Tavita Thompson Returns As A Graduate Assistant Coach

Oregon St. football head coach Mike Riley announced today that former Beaver Tavita Thompson will join the coaching staff this summer. Thompson, who was an offensive lineman for Oregon St. from 2005 thru 2008, and played on 4 bowl winning teams, will fill the Graduate Assistant slot Kyle DeVan was planning to fill before the Tennessee TItans gave him a call, and after a workout, a free agent contract.

Thompson played one season with Sacramento in the United Football League, and spent a pre-season with the New York Jets, before becoming the offensive line coach for Pacific for the 2011 season.

"We are very fortunate to be able to get Tavita this late in the year to be a part of our staff," Riley said. "Tavita has shown a great interest in coaching and this will be a natural position for him as he continues in his career path. He is an outstanding addition to our program."

Thompson, who played at St. Louis High in Honolulu before coming to Oregon St., made 13 starts at tackle for the Beavers.

Andy_Wooldridge@yahoo.com