Oregon St. senior receiver Casey Kjos is ending his football career early, due to injuries.
"It was an extremely difficult decision, not only due to the fact that I love this game, but that I love this team, love my teammates and love the coaches," Kjos said. "I have been blessed and am very thankful for the opportunities Coach Riley and the other coaches have given me. There are no other coaches like them."
Kjos (l., catching a pass in practice last spring), who missed the entire 2007 season with a back injury, after playing on special teams as a true freshman, has started three games in his career, and caught 10 passes for 103 yards, and one touchdown, against Oregon in last December's Civil War game.
"It's always disappointing when a player has to leave the sport due to injury," coach Mike Riley said. "Casey has fought back injuries for a couple of seasons, and I know this was a difficult decision for him to make. He has been a very committed and hard working player for Oregon State and we certainly wish him all the best."
Kjos is a two-time Pac-10 Conference All-Academic First Team selection, and is on track to earn his bachelor's degrees in psychology and sociology in June.
His departure and the graduation of Damola Adeniji means the Beavers lose two receivers from their 2009 depth chart. Seven receivers return, including James Rodgers, Geno Munoz, Jordan Bishop, Markus Wheaton, Darrell Catchings, Kevan Walker and Aaron Nichols.