Oregon State Football Recruiting: A Look at the First Two 2016 Commits

After a strong finish to the 2015 recruiting class, Coach Gary Andersen and company are looking in some unforseen territory when it comes to finding the next great Beavers of Oregon State. For the 2016 class so far, He has received two verbal commitments from two Defensive Backs from the state of Florida, both on the defensive side of the ball.

Since Telly Lockette came to the staff several months ago, off-the-field he has had one focus: Recruit the state of Florida. The results have come in rather quickly: to finish the 2015 class, Lockette was able to lock up (no pun intended) four players from the state of Florida, and look for that trend to continue as time goes on.

Three-Star Devon Clarke from Osceola HS in Kissimmee, FL was the most recent commit when he joined the #BuildTheDam movement on March 23rd. Clarke is an elite Safety recruit, and his height (6-foot-3) and speed certainly help illustrate that. Clarke committed to Oregon State over a reported offer from Tulane, and significant interest from Florida, Wisconsin, and Colorado. Since his commitment, he has reported an offer from Syracuse, and the interest between the two is something to keep an eye on this summer.

The first commit for the 2016 recruiting class came just seventeen days after signing day. Three-Star Jadarius Byrd from Ed White HS in Jacksonville joined the #BuildTheDam movement on February 21st. Byrd is a solid cornerback with a knack for knowing where the ball is, and he makes up for his lack of size with that. Byrd Committed to Oregon State over reported offers from Maryland, Charlotte and Marshall, and significant interest from Wake Forest, Virginia, and Purdue.

Excited about the future of Beaver football? Check out these two Junior highlights, courtesy of Hudl: