Signing Day: Meet the Oregon State Beavers 2020 football recruiting class

The Oregon State Beavers appear poised to sign arguably their best class since 2013 on Wednesday with a group that is led by a collection of talented junior college and transfer prospects.

Chance Nolan, the nation's No. 1 JC quarterback on both 247Sports and Rivals, is expected to sign and enroll early, along with Tavis Shippen, the nation's No. 3 junior college defensive end.

Former Auburn defensive end Charles Moore is already enrolled, and his 2019 ranking would make him the fourth highest-rated pledge in program history.

The Beavers are set to have double-digit early enrollees and have largely solidified their class, a good sign for the program.

Still outstanding is the commitment of junior college prospect Rejzohn Wright, the nation's No. 5 junior college cornerback. His brother, Nahshon Wright, plays for Oregon State and his cousin, Alton Julian, is already a member of the recruiting class.

Will he join them?

Here's a look at Oregon State's 2020 recruiting class, which enters the early signing period ranked No. 47 nationally and No. 8 in the Pac-12 Conference:

Don't Edit

3* WR Zeriah Beason (Duncanville, Texas)

January enrollee

Committed

May 21

Offers

23 - highlighted by Arizona State, Arkansas, Baylor, Florida, LSU, Michigan State, Nebraska, Oregon State, Purdue and Virginia Tech

Rankings

247Sports - 3-star prospect, nation's No. 986 overall prospect, No. 154 wide receiver, No. 128 Texas prospect

Rivals - 3-star prospect, No. 97 Texas prospect

Zeriah Beason chose Oregon State over Florida, LSU and others and has not been showcased as much as his talent dictates to date because he's in a run-heavy offer at Duncanville High School (Texas).

Still, his film and offer sheet speak to a player who is underrated in the recruiting rankings.

Don't Edit

3* WR Silas Bolden (Rancho Cucamonga, California)

Committed

October 1

Offers

8 - Army, Hawaii, Idaho, Northern Arizona, Oregon State, Sacramento State, San Jose State, Utah State

Rankings

247Sports - 3-star prospect, No. 595 prospect overall, No. 104 wide receiver, No. 60 California prospect

Rivals - 3-star prospect, No. 86 California prospect

Two scouts said they believe Silas Bolden is further along developmentally than his brother, Victor Bolden, was coming out of high school.

He has a chance to be a sleeper, and his skillset fits nicely with Zeriah Beason and Trevor Pope to form a solid, projectable wide receiver corps.

Don't Edit

3* OG Cooper Darling (Gilbert, Arizona)

Committed

May 29

Offers

5 - Arizona State, Idaho, Northern Arizona, Oregon State, San Diego State

Rankings

247Sports - 3-star prospect, No. 1,547 prospect overall, No. 93 offensive guard, No. 35 Arizona prospect

Rivals - 3-star prospect

Interior offensive lineman Cooper Darling is a 6-foot-5, 300-pound prospect with a chance to develop within a year to make it into the offensive line rotation.

He chose the Beavers over Arizona State.

Don't Edit

3* OL Taliese Fuaga (Tacoma, Washington)

Committed

December 9

Offers

5 - Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Oregon State, USC

Rankings

247Sports - 3-star prospect, No. 1,912 prospect overall, No. 149 offensive tackle, No. 37 Washington prospect

Rivals - 3-star prospect

Taliese Fuaga was once a red-hot prospect with early offers from Oregon and USC, but his status dropped a bit over the past year.

Still, he's a development talent with a 6-foot-5, 320-pound frame who needs to get stronger and redistribute his weight before competing at the Pac-12 Conference level.

He is a likely redshirt candidate.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

3* QB Ben Gulbranson (Newbury Park, California)

January enrollee

Committed

May 19

Offers

5 - Arizona State, California, Kansas State, Oregon State, San Jose State

Rankings

247Sports - 3-star prospect, No. 776 prospect overall, No. 25 pro-style quarterback, No. 72 California prospect

Rivals - 3-star prospect, No. 31 pro-style quarterback, No. 76 California prospect

Oregon State's staff locked in on Ben Gulbranson early as the prep addition in its two-quarterback class.

As a senior, he threw for 2,814 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Don't Edit

3* JC CB Ronald Hardge III (San Francisco, California)

Committed

October 17

Offers

1 - Oregon State

Rankings

247Sports - 3-star JC prospect, No. 183 JC prospect, No. 24 cornerback

Rivals - 2-star prospect

Ronald Hardge III bolsters what is already a stellar junior college defensive back haul.

Don't Edit

3* JC CB Alton Julian (San Mateo, California)

January enrollee

Committed

October 31

Offers

11 - Boise State, Colorado, Fresno State, Hawaii, Liberty, Oregon State, San Diego State, San Jose State, Southern Mississippi, Texas A&M, Utah State

Rankings

247Sports - 3-star JC prospect, No. 91 JC prospect, No. 13 cornerback

Rivals - 3-star prospect

A former Colorado pledge, Alton Julian is cousins with Oregon State defensive back Nahshon Wright and his brother, fellow JC prospect Rejzohn Wright.

