Oregon State Collects QB Commit

With only 3 quarterbacks on the roster, the position is, or was, a high priority for Oregon State coach Gary Andersen for the 2017 recruiting class. And the need was addressed early, with only the second commit the Beavers have received  being at the position, following Aidan Willard's announcement.

#GOBEAVS pic.twitter.com/urcJj1tP8V

— Aidan Willard (@waterboywill) May 10, 2016

Willard is a 6'2", 185 lb. quarterback that Rivals lists as a "Pro-Style" prospect, even though he runs the veer at Justin-Siena High School in Napa, CA.

Willard also has ties to Oregon State, as both of his parents attended the university.

"It's been a dream of mine to play at Oregon State for as long as I can remember. Both of my parents went there, and I couldn't pass up the great opportunity at Oregon State," Willard said. "It's a great school and I'm excited about the new coaching staff and young, talented roster."

Scout.com rates Willard as a 2 star recruit, while Rivals hasn't awarded him any stars, which tells you something about a system that rates more on interest and offers (and others' evaluations) than their judgement of ability.

Willard's other most notable offer was from Cincinnati, with Hawaii, New Mexico, and Toledo having made overtures, whereas his attendance at camps at Utah, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado didn't elicit more than a conversation.

But he impressed Oregon State coaches when they saw him.

"I've been to many games growing up, and always follow Oregon State," Willard said. "I got in contact with them, and they liked my film, and then I threw for them in person, and they offered later that day."

That day was last week.

Here's a look at Willard's junior season highlights:

Andy_Wooldridge@yahoo.com