Oregon State Cornerbacks Breakdown

Another position to lose both starters from last year will undoubtedly be the most crucial for Oregon State this year. Although consistent and vocal senior Tim Clark has all but locked down one of the starting cornerback positions, the other still seems up in the air, and will continue so until late into Fall camp, so it seems. One of the more intense position battles in recent Beaver football memory comes down to senior Patrick Henderson, who was injured on and off throughout Spring camp, junior James Dockery, who like Clark is one of the more vocal players on the squad and is coming off a major knee injury that cost him his season last year, and sophomore Brandon Hardin, who has been battling injury issues of his own throughout the Spring.

Henderson and Dockery were burned a number of times by Oregon State receivers, particularly by junior wideout Darrell Catchings, who made minced meat of the duo the entire Spring, particularly on the play-action Canfield to Catchings deep ball that was ever so consistent. Speaking of consistency, that seemed to be the issue for Henderson and Dockery throughout camp, as either player would seem to have a good play, batting down a pass, intercepting a ball, or whatever the case may be, then they would turn around and get burned by a receiver on a deep ball. Such plays should not be occurring, especially later on in a player’s college career. Hardin, who had surgery on his hand from an injury that occurred last year participated in a majority of Spring practices, but was required to sit out when he tweaked his quad. The 6 foot 2, 206 pound sophomore is the biggest cornerback on the Oregon State roster and has the size and speed necessary to shut down the more than capable Pac-10 receivers that the Beavers have seen in the past. Although the battle for the starting cornerback position opposite of Clark will go deep into Fall camp, it will undoubtedly be an interesting competition, one that shall intrigue Beaver fans to watch on a practice to practice basis.

The two remaining cornerbacks on the roster are not expected to make any contributions to the team other than in the special team’s aspect, but the talent is certainly something to be excited about. Sophomore David Ross, a five star recruit out of Compton, California did not quite make a name for himself this Spring, but should have an opportunity to shine next year once Clark and Henderson are out of the picture. Redshirt freshman Keynan Parker, however, certainly opened some eyes with his game-breaking speed and ability to break on the ball. Parker, a former track star at Thomas More Collegiate in British Columbia is quite possibly one of the fastest players on the Oregon State roster, and was virtually untouchable in high school at the running back position, rushing for over 2,000 yards and almost 30 touchdowns in his senior year. Although the Beavers seem to be set at the cornerback position, certainly keep an eye on Ross and Parker, as they could have a huge impact on the passing attacks of other teams.

Although Oregon State is set with Tim Clark at one starting cornerback position, the battle for the position opposite of him will continue to intrigue football fans, and could end up being the most intense position battle in recent years.