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Freshmen give OSU some hope By Kris Henry CORVALLIS - Somewhat lost in the depression over Oregon State's lackluster effort against UCLA on Saturday was a pleasant introduction to the future of Beaver football. Searching for a silver lining in a cloudy 38-7 spanking by the 12th-ranked Bruins, there were three for Oregon State. Redshirt freshman Mitch Meeuwsen and true freshmen Steven Jackson and Derek Anderson each made a fine impression under the worst of circumstances. MAKING HIS first-ever appearance for the Beavers, Meeuwsen led the team in tackles with nine - eight of which were scored as solo takedowns. "I thought Mitch Meeuwsen was our bright spot," said OSU coach Dennis Erickson. "I thought he did very good against the run and made some awfully good plays." The 6-foot-3, 209-pounder said he was nervous Saturday, but certainly didn't show it. His first-ever collegiate sack kept UCLA from a potential field goal attempt in the first quarter, and he halted another Bruin drive by alertly pouncing on a Bruin fumble late in the second quarter. "It was nice to finally get out there and do something for the team," said Meeuwsen, a former all-state player in football, baseball and basketball at Forest Grove High. "It's just too bad we couldn't do more." JACKSON'S ROLE with the Beavers is that of third-string tailback, but he plays like he's destined for the No. 1 role. "He's big-time," Anderson said of his freshman classmate. "He's got a lot of potential. When you stick him in with some of the other new guys, we're going to be set up pretty well for the future." Oregon State had made it as far as the UCLA 44 on three occasions before Jackson broke the trend with his 63-yard touchdown scamper in the fourth quarter. He showed breakaway speed on that play, but also exhibited a physical nature in some of his other carries. The only thing lacking at this point appears to be playing time and a little humility. "I knew I was going to be good," Jackson said. "It was just a matter of time before I could show it." Last year, Jackson led the state of Nevada in rushing as a high school senior with 2,764 yards and 34 touchdowns on 386 carries. ANDERSON'S TIME was supposed to be next year. All that changed for the Blue Chip quarterback from Scappoose when starting quarterback Jonathan Smith struggled mightily against UCLA. Although the 6-6, 230-pounder didn't complete a pass in three attempts, his impact was on a much more emotional level for Beaver fans. Anderson provided hope. After the initial gasp once those in attendance realized his entry in the game meant there was no turning back, the stadium erupted (as much as it can with OSU down 38-0) with an electricity not felt since the opening kickoff. For his part, Anderson said he wasn't concerned about losing out on the potential to redshirt as a freshman. "I was just going to do whatever is best for the team," said Anderson, who was given his orders to warm up by Smith himself. "I've just wanted to come to practice every day and work hard and then whatever happens happens." Last year, Anderson became the first athlete in the history of Oregon to be named player of the year in football and basketball in Class 3A. ANDERSON'S ENTRY made him the fifth true freshman to see playing time this season, to say little about the number of redshirt freshmen and sophomores on this extremely young team. Of the 99 OSU players, 19 are seniors, 21 juniors, 19 sophomores and 40 freshmen. Before getting too excited about the future being now at OSU, fans should pay close attention to Erickson's comments following Saturday's debacle. "My biggest concern is the seniors," he said. "That senior group has poured a lot of blood into this program and I hate to see what happened today happen to them. All my focus and my concentration is going to be making sure those seniors aren't in that situation again." As for the others, there time is sure to come. And it certainly appears they'll be ready once the opportunity presents itself. Reach reporter Kris Henry at 776-4488, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.