780 career kickoff return yards which is 380 yards less than Ray Taroli who holds the career kickoff return yards record.

Career statistics: 74 returns for 1,780 yards (24.0 ypr), one touchdown

PR
#19 | 6-0, 186

What others say: Oregon State coach Mike Riley - “Sammie is the most fun guy day to day I’ve ever come across.  It’s like his ethic is to just come out and love what he’s doing, practice with enthusiasm, work hard and have fun. He’s one of the best college players I’ve coached at any position.”

Career synopsis:  Another easy selection Sammie Stroughter is by far the most dangerous punt returner in Beaver football history.

His three punt returns for touchdowns is a school record while his career punt returns (127) and punt return yards (1,235) are also school records.

One of his most memorable returns was against USC in 2006 when he returned a punt 70-yards to pay dirt.

Another big time return came against Missouri in the '06 Sun Bowl when he fielded a punt with a just a couple of minutes left in the game deep in Beaver territory. He slipped a diving defender and weaved his way up the sideline to setup the offense with great field position to score the game winning touchdown and two point conversion.

Career statistics: 127 punt returns for 1,235 yards and three touchdowns

ST
#5 | 5-11, 192

What others say:  Oregon State coach Mike Riley after the 2009 Hula Bowl - "It’s unusual a guy would get picked for an all-star game based on special teams, but that just shows how outstanding he is. A lot of scouts were asking me questions about him.”

Career synopsis:  Any well schooled football fan knows the value of smart, dependable special teams players and Gerard Lawson was every coach's dream.

An integral part of the Beavers' special teams success from 2004-07 Lawson had a knack for getting down the field quickly to cover kickoff and punt returners.  He rarely missed a tackle and never complained although he was vastly overlooked by the majority of fans.

Lawson was a good blocker too and was partly responsible for freeing Sammie Stroughter for his 70-yard punt return against USC in 2006. 

Besides his prowess on kickoff and punt coverage, he wasn't a bad kick returner either averaging over 23 yards each time he returned the pigskin.  His 100-yard return against Hawaii in 2006 ties him for the longest return in school history.

Career statistics: 63 kickoff returns for 1,483 yards and one touchdown | 68 tackles