Oregon State University is overhauling its football offense during fall camp, aiming to fix a glaring shortfall from last season: the inability to produce explosive plays that shift momentum.
Coach Shephard, who has been guiding the team’s strategic redesign, says the revamped scheme rests on three core pillars that emphasize speed, versatility and precision.
A Playmaker in the Making
At the heart of the new look is transfer running back AJ Newberry, a player the staff believes can change the game with his rare blend of power and agility.
Offensive coordinator Mitch Dahlen has repeatedly praised Newberry, describing him as a uniquely talented back who can break tackles and generate big gains from any alignment, whether he’s lined up in the backfield or spread out wide.
Newberry’s knack for forcing missed tackles and carving out space in open field has earned him a spot on the Doak Walker Preseason watch list, a preseason nod that places him among the nation’s top candidates for the award that honors the best running back in college football.
The Doak Walker Award will be presented on December 10 at the Home Depot College Football Awards, where Newberry hopes to add another chapter to his growing legend.
The Beavers are building the offense around players who excel in specific roles, a strategy that could finally give the team the explosive spark it has been missing.