Oregon State has a few changes to its 2023 football roster, but team’s overall health appears good heading into the start of preseason camp Aug. 3.
The most recent losses this summer are defensive linemen Thomas Sio and Omarion Fa’amoe, who medically retired, coach Jonathan Smith said Friday during Pac-12 media day in Las Vegas.
Sio, a 6-foot-3, 332-pound defensive tackle, played four years at Oregon State. Sio started his career as an offensive lineman, then moved to defense in 2021. Sio played 26 games, recording six tackles.
Fa’amoe, who signed with OSU in 2020, didn’t play during his two-year tenure with the Beavers.
Several key players who missed spring practice should be able to participate at some level when camp opens.
Outside linebacker John McCartan and tight end Jack Velling, starters on last year’s team, are expected to be ready Aug. 3, along with outside linebacker Ryan Franke, who tore his ACL a year ago in camp. Safety Alton Julian, who hasn’t played since Oct. 2021 after tearing his ACL, will ease into workouts with hopes of being ready for the Sept. 3 season opener at San Jose State.
There was a scare with receiver Jimmy Valsin, who had some knee trouble earlier this offseason. But Smith says he’s back doing workouts and should be ready for camp.
–Nick Daschel | ndaschel@oregonian.com | @nickdaschel