Recruits react to Gary Andersen's surprising exit at Oregon State
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Thirty games after taking the Oregon State job, coach Gary Andersen and the school have decided to mutually part ways.
Andersen was 7-23 overall, halfway through his third season, and he went just 3-18 in Pac-12 play.
The Beavers had the last-ranked recruiting class in the conference with only nine pledges, seven of them being three-star prospects, and it sounds like many of them are firmly committed to Oregon State, even after the Andersen news broke.
“I committed to play football at Oregon State,” three-star defensive end Andy Koch said. “I want to be a difference-maker there. I will play at Oregon State.”
Similar sentiments were offered by other commits.
“I’m still committed to Oregon State,” three-star quarterback Spencer Petras said.
Three-star wide receiver Cameron Thomas said: “It doesn’t really affect how much I like it there. The players make the team, not the coaches.”
Another top recruit, three-star tight end Isaiah Smalls from Los Angeles Dorsey, said he remains pledged to Oregon State and hopes the new coaching staff honors his commitment.
Smalls is unsure if he will pursue other options but he’s talked with numerous Oregon State pledges and it sounds like he wants to stick to his decision.
“This was big but I’m still committed to OSU,” Smalls said. “I’ve talked to our other commits and we’re still on board.
“As of right now, I’m not sure (about other visits) because a new head coach can come in with a new staff and they’re not obligated to accept my commitment. So I don’t know but as of right now I’m still committed to OSU.”
Isaac Hodgins’ brother, Isaiah, is the team’s leading receiver as a freshman in Corvallis and the three-star defensive tackle is more worried about how Oregon State finishes the season rather than his pledge, which remains firm.
“I’m just hoping they can get some wins before the season ends,” Hodgins said. “I’m still 100 percent committed.”
Asked if the Andersen news was expected or a complete surprise, a source close to the program said: “A little of both.”
It’s been a tough day in Corvallis, and a new coaching regime will be coming in, but as for now, the recruiting class looks largely unfazed by the news that Andersen is out.
Two-star wide receivers Anthony Spurlock and Kase Rogers along with three-star quarterback Jake Dukart did not immediately respond to comment.
