Mike Riley Announces Some Personnel Moves

Oregon St. head football coach Mike Riley has announced several personnel moves made as the Beavers prepare for Spring Ball immediately after spring break (first practice is April 1).

Riley has finalized his cast of Graduate Assistants for the coming season, and there are some familiar faces, including some who are returning to the Beaver Lodge.

NCAA rules limit the number of Graduate Assistants that can be on the sidelines in games, and so Riley has both "on field" and "off field" assistants. The on field group includes Tavita Thompson, Kyle DeVan, Dorian Smith, and Keaton Kristick, while the off field GA will be Lyle Moevao, Brad Brennan, Alan Darlin, and Rod Perry, Jr.

In something of a tease to Beaver Nation, Riley also mentioned that Oregon St. would put considerable focus on the offense during spring practice, including adding some "no-huddle" to the Beavers' regular offense.

Riley also announced some adjustments to the 85-man scholarship list and the roster.

Senior safety Steven Christian, who transferred to Oregon St. for last season, and played in 7 games, has been granted a 6th season of eligibility for this year. Christian and Oregon St. appealed to the NCAA for the extra year due to his missing the entirety of both the 2009 & 2011 seasons due to injury while at Hawaii.

There's also been subtraction in the secondary, as safety Peter Ashton, who was a red-shirt freshman this past season, has left the team. Ashton, who is from Keller, TX, is returning "home", will attend a junior college in Texas.

That opened up a scholarship, and Riley has awarded it to junior to be fullback Tyler Anderson.

Riley also announced that defensive tackle Mana Rosa and linebacker Dyllon Mafi, both seniors to be, have been reinstated to the team, after being suspended along with graduated defensive lineman Rudolph Fifita last December, in the aftermath of an incident involving the 3 players at the Impulse Bar & Grill.

All 3 missed out on the Alamo Bowl trip.

Riley also confirmed rumors that Alabama had called him to discuss their interest in offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh when they were recruiting for the same opening with the 'Tide. Cavanaugh continues to be resident grouch for the Beavers, though.

It's finals week at Oregon St., and there will be a spring break before that first practice day, so there could still be further roster "developments". Stay tuned!

Andy_Wooldridge@yahoo.com