STARS OF 2008:

WR/PR Sammie Stroughter -- The No. 1 player on this team just found out in mid-March he will be back in 2008, getting a medical redshirt to return. "It's a do-over, a mulligan," Stroughter said. "It's a blessing." Stroughter was third-team All-American in 2006.

G Jeremy Perry -- He was injured in the first game last year, didn't return and then needed knee surgery in the spring. But he should be fine to lead the blocking.

WR James Rodgers -- The Oregon State spring prospectus labels this kid "one of the most electrifying young players in the country," and he is a special all-purpose type who really opened eyes as a freshman last year.

RB Ryan McCants -- Already being called "the next great running back at Oregon State."

TOP NEWCOMERS

DE Simi Kuli -- The junior-college transfer is a five-star recruit and picked OSU over other big-name schools, including LSU.

QB Ryan Katz -- Oregon State coach Mike Riley says, "We were impressed with Ryan Katz from the get-go." Katz was rated as the 20th-best pro-style QB available. Katz is enrolling early and will get a jump on the starting job.

RB Jacquizz Rodgers -- His brother, James, was a contributor as a freshman, and the younger Rodgers, 5-6, 180 pounds, has a chance to do the same thing.

RB Jeremy Francis -- The junior-college transfer should challenge for the starting job and was already on campus.

ROSTER REPORT

--S Al Afalava pleaded guilty to a DUII charge stemming from a Feb. 9 arrest, was allowed to keep his scholarship and is suspended for the opening game at Stanford.

--OT Tavita Thompson was still appealing an academic suspension that runs through the end of October. He is currently slated for a Nov. 1 return.

--G Jeremy Perry and DT Pernnell Both were both out for the spring after surgeries.

--FB Micah Strickland and LB Eric Moala were dealing with academic issues and hoped to be eligible in the fall.

--QB Sean Canfield was recovering from shoulder surgery.

--The Beavers were hit hard by losses on the defensive line.

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