Oregon State shores up defense with 2016 recruiting class

Feb 3, 2016 - 10:51 PM CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) Heading into his second year of rebuilding the Beavers, coach Gary Andersen wasn't overly concerned with luring stars.

''We recruited the kids we liked,'' he said Wednesday.

Oregon State landed three four-star prospects on signing day: Defensive backs Christian Wallace and Shurod Thompson and defensive end Isaac Garcia.

Challenged with a program still in building mode after the Beavers went 2-10 in his first year as head coach, Andersen brought in seven junior college transfers, 17 incoming high school players and two preferred walk-ons.

''I think the kids that are in the program will lay the foundation moving forward,'' Andersen said.

Top 25 Class: No.

Best in class: Thompson, a safety out of Brentwood, California, had offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Boise State, California, Colorado, Utah, Washington, Washington State, among others. At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, the speedy Thompson was considered among the top 10 players in the nation at his position.

Best of the rest: Wallace, a cornerback out of Sealy, Texas, was considered among the top 25 prospects out of Texas. He also rushed for 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior and Andersen said he will also carry for the Beavers.

Late addition: Defensive tackle David Fangupo, a 350-pound JC transfer from Cerritos College who signed with the Beavers after earlier committing to Utah.

One that got away: Four-star offensive lineman Frederick Mauigoa, who decided to go to Washington State.

How they'll fit in: Andersen addressed his needs on defense, but the Beavers remain short at quarterback after both Seth Collins and Nick Mitchell decided to transfer. Marcus McMaryion will return and Andersen announced Wednesday that Utah State transfer Darell Garrettson, who had to sit out last year under NCAA rules, had earned a scholarship. The only quarterback in the recruiting class is Mason Moran out of Arizona's Chandler High School, who was recruited as a defensive player by other schools. Andersen said that the Beavers may have to bring in a walk-on at the position.

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