Quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei impresses on Oregon State’s opening day of preseason camp

Published Aug. 03, 2023, 4:16 p.m.
By Nick Daschel | The Oregonian/OregonLive
Oh, how Oregon State football has grown up under coach Jonathan Smith.
Smith opened his sixth preseason camp Thursday at Prothro Field. Though there was a businesslike atmosphere you’d expect from a veteran team with big dreams, the players’ energy and enthusiasm for a 2023 season just 31 days away was noticeable.
Over the course of a half-hour, players filed out of Valley Football Center and entered the practice field, all getting an enthusiastic greeting from strength coach Mike McDonald. The 100-minute helmets-and-shorts practice moved at brisk pace and included 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 situations.
Smith was struck by the team’s overall energy, though he said it was a normal opening day of camp.
“They put in a lot of work in the summer. The challenge now is about sustaining it for 25 practices and show the same type of energy and focus,” Smith said.
Asked to contrast what he saw Thursday with his first OSU camp practice in 2018, Smith briefly laughed and shook his head. Thursday’s practice included players who have participated in each of Smith’s camp openers, as well as seven of the Beavers’ 10 assistant coaches.
“Quite a bit different,” Smith said. “You’ve been doing it for multiple years and you learn a bunch. Obviously, it’s beneficial to have the continuity we’ve had with the coaches and support (staff). Drastically, drastically different.
“Both camps though, you’re still so excited. That ain’t changed.”
It wouldn’t be a Smith camp without a quarterback competition. This year’s is as high profile as any under Smith, with incumbent starter Ben Gulbranson, Clemson transfer D.J. Uiagalelei and freshman Aidan Chiles battling for the job.
While Gulbranson showed good zip on his passes, Uiagalelei won opening day. The 6-foot-5, 251-pound junior was accurate, showed a big arm and had command of the limited number of plays. Smith agreed that Uiagalelei looked comfortable for an opening day. Uiagalelei was the only one of the threesome not to throw an interception.
“All three guys got reps today and they had some good stuff,” Smith said.
Physically, there are some changes. Many of the team’s offensive linemen gained or lost as many as 20 pounds from last season. Three-year starting left tackle Joshua Gray beefed up 17 pounds to 305 pounds.
“He knows his body, what it takes. We’re counting on him to have a big year for us. He’s doing a lot of the right things,” Smith said.
Asked if any players caught his eye physically, Smith mentioned the defensive line overall, and particularly some of the young players, like Mathias Malaki-Donaldson, Quincy Wright and Takari Hickle. Smith also noted that tight end Jack Velling, who missed spring practice with a shoulder injury, impressed with the eye test.
One area that could get a little more attention than expected is running back after junior Jam Griffin entered the transfer portal Tuesday. The Beavers still have a formidable trio of Damien Martinez, Deshaun Fenwick and Isaiah Newell, but there’s less room for error in case of injuries without the well-traveled Griffin.
“Yeah, that’s not ideal. We do have three guys. It’s better than having two or something. We have three guys we feel about carrying the ball,” Smith said.
Thursday’s workout included the return of safety Alton Julian, who has been out since October of 2021 because of an ACL tear. Julian went through stretching and watched much of the practice. Smith said Julian, who had become an important player in OSU’s secondary prior to the injury, wasn’t 100 percent, but “he’s moving around better and better. … we’re optimistic that he’ll get back and become a good player.”
Briefly: Among those who didn’t participate in Thursday’s opening practice were receivers Anthony Gould (except for catching punts), Trevor Pope, Montrel Hatten, Tastean Reddicks and Joel Valadez, defensive lineman Kelze Howard and Olu Omotosho. … Senior defensive lineman Isaac Hodgins had a notable opening day. Hodgins had an interception of a screen pass by Gulbranson, and took some reps at fullback on offense. …Former OSU receiver Trevon Bradford and linebacker Kyrei Fisher-Morris have rejoined the program to work with the recruiting staff. Bradford did some coaching Thursday to fill in while graduate assistant Torrey Gill is out working a week with the Las Vegas Raiders. … All of Oregon State’s scholarship freshmen reported for camp and either participated or worked out with the strength staff on the side Thursday. … OSU radio play-by-play voice Mike Parker turned 65 Thursday. Parker has been the Beavers’ voice since 1999. … Smith was uncertain about the college future of senior offensive lineman Marco Brewer, who tore an ACL during a July workout and is out for the season. Smith said he wants Brewer to remain engaged with the program, but a decision hasn’t been made in regard to applying for a medical redshirt.