| 16 August 2010
Aaron Nichols is looking to fill some big shoes for the Beavers this season.
The 6-foot, 185-pound wide receiver will be receiving plenty of snaps at split end or slot back for OSU when they open the season against TCU on Sept. 4 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The Beavers’ offense - which is still powered by Heisman Trophy-hopeful Jacquizz Rodgers and brother James Rodgers - will need Nichols to step up in place of Damola Adeniji, who grabbed 57 balls for 807 yards and 5 touchdowns last season.
Adeniji graduated last spring and was recently cut by the Oakland Raiders.
Now, Nichols is entering his senior season much like the way Adeniji entered his senior year: the walk-on wasn't offered a scholarship until spring ball in his final season of eligibility.
Adeniji is gone, and so is last year's starting quarterback, Sean Canfield - who was drafted in the 7th round by the New Orelans Saints and recently signed a four-year contract with the Super Bowl champions.
The changes don't worry Nichols.
"The offense is looking great -- we have a lot of weapons," said Nichols, who is competing against Darrell Catchings and Markus Wheaton to see who is Oregon State’s go-to receiver behind James Rodgers.
"We definitely have some shoes to fill, but the people we have to fill the shoes are doing a great job."
Sophomore quarterback Ryan Katz takes over under center this season, and Nichols - who had 11 catches for 176 yards and a touchdown last season - is excited about playing with the new starter.
"Ryan and I have formed a really good chemistry. Ryan will throw the deep ball and throw it on a dime, really squeeze the ball into tight windows," Nichols explained. "As a receiver, you always appreciate that - makes your job easier."
Still, Nichols knows it might take some time for the offense to adjust to new players in key positions.
"With every quarterback it takes some getting used to, running routes and getting familiar with each other," Nichols said, considering the quarterbacks he has played with at OSU in his collegiate career.
"Sean (Canfield) and Lyle (Moevao) were really good quarterbacks and both of their balls are different," Nichols continued, pointing out that Canfield is left-handed, which means the ball's rotation and release point are much different from right-handed quarterbacks like Katz.
One week into preseason camp, it looks like Nichols has adjusted just fine.
Coach Mike Riley speaks highly of Nichols, and the senior receiver is attracting media attention.
Nichols, a Hawaii native recently accepted into OSU's doctor of pharmacy program, has his attention on the first game of the season against TCU (ranked #7 by USA Today) which will be nationally televised on ESPN.
"We have a pretty tough schedule, one of the toughest in the nation, but it gives us more opportunities to prove ourselves," Nichols explained.
"Right now, we're looking forward to TCU. I'm excited to play at Dallas Stadium. It'll be for not if we don't get the 'W' down there, though."
photo: oregonlive
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