If there was one position that Oregon State has continuously excelled at, it
is linebacker. So much so that Coach Riley likes to refer to the Beavers as
"Linebacker U...West Coast". Under the guidance of coach Greg Newhouse,
the Beavers have seen some tremendous athletes come through the program and
excel. Names like Nick Barnett, Richard Seigler, Derrick Doggett, Keith Ellison,
and James Allen all come to mind when thinking of the Beavers recent linebacker
successes, but who will be next?

While the 2010 signing class was not heavy on linebackers, the Beavers brought
in three very exciting prospects in Shaydon Akuna, Michael Bibbee and Donell Welch.

Akuna is perhaps one of the cornerstones of the entire class. Hawai'i's top
prospect, he drew attention from major programs from all over the country. Akuna
has an ideal body for outside linebacker and has the speed and athleticism to
match.

Michael Bibbee didn't receive much attention after an injury sidelined him
for much of his junior season, but he impressed the Beaver coaches enough that
they offered early in the process and Bibbee committed. He reminds many of fellow
Oregonian Tony Wilson. Bibbee has a high football intellect and a great deal
of athleticism. Once he adds some weight, he'll be one to watch.

Welch is a player that you have to see on film. He is a hard-hitter and extremely
fast (listed as 4.39 in the 40). If he is able to qualify academically, he will
be an exciting athlete to watch in the years ahead.