Backing up Bernard

Beavers have talent at running back

There’s an interesting competition going on for the backup running back spot for the Oregon State football team.

Ramifications go beyond the few carries that person may have a game to give starter Yvenson Bernard a break.

Whoever takes over that position moves into the lead in becoming next year’s starting tailback. And if it is one of the freshmen, it begins the development of a long-term answer to who replaces Yvenson Bernard.

"I think we have a couple of nice looking freshmen in Ryan McCants and Ahmed Mokhtar," running backs coach Gary Beck said. "That’s very promising. They are doing a nice job. We are going to be OK in the future."

Junior Patrick Fuller, however, may have something to say in the competition for the short-term future.

The coaches have been impressed with his improved focus to show off his ability.

"I’m kind of unsure right now," Fuller said of how the competition is going. "I’m feeling confident within myself that I can get the second spot. They are trying to see what the other guys got and what they can bring to the table. That’s OK. I’m going to help them when they need it and keep doing what I have to do."

Fuller came to OSU with impressive credentials out of Charter Oak High in the Los Angeles area. There was no need to redshirt because he was physically ready to play. He is a cut 5-foot-11, 204 pounds now.

He became a special teams contributor, but was seldom used as a ball carrier. Minor behind-the-scene team issues held Fuller back.

But Fuller rededicated himself to the game in the offseason, which led to a strong showing in spring practice. It continued into training camp.

"He has made a lot of progress over the winter and had a good summer working out," Beck said. "That’s all we can ask. That’s what he’s doing and he made a good effort in that regard."

Fuller’s early years may not have met his expectations, but he is ready for a strong finish. This season is a stepping stone to that goal.

"I’m trying to make a big run for next year," Fuller said. "I want to get some reps in so when Yve is gone, I can take over. I’m trying to work in with the second string and be a playmaker."

McCants and Mokhtar will give him a challenge. They have impressed the coaches already, and at least one may play as a true freshman.

Both have similar speed to Yvenson Bernard, but they are bigger with Mokhtar at 5-11, 214 and McCants 6-1, 225. That gives them the opportunity to be durable against the abuse the position takes.

"They both look good," Beck said. "They are going to be different than Yve. And they are not letting us down."

They’ll be featured in the final scrimmage of camp at 2 p.m. today in Reser Stadium. How they are used could give an indication about how the competition is going.

McCants carried the ball seven times for 22 yards in the first scrimmage last week, and Mokhtar ran six times for 11 yards. Afterward coach Mike Riley said he wanted to give McCants a closer look.

"Camp is going pretty well," McCants said. "It’s just getting all the plays under my belt. The more I learn, the more comfortable I get. I need to get into the playbook and watch film more."

McCants and Mokhtar have been tried out on special teams to see if there would be more to playing their first year than a few carries in mop-up duty.

Special teams coordinator Dave Ungerer has been impressed with them, so one or both are candidates to play this year if they pass the running back test.

However it ends up, the Beavers have options at tailback they haven’t had in the recent past. The question used to be who was going to replace Ken Simonton or Steven Jackson.

Someone eventually did after trial-and-error.

Now the question is: who is going to be the guy for next year ? Fuller, McCants or Mokhtar? Then the next one is: which freshman will be the long-term answer?

"I see Mokhtar being athletic, tough and a slashing-type runner," Riley said. "I see McCants having a burst around the edge. He looks smooth out there. I’m excited about it. We have two good players and two good workers. They look pretty talented."

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