Day 5 -- Meet the Secondary
April 10, 2012
Head coach Mike Riley had plenty of applications, calls and recommendations, but he took a chance on an old friend to bring him back to the college game. After 22 years and a little persuading, Rod Perryreturned to campus to coach the Beavers' secondary. Perry brought with him three Super Bowl rings as a player with the then Los Angeles Rams and a coach with the Indianapolis Colts.
"I thought I would give it a shot to get him to come to the Beavers," Riley said. "Through the course of time it worked out; he's a real bonus to have on our staff. He has a ton of experience and is a solid character guy."
Perry, who coached with Riley, defensive coordinator Mark Banker and offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh while with the San Diego Chargers, inherits a strong secondary. He has returning starters Jordan Poyer and Rashaad Reynolds at cornerback, and Anthony Watkins at one of the safety positions. Safety Ryan Murphy, who has started two games, also is back as are corners Sean Martin, Keynan Parker, Brian Watkins and Malcolm Marable, and safety Tyrequek Zimmerman- all have played, although the Watkins brothers are out spring with relatively minor injuries.
The OSU video staff produced the following clip and postpractice interview with Perry. Thursday the offensive line will be featured with coach Mike Cavanaugh. For the latest from Coach Riley make sure to tune into the new radio home of OSU Athletics at NewsRadio KEX every Wednesday morning during spring practice at 8:08 a.m. for the KEX Morning Update with Paul Linnman and Scott Lynn. If you are in the Seattle area tune into Softy on KJR (950 AM) at 11:30 a.m. for a live interview with Riley as well.
News today also from the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas. Bowl officials announced the game will be played Dec. 22 at 12:30 p.m. PST at Sam Boy Stadium. The game features the top choice from the Mountain West Conference vs. the fifth pick from the Pac-12 Conference.
Make sure to join Beaver Nation at Fan Fest April 28 at Reser Stadium. Season ticket holders have until April 20 to renew while new season ticket deposits will be accepted beginning at Fan Fest with a $50 non-refundable deposit per seat.