He decommitted following his official visit to Corvallis and quickly committed.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound long corner is a perfect fit in the modern Pac-12.

Don't Edit

3* DE/OLB Shane Kady (Mililani, Hawaii)

January enrollee

Committed

June 21

Offers

8 - Arizona, Army, BYU, Fresno State, Hawaii, Oregon State, Portland State, Utah State

Rankings

247Sports - 3-star prospect, No. 1,499 prospect overall, No. 69 defensive end, No. 17 Hawaii prospect

Rivals - 2-star prospect

Shane Kady is an edge rusher and likely moves back to the linebacker level in college.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound athlete needs to build his body and is a likely redshirt candidate.

Don't Edit

3* JC DE Alex Lemon (San Diego, California)

Committed

June 23

Offers

10 - Arizona State, Florida, Iowa State, LSU, Oregon State, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, San Diego State, Utah State

Rankings

247Sports - 3-star prospect, No. 19 JC prospect, No. 2 defensive end

Rivals - 3-star prospect

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

3* DL Sione Lolohea (Waimanalo, Hawaii)

Committed

December 10

Offers

8 - Boise State, BYU, Colorado, Fresno State, Hawaii, Oregon State, UNLV, Utah State

Rankings

247Sports - 3-star prospect, No. 464 overall prospect, No. 21 defensive end, No. 49 California prospect

Rivals - 3-star prospect

There are a few scouts in California who feel Sione Lolohea would have been a slam-dunk four-star prospect had he attended a few more camps to catch the eye of recruiting services.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound defensive end has drawn rave reviews for his progress as a senior and is viewed as the steal of the class on the defensive side of the ball.

This is a home-run late find by Jonathan Smith and his coaching staff.

Don't Edit

3* LB John Miller (Tualatin, Oregon)

Committed

December 14, 2018

Offers

1 - Oregon State* (*early commitment to in-state school capped his offers before his recruitment truly began)

Rankings

247Sports - 3-star prospect, No. 649 overall prospect, No. 22 inside linebacker, No. 3 Oregon prospect

Rivals - 3-star prospect, No. 4 Oregon prospect

Tualatin's John Miller won back-to-back Three Rivers League defensive player of the year awards. That's quite a feat considering the TRL is Oregon high school football's answer to the SEC in college football - four of the state's top 6 teams came from the league.

Miller committed before his recruitment really began - more than a year ago. Otherwise, he likely would've had several Pac-12 Conference offers.

The 6-foot-1, 215-pound 'backer is viewed as being slightly undersized by recruiting evaluators, but his film indicates that he makes up for it with natural athleticism and fluidity at the inside linebacker position.

Miller has a chance to be a multi-year productive, versatile piece in Corvallis.

Don't Edit

Transfer DE Charles Moore (Auburn)

Currently enrolled

Committed

November 7

Offers

9 (HS recruitment, 2019 class) - Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Southern Miss, Tennessee

Rankings (out of HS)

247Sports - 4-star prospect, No. 79 prospect overall, No. 6 defensive end, No. 6 Mississippi prospect

Rivals - 4-star prospect, No. 79 prospect overall, No. 6 defensive end, No. 4 Mississippi prospect

Defensive end Charles Moore was one of the nation's most coveted prospects this time last year before choosing Auburn, but elected to transfer.

His high school rankings on 247Sports would make him the No. 4 highest-rated commitment of all-time, behind only Isaac Seumalo, Derek Anderson and Steven Jackson.

Here's what 247Sports had to say about him coming out of HS:

"Has the ideal frame to play as a strong-side defensive end, and his positional versatility is a big strength. Has a strong 6-4 frame that can easily carry 290 pounds without losing any of his athleticism. Projects as an inside/outside guy who can move around to take advantage of mismatches. Strong upper body but needs to add some size and strength to his lower half. Flashes a quick first step, uses his hands well and the quickness to beat an opposing lineman at the snap. Shows a quick spin move and has multiple ways to beat a guard or tackle. Has plus athleticism for his size and can take his game to another level when he gets locked in to a college strength and conditioning program. Projects as an upper tier Power 5 starter and future NFL draft pick."

Don't Edit

3* ATH/RB Isaiah Newell (Walnut Creek, California)

Committed

August 15

Offers

16 - Highlighted by Arizona, Arizona State, Kansas State, Oregon, USC and Utah

Rankings

247Sports - 3-star prospect, No. 568 prospect overall, No. 30 athlete, No. 50 California prospect

Rivals - 3-star prospect, No. 68 California prospect

Three-star athlete Isaiah Newell was being looked at by schools at both running back and outside linebacker, but Oregon State will bring him in to be a bruising running back.

Newell is the highest-rated prep addition in the class at No. 568 nationally, more than 150 spots higher than any other high school prospect.

