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My Guys, 2008

Joe Sheehan started it, Peter Bean carried it on, and now, here are "My Guys" for 2008. These are a small handful of players who I'd love to have great, high-impact seasons but aren't receiving sufficient hype.

Taylor Kavanaugh, WR/PR/H- The hometown walk-on from Portland's Lincoln High is hard to dislike-- after all, he's the two-time winner of the team's "Lunch Bucket Award" that is awarded for work ethic. Taylor is listed on the roster at Wide Receiver, but you're mostly going to see him on Special Teams. Kavanaugh returned punts last year in the absence of Sammie Stroughter, but with #19 back, Taylor could see less time there this season. He'll still serve as the holder on field goals and extra points. Last year as a punt returner, Taylor had 27 returns for an average of 6.9 yards ranking him eighth in the Pac-10, but he was very dependable. His longest return of the season came at just the right time, a 26-yarder in the third quarter of the Emerald Bowl that set the Beavers up inside the Marlyand 40. The Beavers would score the winning touchdown on that drive.

Greg Laybourn, S- I think it's fair to say that Greg is the most overlooked starter in the secondary. He was dubbed the starter at free safety coming out of spring, but most fans were more familiar with Brian Payton, until he got booted from the team. Greg is now "the guy" at free safety, and he's got experience, too. He played in every game last season, starting against UCLA and UA. He had 15 tackles versus UCLA and 10 against No. 2 California. He was a big part of the goal line stand in the third quarter versus Cal. He's also a standout on special teams, although it's unclear if he will continue to play there this season. He's one of those guys that fans watch sprint down the field on kickoffs because of his speed and big-hit ability. (Did you know? Greg Laybourn was on the 2006 OSU National Championship baseball team.)

Simi Kuli, DL- The 270 pound defensive linemen is definitely getting hype-- he was, after all, a Rivals.com and Scout.com 5 star recruit and regarded as the best junior college prospect in the country. He's one of "my guys" because, we'll, we're going to need him this year, and since he won't be at practice until after September 1, things could get a little dicey. He only has two years of eligibility left, so hopefully he can get to as many games as possible. Something tells me if he arrives on September 1 he won't be able to play against Penn State on September 6, even though the coaches are still saying he could play right away.

Isaiah Cook, LB- I first became interested in the linebacker at last year's Civil War game at Autzen Stadium. Sitting two rows off the Beaver bench in Section 9, I was in prime Beaver-hating country, but Isaiah gave it right back to the Duck fans, and you have to like that. He didn't play in the game much, but didn't take any crap from the crowd about that, either. Isiah probably wont see the field as much as he would like this year behind Kristick, Cornell, and Pankey, but he'll definitely be in the mix.

Who are your guys?

GO BEAVERS!

--JB--

0 recs | Comment 9 comments

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I like Laybourn, but I felt like...

... he always seemed to get burned when he had to cover receivers deep down field. I dunno. I’m hoping he has a good year as well.

by tbrownolive on Jul 31, 2008 9:04 AM PDT   0 recs

Kind've agree.

He’s solid but seems a little suspect, especially when he’s in a man coverage situation.

I felt the only reason he was really huge in that goal line stand at Cal was because he had an interference call that extended their stay in the red zone. Well, he made some plays too, but I almost crapped myself when he crawled on that dude’s back like that.

by ArbyOSU on Jul 31, 2008 9:47 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

That's fair.

Bottom line… he will need to step up.

--JB--

by Jake on Jul 31, 2008 11:29 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Mine...

Howard Croom, TE: I like Croom a lot and think he’s progressed quietly but steadily. This year could be big for him. Great receiver that needs to be involved more in the short yardage and red zone game plan.

Joe Halahuni, TE: Another TE that could have an interesting season. If he and Croom can share the field effectively we could have a great 1-2 punch at this position. Halahuni looked great on film coming out of HS in Washington but took a little extra time getting into the program due to academics (I believe anyway). If his HS film is any indicator, here’s another big man that can help OSU in short yardage situations as well as stretching the defense as a deeper threat.

Keaton Kristick, LB: It’s no secret that this kid is a good fit for the OSU defensive scheme. He seems to have a nose for the ball and moves well. As long as he can show early he’s a four quarters kind of player I think OSU will have its lynch pin for the LB corps in Kristick.

Chris Johnson, WR: He had the one hand grab against Stanford and then… sort of… disappeared. Can he show us more? I’ve been waiting and hoping that he’ll deliver.

Jacquizz Rodgers, RB: I’ve been having Barry Sanders thoughts here but I’ve also tried to keep my head out of the clouds on this one. More than having great expectations I feel I’m just full of high, high hopes for this player. I love the kid’s brother on the field and from what I can tell both seem to be fine young men off the field—smart, respectful and classy all the way. I just REALLY want to see this kid do well, especially if we’re going to burn his red shirt.

That’s all I have…

by ArbyOSU on Jul 31, 2008 9:05 AM PDT   0 recs

Agree

Good call on Chris Johnson. Seems like he got passed up by Catchings and Rodgers. He’ll play behind Sammie this year, so we’ll see how that goes. I would think that our top five WR’s would be:

Stroughter – Catchings – Rodgers – Johnson – Morales

Maybe Morales and Johnson switched? I don’t know.

--JB--

by Jake on Jul 31, 2008 11:32 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

My guys

I don’t see Kavanaugh contributing that much this year. I like Greg Laybourn, he knows how to hit a guy.

I think Catching isn’t getting enough respect, he is going to be a solid contributor this year and make some big ‘Mike Hass’ plays for us

Woof

by Charles Barkley McLovin on Jul 31, 2008 10:52 AM PDT   0 recs

Perhaps I'm partial to Kavanaugh

Because I’ve been in contact with him for an interview. I really don’t see him playing that much at WR, so he’s looking like a holder and a backup punt returner to me. Wish he could get more PT though.

--JB--

by Jake on Jul 31, 2008 11:25 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

My guys

My guys = 1 star recruits…. have fun w/ the PIL/Pac-8 allstar team

by JerkStore on Jul 31, 2008 2:48 PM PDT   0 recs

Isaiah Cook

LB-Isaiah Cook, made some important plays over the years….USC, Cal, and Hawaii! If given the chance he can prove his self, since pop warner he was the “Secret Weapon.” He is my favorite on the team! Of course I feel this way he is my *! Look for some major plays when he gets in.

by Bevco on Aug 4, 2008 9:42 PM PDT   0 recs

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