Cali RB staying out West

We had heard Corona (Calif.) Santiago running back Ryan McCants had made a commitment before Christmas but we were just now able to catch up to the talented athlete. Surprisingly, the school McCants committed to is a school we never had heard the back mention before.

The last time we talked with McCants, it was in early December following an official visit to Nevada. He had already taken trips to Colorado, Nebraska and Arizona State but it wasn't any of those schools who received his commitment.

"I committed to Oregon State," McCants said. "I took my visit (Dec. 15) and committed the following Tuesday. I was always looking at Oregon State and I really had a great visit there. I had a good home visit with them a few days before my visit and then when I got home that weekend, I knew I was going there.

"Of all the trips I took, I felt the most comfortable and most at home at Oregon State. The coaching staff and players are all great guys and really made me feel like part of the team already. I liked the city of Corvallis a lot as well. It's a small college town and a pretty laid back place, which is how I am as well. Coach Hull recruited me and we bonded pretty well during this process.

"I also like the offense at Oregon State. They run a one-back set and that's the kind of offense that I think best suits me. Some schools liked me for fullback or defense but I'll have the chance to carry the ball at Oregon State and i'm looking forward to that. They graduate some of their running backs and I'm hoping to come in with a chance to compete for playing time right away."

McCants, 6-2, 235 pounds is easily one of the top power backs in the West region this year. After a strong start to the year, the athlete broke his leg in week five and missed the rest of the season. He still rushed for 624 yards and seven touchdowns and projects very well at the college level and is an excellent fit in the Beaver offense.