Life after Quizz Rodgers, Oregon State's key offensive player the past three seasons, begins on the field with the first spring practice, but the search for his replacement also included the signing of two recruits who arrive in the summer.

In signing high school running backs Malcolm Agnew and Storm Woods, the Beavers clearly feel they have a pair of candidates who might be making carries next fall.

"They're going to be bona fide contenders early" for playing time, Oregon State coach Mike Riley said. "We like their versatility and productivity."

Before the freshmen arrive, the Beavers will be looking to settle a depth chart that now starts with senior Ryan McCants, junior Jordan Jenkins, sophomore Jovan Stevenson (coming back from shoulder surgery) and redshirt freshman Malcolm Marable. Except for Marable, they've all had brief moments of success playing behind Rodgers, who decided just before the deadline to put himself into the NFL Draft after three seasons at Oregon State.

It was never explicitly stated by Rodgers, but during his final season there was a sense he was less than pleased with his blockers, and all but one of Oregon State's starting offensive linemen from 2010 return. Improvement there is going to be as important for the Beavers, as is reconstructing their defensive front seven, where five starters used up their eligibility.

That prompted a big emphasis on signing defensive linemen, and three of them enrolled in January so they'll be immediate contenders for playing time.

TOP OF THE CLASS

WR Brandin Cooks (Lincoln High, Stockton, Calif.) -- A rare four-star recruit for the Beavers, who are known more for developing talent than bringing in the highest-rated recruits. Cooks had eight receptions for 170 yards in a playoff game, and he finished the season with 1,525 all-purpose yards including kick returns, a likely assignment for the "Human Torch" when he arrives at Oregon State.

WR Richard Mullaney (Thousand Oaks High, Thousand Oaks, Calif.) -- An early commitment that held up for the Beavers, and plenty of other suitors became interested when the 6-foot-3 Mullaney set a state record with 122 receptions as a senior, including 19 in a playoff game. Described as one of the surest-handed prep receivers the Beavers saw play, he knows how to combat defensive backs after being a standout there, too.

DE Dylan Wynn (De La Salle, Concord, Calif.) -- Stood out as a fullback and linebacker on one of the powerhouse prep teams in the nation, which won another state title. He's described as having "a motor that won't quit" by Oregon State coaches, and physically developed enough that he should contend for immediate playing time.

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