He is a very solid "get" for Jonathan Smith and his coaching staff.

Don't Edit

4* JC QB Chance Nolan (Mission Viejo, California)

January enrollee

Committed

December 10

Offers

9- New Mexico State, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, South Alabama, Temple, Troy, UCLA, UMass, Utah

Rankings

247Sports - 3-star prospect, No. 66 overall JC prospect, No. 1 JC pro-style QB

Rivals - 4-star prospect, No. 1 dual-threat JC QB

Oregon State needed a developmental and ready-made quarterback in the 2020 recruiting class.

High school product Ben Gulbranson committed early to give Jonathan Smith a developmental guy.

I took until December, but Oregon State landed a potential gem in Chance Nolan, the nation's No. 1 JC quarterback on both 247Sports and Rivals.

He has three years to play three and will come in ready to compete for the starting role.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

3* TE Jake Overman (Anaheim, California)

Committed

November 24

Offers

16 - Highlighted by Arizona, Boise State, California, Oregon State, Utah, Washington

Rankings

247Sports - 3-star prospect, No. 52 tight end, No. 99 California prospect

Rivals - 3-star prospect, No. 97 California prospect

Oregon State planned to take just one tight end in the class of 2020, but when the Beavers developed a strong relationship with Overman they elected to take 2.

Oregon State beat out several other Pac-12 Conference programs for Overman, and he's a perfect receiving option opposite Tommy Spencer's blocking specialty.

Don't Edit

3* WR Trevor Pope (Tracy, Calfiornia)

Committed

August 1

Offers

4 - Fordham, New Mexico, Oregon State, San Jose State

Rankings

247Sports - 3-star prospect, No. 1,315 prospect overall, No. 102 athlete, No. 119 California prospect

Rivals - 3-star prospect

Athlete Trevor Pope is a player who excels in the right offense and Oregon State has a vision for him as a versatile offensive weapon, rather than a true wide receiver or running back.

As a junior, Pope had 800 yards rushing and receiving, a rare feat in California high school football.

Pope will primarily be a receiver, but he will be moved around plenty depending on the formation once he earns consistent playing time.

Don't Edit

3* JC DE Tavis Shippen (Murrieta, California)

January enrollee

Committed

June 8

Offers

4 - Arizona State, Oregon, Oregon State, Utah

Rankings

247Sports - 3-star prospect, No. 22 JC prospect, No. 4 defensive end

Rivals - 2-star prospect

Junior college defensive end Tavis Shippen was big "get" for Oregon State, as he bolstered the defensive line depth chart immediately.

Winning Pac-12 Conference recruiting battles is a major step in the right direction for the Beavers, and Shippen is one of best additions in the class.

Don't Edit

Graduate transfer OL Korbin Sorensen (Portland State University)

January enrollee

Committed

December 8

Offers

1 - Oregon State

Rankings

247Sports - NR

Rivals - NR

As a graduate transfer from Portland State, Korbin Sorensen is not rated by the recruiting services.

He was a three-year starter, a third-team all-Big Sky selection in 2018 and should slide inside to a guard position to bolster the depth chart for a year.

In a tough year for West Coast offensive linemen, Sorensen is a sensible depth addition.

Don't Edit

3* TE Tommy Spencer (Roseville, California)

Committed

June 21

Offers

3 - Fresno State, Oregon, San Diego State

Rankings

247Sports - 3-star prospect, No. 2,499 prospect overall, No. 119 tight end, No. 306 California prospect

Rivals - 3-star prospect

Tight end Tommy Spencer is a natural blocking tight end with developing pass-catcher skills.

Paired with Jake Overman, as well as current Beavers Luke Musgrave and Teagan Quitoriano, Oregon State is assembling a versatile group of jumbo pass-catchers.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

3* JC S Johnathan Riley (Kilgore, Texas)

January enrollee

Committed

December 2

Offers

4 - Cincinnati, Oregon State, Texas Tech, UMass

Rankings

247Sports - 3-star prospect, No. 138 JC prospect, No. 8 safety

Rivals - NR

Oregon State landed yet another quality junior college defensive back in December with Johnathan Riley.

The Beavers are gathering immediate depth and experience in the defensive backfield, which should bolster the group significantly as early as next season.

Riley should provide competition at the safety spots.

Don't Edit

3* LB Junior Walling (Keizer, Oregon)

Committed

June 13

Offers

11 - Highlighted by Army, Oregon State and Utah

Rankings

247Sports - 3-star prospect, No. 652 prospect overall, No. 23 inside linebacker, No. 6 Oregon prospect

Rivals - 3-star prospect

McNary linebacker Junior Walling is one of two in-state commitments for the Beavers, joining Tualatin's John Miller.

His father, Jason Walling, played for Oregon State, and the opportunity to play college ball in Corvallis is a dream-come-true for the family.

Walling projects as an inside linebacker or possible defensive end as his body develops.