Beavers Men's Hoops walk-on success

Brooks Hatch wrote a good article last week on the success of walk-on players on the Men's basketball team. I'd argue that the football team has maybe a slight edge in the walk-on department over the basketball team, but maybe that's just in the last few years.

Albany Democrat-Herald - Walk-on success at OSU

What makes a good walk-on?

Basketball talent, some upside, and generally in-state or alumni ties, Anderson said. They must be willing to commit and be willing to work as hard as possible, with no guarantee of playing time or other immediate rewards. A sense of teamwork and loyalty, and the maturity to realize that your biggest contribution might be pushing a scholarship player in practice rather than a game-winning basket or important rebound or assist.

This article got me thinking about how many good walk-ons OSU has had in football and basketball.

Here's my top five walk-ons at Oregon State in the last few years:

1. Mike Hass, WR, football.
Who else would it be? He won the Biletnikoff award for the best receiver, he's from Oregon and he's going to be drafted by the NFL. Best walk-on ever maybe on any team in college football.

2. David Lucas, PF, basketball.
I have to give props to David because it's obvious his contributions directly led to the first winning basketball season in 15 years. He was an unstoppable force on the basketball court and just a great guy.

3. Jonathan Smith, QB, football.
He came in and was the QB through the turnaround of college football at OSU. He was the epitome of a walk-on guy who did more with less athletic ability. He was just a great leader and had moxie. Plus, he gave us fans the best single season in the history of OSU football (Fiesta Bowl).

4. Alexis Serna, K, football.
Alexis has become a national figure in the last couple of years after having so much trouble at LSU, then making an amazing comeback to win the Lou Groza award for the best kicker in the nation (as a sophomore). Plus, he gave us a great feel-good story with Austan Pierce.

5. Chris Stephens, SG, basketball.
His three point shooting and clutch free-throws were a big reason for the Beavers basketball resurgence.

Honorable mention:
Nick DeWitz (yea he walked on for a semester or two)
Cole Clasen (except he transferred to Boise St., bleh)
Kirk Ylinimi (great place kicker)