Former starting QB Seth Collins rejoins Beavers, will be WR

Apr 11, 2016 - 10:38 PM Seth Collins is going to stay at Oregon State after all.

Collins, who played at quarterback as a freshman for the Beavers last season, had requested a transfer and signed a non-binding financial aid agreement with Northern Illinois, but he remained enrolled at Oregon State and had watched some practices this spring.

Head coach Gary Andersen announced his return to the Beavers on Monday.

''The reason we do what we do is to build young men off and on the field, supporting them and preparing them for the future,'' Andersen said in a statement. ''Sometimes they do not always make decisions we agree with, but these can be times of growth for the individual. The return of Seth to our program is a decision supported by the leaders of this team, our coaching staff and myself.''

Collins started seven games at quarterback last year, throwing for 936 yards and six touchdowns with four interceptions. He also ran for 580 yards and eight touchdowns.

He missed four games with a knee injury, but returned for the finale against rival Oregon and played at quarterback, receiver and running back. Known for his speed and athleticism, Collins will switch to receiver full time for the upcoming season.

He thanked his teammates and Andersen for allowing him to return.

''Coach Andersen did not always agree with the direction that I was headed during this process, but was always there to talk and support me as a person first,'' he said in a statement. ''I've grown tremendously as a person since I arrived in Corvallis and I can't wait to put on the pads and represent Beaver Nation the best way possible.''

Andersen said Collins would not participate in spring practices, and would have to meet certain criteria to fully rejoin the team. He also praised Collins as an excellent student who had had no disciplinary issues with the Beavers.

''He is fully prepared to accept the responsibility and make up for the time he has missed,'' Andersen said. ''Spring football is in part a reward for winter conditioning, and as a result, Seth will not participate during the remaining practices. However, he is back in the weight room completing the winter conditioning cycle.''

Oregon State's annual spring game is scheduled for Saturday at Reser Stadium.

Collins competed with Nick Mitchell and Marcus McMaryion for the starting QB job last season. None of the three had college experience at the position. Mitchell also announced that he was leaving the Beavers in the offseason.

This season, McMaryion is competing with transfer Darrell Garretson and freshman Mason Moran at quarterback. All three saw snaps at a scrimmage this past Saturday at Hillsboro Stadium in the Portland area.

Garretson sat out last season under NCAA rules after transferring from Utah State.