With Oregon State having wrapped up spring practice in mid-April, here are some key dates ahead for the 2023 Beavers:
Week of June 19: Freshmen and newcomers report for summer quarter, which begins June 26.
Friday, July 21: Pac-12 media day in Las Vegas.
Wednesday, Aug. 2: Players report to Oregon State for camp.
Thursday, Aug. 3: Preseason camp opens at Prothro Field.
Sunday, Sept. 3: Oregon State at San Jose State, 2023 season opener (time, TV TBA).
When camp opens, expect to see the return of several familiar faces. Caution was the word during the spring, as veterans who were recovering from or had a mild injury were limited, if not sidelined.
OSU coach Jonathan Smith said outside linebacker John McCartan, tight end Jack Velling, punter Josh Green, receivers Tastean Reddicks and Montrel Hatten Jr and left guard Marco Brewer, all out this spring, are expected to fully participate when camp opens.
Safety Alton Julian, who has been out for nearly two years with an ACL tear, is expected to be cleared in time for camp, Smith said. Also expected back is outside linebacker Ryan Franke, who missed the 2022 season with a knee injury.
Those who were limited or scarcely participated this spring but expected to be ready Aug. 3 are receiver Anthony Gould, inside linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold and left tackle Joshua Gray.
Out this fall are safety Skyler Thomas and defensive lineman Thomas Sio. Thomas tore an ACL during spring practice. Sio is out for personal (not team related) reasons.
Other information briefs from a recent conversation with Smith:
Oregon State was a rarity among Power 5 schools in that it didn’t lose any scholarship players to the transfer portal during the spring window. Smith said because of the “day and age” he was a little surprised.
“I think these guys are enjoying things around here, and they see a future and potential. Not shocked, but pleasantly surprised,” Smith said.
Oregon State’s 2023 signing class, outside of linebacker Leonard Ah You, are on track to arrive on campus in June. Ah You is planning to take part in a two-year LDS mission before enrolling at Oregon State in 2025. Seven freshmen graduated early from high school and enrolled at Oregon State in January.
The Beavers have 11 players from last year’s team that landed pro football opportunities during the past week. That group includes NFL draft picks Luke Musgrave (second round, Green Bay) and Alex Austin (seventh round, Buffalo)
Said Smith: “We’re definitely rooting all those guys on. Luke, going that high, is awesome. Got the potential to be a really good player. Then Alex gets a home. All of them, really exciting places and makes you feel good that they’re pursuing their dreams.”
–Nick Daschel | ndaschel@oregonian.com | @nickdaschel