Don't Sleep On Aidan Chiles For Oregon State's QB Competition.

Photo courtesy of @ai6an_

By STEVEN VAUGHAN, 750 THE GAME

When DJ Uiagalelei transferred to Oregon State it was thought that he was going to be the starting quarterback next season. Sure, Ben Gulbranson led the team to a 7-1 record as the starting quarterback after replacing Chance Nolan, but this year’s job was bound to go to the former 5-star recruit who transferred from Clemson.

But so far it has been a competition at quarterback during spring practice, and Oregon State offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren told John Canzano that Gulbranson’s experience has showed up.

“Ben’s knowledge of the system of what we do, he’s like a coach out there,” Lindgren said Wednesday on 750 The Game. “He’s been around for three years and I think the biggest growth for him in the offseason is becoming more fluid as an athlete.”

As for Uiagalelei, Lindgren also had high praise.

“He’s just a strong, big, physical dude that can rip the ball. You talk about vertical passing game or big action. And get some of those Silas Bolden, Anthony Gould types down the field.” Lindgren added, “He can make all the throws that you want him to make which has been pretty fun to kind of put him through those types of things.”

But the surprising quote came later when Lindgren was talking about four-star freshman quarterback, Aiden Chiles, and his potential to compete for the starting job.

“I’ve got to talk to Jonathan (Smith) a little bit more about this, but Aidan is a guy who will get himself in the mix,” Lindgren said. “He’s just too talented. And he’s done a really good job as a freshman picking it up. So I could see him in the mix.

“I think it’s just too early to tell but I think he’ll definitely get some run with the first group as we get to Fall camp and we will see where it goes.”

Oregon State’s Spring showcase is coming on Saturday, April 22nd. And who knows? It may be the freshman Chiles who comes away as the biggest winner in the quarterback room.

Listen to offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren on the Bald Faced Truth with John Canzano by clicking the podcast below. And catch John Canzano on The Bald Faced Truth weekdays from 3-6 p.m. in Portland exclusively on 750 The Game.