You don't have to go back very far in the Oregon State record books to see how much impact Tight Ends have had on the Beaver offense. Joe Newton, Joe Halahuni and Connor Hamlett all had huge careers at Oregon State
JOE NEWTON- 105 receptions for 1,308 yards and 15 touchdowns
JOE HALAHUNI- 97 receptions for 1,147 yards and 13 touchdowns
CONNOR HAMLETT- 104 receptions for 1,108 yards and 10 touchdowns
But since Hamlett left after the 2014 season the position has not made much of an impact. Let's take a look at the Tight Ends on the 2019 roster. They have what looks like a group of talented receivers and blockers. Jim Wilson, OSU Hall of Fame offensive lineman and a current member of the Beaver Sports Network told me, " The Tight End position at Oregon State could be the deepest on the roster if they can stay healthy". Let's preview each player:
I think all of us remember that play at Colorado State in the 2017 opener at Fort Collins. The replay shows Noah Togiai made the catch and that his feet were inbounds but the officials blew the call. That kind of athleticism is what makes Togiai the anchor of the deep group of Oregon State Tight Ends, He has shown incredible potential during his years in Corvallis but injuries have hampered him big time, Overall he has done some good things:
• Enters the 2019 season with 32 games played, including 25 starts
• Has 58 receptions for 642 yards and seven touchdowns. Averages 11 yards per catch
• Named to the 2017 Associated Press All-Pac-12 Second Team
As a redshirt senior he has one more season to show he can stay healthy and make an impact at Oregon State
Isaiah Smalls enters his Sophomore season with a ton of people believing this could be a breakout season who really stepped up bigtime for Oregon State as a Freshman:
• Played in all 12 games, making one start
• Totaled eight catches for 118 yards
• Posted four receptions at Nevada, finishing with 66 yards
• Posted a season-long 31-yard reception versus Southern Utah
• Had two catches for 15 yards the following week versus Arizona
• Joined the Oregon State program in January and participated in spring workouts
He has great hands and has shown great improvement on blocking assignments. I had a chance to chat with Isaiah during his Freshman season last October:
Teegan Quitoriano enters his Sophomore season with many of the same expectations as Smalls. He played in ten games his Freshman season and started two games. He caught two passes. One against ASU and the other in Boulder. He is 6'6" 255 ;pounds and reminds me of Connor Hamlett. We will see how he progresses and if he can get significant playing time. He also hails from nearby Salem and went to Sprague High School.
Bryan Bramscher is another sophomore who played in 11 games for the Beavers. He didn't catch a pass but has great high school credentials from St.Mary's high school in Medford. He caught 19 Touchdowns for over 1,200 yards and was named the team's MVP. He is 6'5" 230 pounds.
Jack Holum didn't play as a redshirt Freshman. He played his high school Football at Lakeridge in Lake Oswego and was a three-year starter.
Ralph Tahfa'asau is a redshirt Sophomore from American Samoa. He didn't play last season. He was a four-year letterwinner at Wide Receiver.
Two highly regarded recruits will join the Beavers this season. Both Oregon products. Tight Ends Coach Brian Wozniak who does a great job with all of his student-athletes breaks down Musgrave's strengths on film
Another newcomer hails from Crescent Valley HS in Corvallis. Cam Sanders makes the short trip to Reser. He IS 6'3" 215 pounds.
Coach Wozniak breaks down Sanders game for us:
So as you can see its a deep group. Health and experience are the two big question marks. Right now I believe Isaiah Smalls and Teegan Quitoriano will make the biggest strides in the Oregon State offense. If Noah Togiai can avoid injury he could be a big factor in his senior season. Up next the Offensive line!!