Markus Wheaton: Beaver on the Rise

JFizzleRaider · Aug 10, 2011

Corvallis, Ore. -- Day two of fall camp for the Beavers and it was a day that saw the defense look stellar. Particularly the defensive ends. Redshirt fresman d-end Scott Crichton and junior Taylor Henry were consistently in the backfield creating havoc swatting down passes or earning sacks. Linebacker Kevin 'Feti' Unga earned the first interception of fall camp, dropping back in to coverage and hauling in a bullet from Ryan Katz.

While the defensive shined during the 11-on-11 drills. The receivers dominated the 7-on-7 competition. Sophomore Kevin Cummings was extremly effective seemingly catching everything that came his way. Cummings a player who didn't get playing time last season has improved greatly from spring ball head coach Mike Riley said. Even though Cummings has been effective thus far, Riley was quick to tell me that he must sustain his efforts for an extended period of time. Also, for players like Cummings fighting to earn a spot or even make the travelling squad, they must show "consistency" or make their mark on special teams.

With all that being said about Cummings and his improvement, the real star of camp thus far offensively has to be Markus Wheaton. The Junior receiver who finished 2010 with 6 touchdowns (4 receiving, 2 rushing) has looked like he's ready to do better than his preseason Pac-12 second team predicition. Riley said that Wheaton has continued to soar as he added to his responsibilities when James Rodgers went down last season. From there Wheaton improved in spring ball and hasn't missed a step early in the fall. In fact, his teamates continue to say how fast he is on the field. Speaking to the defensive backs they can't help but shake their head when they're asked about practicing against the likes of Wheaton, Jordan Bishop, and a healthy James Rodgers. Players like Jordan Poyer and Brandon Hardon say that each of the receivers bring different athleticism to the table, but they're all working with a full plate.

The Beavers receiving core is definitely one of the best in the Pac-12 and a group to watch as 2011 continues on.

by Bryan Salmond
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http://kdrv.com/sports/220598

Wheels · Aug 10, 2011

Still bummed Oregon missed out on him. Traitor!! jk but he has speed to burn

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Markus Wheaton: Beaver on the Rise

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Markus Wheaton: Beaver on the Rise

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