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Oregon State four-star cornerback signee Christian Wallace is expected to rejoin the Beavers Thursday after spending the end of the summer completing academic requirements.

(Photo courtesy of Christian Wallce)

CORVALLIS -- Oregon State incoming freshman cornerback Christian Wallace is expected to rejoin the Beavers on Thursday after spending the end of the summer finishing academic requirements, he confirmed to The Oregonian/OregonLive Tuesday afternoon.

Wallace's arrival potentially gives the Beavers another piece in a secondary filled with young players. The four-star prospect from Sealy, Texas was rated the No. 6 athlete in the 2016 signing class after rushing for more than 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior in addition to playing cornerback. He had been with the Beavers for summer workouts and the "BEST" academic bridge program for incoming athletes, but returned home to complete the needed academic coursework before the start of fall camp.

Wallace also publicly proclaimed his goal to play as a true freshman, tweeting "not redshirting I will be in action on the field" Tuesday afternoon. When asked if coaches promised immediate playing time, Wallace said "if I'm ready." Following a season-opening 30-23 loss at Minnesota last Thursday, OSU has a bye this week before hosting Idaho State on Sept. 17.

Senior Treston Decoud and redshirt freshman Xavier Crawford started for the Beavers against Minnesota, with fellow corner Dwayne Williams, a sophomore, lining up as the starting nickelback. Behind them on the depth chart are redshirt freshmen Jay Irvine and Shawn Wilson and recently converted running back Kyle White. Rahmel Dockery also moved from wide receiver to cornerback this week.

Beavers coach Gary Andersen did not give an official word about Wallace's impending arrival following Tuesday's practice, saying "hope so. You probably know more than I do -- you have Twitter."

"That kid worked extremely hard to be here and he deserves the opportunity," Andersen added. "So we're very hopeful that that comes our way soon."

Fellow signee Isaac Garcia, a three-star linebacker whose arrival was also late due to academics, has been admitted to OSU and is on campus but has not yet been allowed to participate in practice. Three fellow members of the 2016 recruiting class, four-star safety Shurod Thompson, three-star receiver Tyson Penn and junior college defensive tackle David Fangupo, did not qualify academically earlier this summer.

-- Gina Mizell | @ginamizell