Attrition Strikes Oregon St. At DT

Oregon St. has lost a defensive tackle, as Blake Harrah is retiring from football due to persisting knee problems, according to head coach Mike Riley.

Harrah, who is 6'1", 267 lbs., transferred in from Saddleback JC in 2011, when he redshirted after injuring the troublesome knee, and then played in 3 games last season. Harrah is from Temecula, CA, and was in the mix during spring practice to fill the holes left when both starting DTs, Castro Masaniai and Andrew Seumalo, graduated.

Neither Harrah nor any of the other 5 DTs clearly established themselves into a starting role, particularly after Siale Hautau broke his hand.

Harrah will graduate this summer, and his retirement will free up a scholarship in the fall, which is important, as the Beavers are still 4 over the 85 scholarship limit.

Harrah's departure increases the likelihood of Kyle Peko, another JC transfer from Cerritos, who will arrive this summer, getting in the mix at DT.

Andy_Wooldridge@yahoo.com