Football News and Notes: McCants, Oshinowo Making Progress, but Still Doubtful for Fall Camp

The injury bug has had a significant impact on Oregon State in the past year, as players such as James and Jacquizz Rodgers, Sean Canfield, and Lyle Moevao have all had their struggles. The Beavers had two major contributors go down in spring practice, and they'll likely miss all or part of the fall as well: 

Cliff Kirkpatrick of the Gazette-Times is reporting that Ryan McCants and Timi Oshinowo are making progress on their injuries, but will likely miss--or be out for most of-- fall camp. This is no big surprise, as Oshinowo was expected to be out this long and McCants was doubtful to participate in camp. However, both players are a big loss moving forward.

Oshinowo was expected to compete for a starting spot on the offensive line. He was injured in the Spring Game, but expects to start in October:

"It was horrible when it first happened," Oshinowo said. "I was working hard to get that (starting) spot, and I was doing well in the spring game. Things were going my way and it was a major setback."

Oshinowo was running with the first string and was penciled in as a starting tackle for the fall. His injury thinned out an already inexperienced offensive line.

He plans to be around the team as he heals and help the younger players develop. Having been with the program for three years, Oshinowo knows what's expected of the linemen.

McCants, the probable back-up to Jacquizz Rodgers, is still sidelined after he needed surgery to fix an ACL tear:

He has been working out his upper body in the summer and recently started leg strengthening exercises. He plans to meet with his surgeon next week for a checkup.

"It's week by week," McCants said. "I have to start jogging before I start running, and I have to start running before I start cutting."

Earlier this morning we touched on the fact that punter Johnny Hekker and offensive linemen Mike Remmers were awarded scholarships. Add Wilder McAndrews to the list, as Kirkpatrick reports that he has been given a scholarship as well. 

To make room on the 85-man scholarship roster, tight end Kevin Pankey and defensive end Tom Hansen are off the team by mutual decision with Riley.

Having Oshinowo for camp would have added depth to the already depleted line, and although McCants had a sub-par freshman year, he's still the second most reliable running back on the team. Now Jovan Stevenson and Ashton Jefferson will compete for the No. 2 running back role. 

Fall camp opens August 10, with the season opener against Portland State taking place on September 5. 

--Jake (jake.buildingthedam@gmail.com)