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CLEAR Temp: 90 °F Wind: NW at 10 mph Friday, August 29, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine Joy Magazine Tempo A & E RogueValleyAutoFinder RogueValleyHomeFinder Real Estate Showcase Wellness Connection Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Employment Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend August 5, 2003 Newton gets new lease on OSU career Few Oregon State players welcome Mike Riley’s presence more than Roseburg’s Joe Newton. It’s not that Newton ill will against former OSU coach Dennis Erickson, it’s just that the former three-sport standout at Roseburg High is a realist. "In a way, (the coaching change) kind of leveled the playing field because everyone had to start off from scratch," says Newton. "From my perspective, it didn’t hurt me at all." Instead of being a step behind all those who played tight end under Erickson last year while he was a redshirt, Newton finds himself potentially ahead of the curve. "I wasn’t set at all (in Erickson’s system), so it’s basically like I’ve just been starting out in (Riley’s) regular system," says the highly touted tight end. "That’s definitely going to help me." Advertisement Also helping his cause will be his physical and mental development from 2002 to ‘03. Newton, 19, added about 25 pounds of muscle to his 6-foot-7 frame, putting him at 254 as he opened fall camp Monday. His weightlifting best in the back squat is up to 415 pounds, with a high of 350 in the bench press, 281.1 in the power clean and 314.2 in the push press. He also boasts a 30-inch vertical leap, footwork Fred Astaire would be happy to call his own and the kind of sure hands typically reserved for possession receivers. "I put a lot of work in (this past year) and it’s paid off," says Newton. Last year’s work also included a daily routine of going against one of the Pac-10’s toughest defenses as a member of the offensive scout squad. While he took his lumps then, Newton realizes how valuable that experience was in getting him prepared for this season. "That helped me a lot," he says. "I had an entire year just to get up to the Pac-10 level, and hopefully that should make a difference this year." It’s already made a difference in how he views his chances for playing time in 2003. "This year the biggest difference is I have a lot more confidence and I know what’s going on out there on the field," he says. "That makes a big difference in me being able to go out and compete." Newton is one of eight tight ends on the OSU roster this season, entering fall camp as No. 3 on the depth chart behind senior Tim Euhus (6-5, 249) and junior Pat Loney (6-6, 259). Riley says he plans on taking advantage of the Beavers’ depth at tight end by alternating his regular three-receiver formation (with one tailback and one tight end) with a two-tight end set. "I think with the talent we have there at tight end," says the coach, "we need to explore ways to get them on the field." And that definitely includes Newton. "Joe has a lot going for him, and I think he has an exciting future," says Riley. "He’s smart, big, talented ... I see him entering into this thing pretty quick." That certainly wouldn’t bother Newton. "I’m really excited to get out there and see what I can do," he says. FELLOW ROSEBURG High alum Matt Brock got his first taste of prime-time action last year and appears hungry for more. As the least heralded of the three starting sophomores on Oregon State’s offense last year, the 21-year-old might have been the most consistent. While Derek Anderson was up and down more than a 6-year-old on a teeter-totter, and Steven Jackson was working up the nerve to finally ask the pass-first Erickson to give him the darn ball, Brock was a steady, calming influence. "I think Matt’s one of our big pieces on the offensive line and runs that crew," says Anderson. And as Jackson is quick to point out, how the offensive line goes, so goes Oregon State’s offense, period. "We’re only as good as they make us," Jackson says, speaking for the Beavers’ skill position players. Brock (6-2, 301) once again will be asked to anchor the offensive line, which plans to play off the experienced gained as a group last season. "Everybody played last year," says Brock, "so it’s just about getting the best five in there and going at it." Brock says the group’s main goal is to have Jackson lead the league in rushing for the second straight year and try to allow the fewest sacks in the Pac-10. "We want to be able to run the ball whenever we want," says Brock. Then again, with a star like Jackson in the backfield, who wouldn’t? "It’s not just that Steven’s a good ballplayer, he’s a good guy in general," Brock adds. "It’s a lot more fun when you’re blocking for your buddy." Especially when that buddy has NFL-type skills. "Every time he gets the ball, I want to get my job done and see something happen," Brock admits. Reach reporter Kris Henry at 776-4488, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. 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