Year one of Gary Andersen’s tenure wasn’t exactly a rousing success, as the Oregon State Beavers went winless in Pac-12 play on their way to a disappointing 2-10 season. While the Beavers didn’t have much success on the field, the coaching staff has been tremendous on the recruiting front, bringing in 23 commits with one month left until signing day. Here is Oregon State’s recruiting review heading into 2016.
SIGNED AND DELIVERED
Of the 23 commits in the 2016 class, five of Oregon State’s commits were eligible to enroll early and participate in spring ball. These early enrollees are:
Timmy Hernandez: Cornerback, Pima C.C., will have three years of eligibility with a redshirt available. Oregon State was Hernandez’s only offer.
Phillip Napoleon: Defensive Tackle, Mount San Jacinto C.C., will have two years of eligibility. Chose Oregon State over offers from Washington State and Colorado State.
Kyle White: Running back, Orange Coast C.C., will have two years of eligibility. Chose Oregon State over offers from Georgia Southern and Georgia State. Father ran track at Oregon State.
Shemar Smith: Outside Linebacker, Miami, Florida. Chose Oregon State over offers from Louisville Pittsburgh, South Florida, and Texas.
Mason Moran: Quarterback, Chandler, Arizona. Chose Oregon State over offers from Boston College and Northwestern. Recruited by some schools as a safety prospect, but will play quarterback for the Beavers.
STARS OF THE CLASS
Christian Wallace: Linebacker/Safety, Sealy, Texas. Chose Oregon State over offers from TCU, Mississippi St, Texas, and Houston. 6’2″, 200 pounds, 4.5 forty time
The only word to describe Christian Wallace is that the kid is a “freak”. A freak as in a guy that is built like a linebacker but covers receivers like a cornerback. Wallace fits the “hybrid” defender role, much like former Pac-12 stars Myles Jack and Shaq Thompson. Wallace will play significant snaps for the Beavers next season, most likely at their strong side outside linebacker position.
Shurod Thompson: Safety, Brentwood, California. Chose Oregon State over offers from California, Boise State, and Utah. 6’2″, 195 pounds, 4.7 forty time
While Wallace is the undisputed gem of the Beavers recruiting class so far, Shurod Thompson is not far behind. The Brentwood native has the perfect size to play safety in the Pac-12, and he has a tremendous football IQ, along with instincts that will get him on the field early in the Beaver’s 3-4 defense.
DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH
Hamilcar Rashed: Defensive End, Chandler, Arizona. Chose Oregon State, the day of their offer, over Nebraska and San Diego State. 6’4″, 220 pounds.
Hamilcar Rashed is a rare occurrence in the world of college football, as the talented youngster committed to the Beavers immediately after receiving an offer from their coaching staff. Rashed had been practically unknown prior to his commitment, as he was unranked by the major recruiting services and his only offer was from the Nebraska Cornhuskers. While he’s still a bit undisciplined when facing the run, Rashed is already a tremendous edge rusher with a lightning quick first step and long arms. He will likely see the field early as a third down pass rush specialist as a freshman, with the chance to be an every down lineman as he continues to grow.
Joah Robinett: Tight End, San Marcos, California. Chose the Beavers over offers from Arizona and San Diego State. 6’8″, 225 pounds.
Joah Robinett is definitely a project, as the 6’8″ teenager still needs to continue growing into his body and adding weight to his very skinny 6’8″ frame, but the potential is immense for the San Marcos, Calfornia native. Robinett was a dual sport athlete in high school (football and basketball) and he has just now begun to concentrate exclusively on football. Robinette could continue a long tradition of basketball power forwards becoming tremendous tight ends, but he needs time to develop. I don’t expect to see him on the field for a couple years, but once he does make his appearance, he will be hard to miss.
WHO’S LEFT ON THEIR BOARD?
Oregon State is just about full in terms of their recruiting class since they already have 23 commitments, but there are still a few spots open for the right players. Two of those players are:
Nate Herbig: Guard, Honolulu, Hawaii. Has scheduled visits to California (1/29) and Washington State (1/22). 6’4″, 320 pounds. Was originally committed to Stanford.
Nate Herbig is a massive human being, and he uses that weight well, becoming arguably the best lineman in Hawaii this year. Herbig’s recruitment was considered over when he committed to his dream school of Stanford, but the big man from the Islands has recently reopened his recruitment. Oregon State isn’t in desperate need for a lineman, they are expected to take just one, but Herbig might be that one guy they decide to chase.
Kaelin Himphill: Inside Linebacker, Hllsboro, Oregon. Has visited Oregon State and Utah State, recently received an offer from the Arizona Wildcats.
Himphill is proof that sometimes big things come in small packages. Himphill isnt the biggest guy at 5’11” and 210 pounds, but the Hillsboro, Oregon native is always around the ball and he continuously makes big plays for his team. Himphill is at his best when in coverage, where he can put his impressive quickness and ball skills to good use. Oregon State appeared to have a clear lead for Himphill’s commitment until the Arizona Wildcats entered the fray. Expect Gary Andersen and company to really double down to keep this talented youngster in state.
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