Here we go with another edition of Oregon State mailbag, where readers ask questions about the Beavers athletics, and The Oregonian/OregonLive’s Nick Daschel gives an answer.
Let’s go.
Scott Barnes, best AD and guy out there. – Gerajd D.
Several emails and messages regarding the Oregon State athletic director, who survived a medical scare last Saturday during an alumni awards event at Fresno State. Barnes should be returning soon to Corvallis, and like everyone, we’re wishing the best for him.
What round will Jack Colletto be drafted in? Chiefs are looking for a new fullback, he’d be a great add. – Richard K
If we’re playing the odds, it’s a better bet that Colletto is an undrafted free agent. If he’s selected, look for the seventh round. Denver, San Francisco and Seattle look to be teams that are most interested in Hammer’s wide variety of skills.
How will what happened with Sam Noyer affect Jonathan (Smith) and Brian’s (Lindgren) decision on QB? – Nate K
None. I’m assuming you’re referring to bringing in D.J. Uiagalelei, much like OSU signed Noyer from the transfer portal in 2021. In both cases, Smith was looking to add depth and talent to the quarterback position. Noyer started the opener and played only once the rest of the season. That has no bearing on the staff’s view of Uiagalelei. If they think Uiagalelei is the best quarterback to lead the Beavers in 2023, he’ll start. If it’s Ben Gulbranson, he’ll start.
Which sport at OSU graduates the highest percentage of their players, both men’s and women’s? Which sport graduates with the lowest percentage? — @2023SportsGuy
While the question is valid, it’s difficult to answer in today’s era of transfers. Does someone who transfers to OSU for one season and graduates count? What about someone who leaves after two years and goes elsewhere? Plus, football has a roster of 85 scholarship players in addition to walk-ons. Golf has about 10 on its roster. The Academic Progress Rate (APR) is a better, though not perfect, measure. Generally speaking, Oregon State’s golf teams, plus women’s gymnastics, soccer and basketball teams fare well. Last year’s lowest APR was men’s soccer and basketball, but their scores of 959 and 960 (out of a perfect 1,000) were acceptable.
Is DJU safe from (Aidan) Chiles taking QB1? – Ryan C
To repeat an answer from above, Smith is going to play the quarterback who gives Oregon State the best chance to win. If that’s Chiles, he’ll start. I don’t anticipate that. I believe Smith would love to redshirt Chiles and let him develop physically for a year, with the possibility of a few spot appearances in 2023. But if Chiles’ time is September, he’ll play.
Not a question, but: Smith should not throw the skinny Chiles to the wolves this year. Give DJ one year, then play a 15-lbs bigger Chiles until he is drafted 4th overall in the 2027 draft. — @scorobe1
Since you’re already projecting the 2027 draft, any stock market picks?
As I recall OSU women’s basketball lost three players, but adding three recruits & three transfers? – Michael R
The Beavers currently have 13 players on scholarship for the 2023-24 season. OSU did lose three of last year’s roster, and add five for next season. Technically, it’s three freshmen recruits (Donovyn Hunter, Kennedie Shuler, Dominika Paurova) and two transfers (Susana Yepes, Sela Heide).
Any news on transfers into men’s bb? — @Danskabeaver
Oregon State is going to add at least one more transfer, and probably two. Priority is adding another big, and someone who can handle the ball. Don’t have names, but a couple transfers are visiting campus soon.
Who are the emerging (or established) leaders for football? – Josh H
Definitely big turnover from 2022. Among potential leaders in 2023 are center Jake Levengood, running back Deshaun Fenwick, receiver Anthony Gould, tight end Jake Overman, defensive end Isaac Hodgins, outside linebacker John McCartan, safety Kitan Oladapo and cornerback Jaden Robinson.
When a player enters the transfer portal, what are the options for the player and for the school? What percentage of players return to the original school and what percentage never find another D1 school? – Max C
When someone enters the transfer portal, most had better expect that they’re moving on. Some programs have an unwritten rule that once you enter the portal, there’s no coming back. While I don’t have the percentage of players entering the portal but end up returning to their old team, it is very low.
What (football) position group surprised during spring and which group appears on shaky ground? How concerned should we be with the kicking and punting positions? — Craig W
Wouldn’t say it’s a surprise so much, but it’s a comfort knowing the level of talent and depth at defensive line. No position has upgraded itself as much during Smith’s tenure as OSU’s defensive front. While there’s not a certain NFL talent up front, the Beavers have at least six reliable defensive linemen for 2023. Shaky ground? Not sure there’s any position that’s shaky, but cornerback does have some proving to do. That’s understandable, as the Beavers lose two starters who are probable NFL draft picks.
As for kicker/punter, while Smith is always looking to upgrade, the Beavers are fine. Josh Green is a good punter. Everett Hayes has something to prove, but he’s coming off a season where he struggled with injuries. If healthy, and his confidence isn’t shot, Hayes should bounce back in 2023.
Q1: I enjoy watching John McCartan play OLB. The past 2 years, injuries have limited his playing time substantially. Is he now fully healed to fully play in 2023? Q2: With DJU, Ben Gulbranson, and Aidan Chiles receiving most of the attention at QB, do you think Travis Throckmorton and/or Dom Montiel will enter the Spring transfer portal? – Jerry S
I’ve been told McCartan will be working out this summer. He’s expected to be ready for camp. Given McCartan’s injury history, I can understand the concern. As for Throckmorton or Montiel, the fact that neither has entered the portal is a good sign. But wait until Monday when the deadline has passed.
–Nick Daschel | ndaschel@oregonian.com | @nickdaschel
