FanHouse Joey LaRocque

The biggest thing to contend with in Oregon State is the ground game. Yvenson Bernard is the top returning running back in the conference this year with over 1,300 rushing yards and 12 scores. But it's more than just Bernard's elusiveness, where he can make something out of nothing. As good as Bernard has been, it's the offensive line that does the heavy lifting, raising the entire offense to another level.

How good is the line? Consider that Oregon State was the only program last year to have all five starters earn all-conference honors, either first-team, second team or honorable mention! That unit returns four of those five starters in '07, and even 8 out of 10 in the two-deep's from last year. Their interior of center Kyle DeVan and guards Roy Schuening and Jeremy Perry are talented and tough. No team in the conference has the type of maulers like OSU, and as the 2-point conversion play in their win over Missouri showed, they seem to be able to move the pile at will. Whether it's Bernard or backup RB Clinton Polk, or whoever prevails in camp as the starting QB, the entire offense will succeed because of the big uglies up front.

The wide receivers have a lot of talent, led by the headline-making Sammie Stroughter. Of course, as of this writing, Stroughter is away from the team with what has been described as personal issues, and unfortunately there isn't anything more that is known about a potential return. Rumors and speculation abound at this point. Described as being an upbeat kid with an infectious personality, he's one of the most popular players on the football team. Oh, and he's really good. As in the leading receiver back in '07 in the entire conference with 74 catches, as well as being the #2 return man behind only DeSean Jackson at Cal. You can't sugar coat the obvious - losing Stroughter would be a huge blow to the football team. Behind Strougther, the starters would be Brandon Powers and Anthony Brown (formerly Wheat-Brown). While they are a nice duo as a compliment to a guy like Stroughter, to put it in perspective, Powers and Brown combined for 60 catches last year, still 14 less than the number Stroughter turned in. WR Chris Johnson is a guy that would likely move up the depth chart as the #3 guy should Stroughter not return.

The OSU defense looks to be set for a big season. Nine of the top 11 tacklers from 2006 return, including the starting linebacker corps of Joey LaRocque, Alan Darlin and Derrick Doggett. Outside LB LaRocque is the top returning tackler in the Pac-10 from last year with 98, while Doggett anchored the other side with 87 last year, plus and he got after the passer with five sacks. Darlin did a commendable job in the middle with 72 tackles and 12 tackles for loss. The secondary did lose one potential starter in Coye Francies, who was arrested on a firearm charge and has been suspended indefinitely from the team, but they still look good with Keenan Lewis, Gerald Lawson, and Brandon Hughes, all guys that have started at corner at one time or another.

Up front, the d-line looks to be strong as well, led by four senior starters. DE's Jeff Van Orsow and Dorian Smith are probably the two best up front. Van Orsow was the hero of the USC upset a year ago, tipping a 2-point conversion attempt by John David Booty with seconds remaining to clinch the win. He was honorable mention all-conference last year with 10 tackles for loss. Smith surprised a lot of people with a team-high nine sacks last year, tops on the team and the #2 pass-rusher in the conference coming back in '07. The tackles are Gerald Lee and Curtis Coker, both active run-stoppers who are good at plugging the middle and eating up some space, freeing up the linebackers to make plays.

A player who doesn't get a lot of publicitiy, Barrett has proven himself to be an outstanding senior leader on ASU's defense. Barrett led the Sun Devils in tackles last year, logging 82 to lead by a wide margin. But what's even more impressive is that Barrett also led the team in tackles for loss and interceptions, and was second in pass-breakups.

Not too shabby for a 6-3, 231 lb. safety who has the size that many linebackers would love to possess. With new defensive coordinator Craig Bray on the scene, Barrett could have an even bigger season this year. Bray has coached with Dennis Erickson at a couple of stops, including defensive coordinator at Oregon State from 2000 - 2002, and both Bray and Erickson love to play an aggressive, attacking style.

It'll be tough for Barrett to get more attention with safeties like Taylor Mays and Kevin Ellison of USC or UCLA's combo of Chris Horton and Dennis Keyes, but Barrett could break into the conversation as the best overall safety in the conference. A package of size and quickness, Barrett is the most underrated defensive player returning to the Pac-10 in 2007.