LOS ANGELES — Season 4 of the second Mike Riley era begins next month, and the Oregon State football coach has plenty of finishing touches to complete before the first game.

The offense should continue to pile up the yards and points with veteran players in most positions. How potent it can be depends on fewer turnovers by the quarterback.

However, the team's overall success relies on vast improvement by the defense. New players must enhance the athletes who hope to elevate their game after a tough season last year.

"I think we took our lumps because we played some very young guys at really key spots," Riley said. "You can look at the three freshman in the secondary. Besides that, we led the Pac-10 in rush defense, but were last in pass. We'll evolve through growth. The system is pretty good."

Here's a breakdown of the defensive positions and special teams headed into fall camp. There are no heated position battles, but plenty of practice ahead to prepare.

This area must be better than last year or the same problems will occur. Without pressure on the quarterback, the defensive backfield is vulnerable. And if they can't disrupt the run early, the linebackers will be overworked again.

JC transfers Dorian Smith at end and Gerard Lee at tackle are supposed to infuse energy to the group. At the same time, this has to be the breakthrough year for ends Joe Lemma, Joe Rudulph and Jeff Van Orsow.

The tackles took the biggest hit due to graduation, leaving Ben Siegert as the only veteran in the middle. Coaches have been high on Curtis Coker, and it's finally his time to shine.

"They know they have to get pressure on the quarterback for us," senior safety Sabby Piscitelli said. "The D-line had to create pressure so the secondary can make plays. It all links together."

OSU's ability to find and develop players for these versatile positions faces a big test. There are no returning standouts, but many capable athletes.

Derrick Doggett has the most experience, starting the first five games last season on the outside. Alan Darlin gets his first starting opportunity in the middle, and JC transfer Joey LaRocque was brought in specifically to take the other outside spot.

If none of them pan out, there are several candidates ready to step in such as Dennis Christopher, Bryant Cornell, Isaiah Cook and Danzel Issac.

"They have a lot of talent — they are great athletes — but not much experience," Piscitelli said. "It can hurt and help you. The biggest thing for them is to focus on their assignments."

Riley went with three freshman last year, and it was rough. The theory was that they'll be better after all that playing time and learning from mistakes.

Keenan Lewis and Brandon Hughes begin as the starting corners, but JC transfer Coye Francies was brought in for support. Al Afalava is the free safety, and Piscitelli is the elder statesman.

"They were freshman getting their feet wet," Piscitelli said. "I remember when I was a young guy. It's hard. The biggest thing is experience. That last year they had their ups and downs. Now they have a year to grasp what to expect. That alone will make them better players. I'm excited to see them. They worked hard, and know what to expect."

Piscitelli is considered one of the top safeties in the country. He's fast, a hard-hitter and has a knack for picking off passes. His biggest issue is trying to do too much for the younger players, which was a problem last season.

"Our whole defense will be different," Piscitelli said. "Our secondary is vastly improved. We focused on what we got to do in the weight room and on the field. Our secondary grew together. We know what we have to accomplish. We are trying to take the negatives that happened last year and turn that around. We just can't give up big plays."

Groza Award winner Alexis Serna returns for two more seasons, so place-kicking is secure. However, true freshman Kyle Loomis from Roseburg has almost been handed the punting duties. His development in the fall will be vital.

Joel Cohen and Aaron Carlson will compete for the long snapper duties, and quarterback Ryan Gunderson is working in as the holder. Cohen is coming back from knee surgery and Carlson played part-time after Cohen went down in the third game in 2005.

One of the kick returners comes back in Sammie Stroughter for punts. However, the Beavers lost Lamar Herron during the offseason when he left school due to playing time issues in the defensive backfield. Tryouts begin right away for dynamic returners.

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