OSU Head Coach Jonathan Smith Says “The Sky Is The Limit” For Freshman QB Aidan Chiles
By STEVEN VAUGHAN, 750 THE GAME
Oregon State opened up their 2023 season with a dominant win over San Jose State on the road, 42-17. DJ Uiagalelei shined in his OSU debut at quarterback, making history by becoming the first Beavers quarterback to throw for three touchdowns and run for two more touchdowns.
Uiagalelei was the star of the game. But there was a freshman quarterback who has made an impact on Beavers coaches and fans in the spring, and in game one, Aidan Chiles shined again.
Oregon State head football coach Jonathan Smith joined the Bald Faced Truth with John Canzano and talked about how the first game went from his perspective. Canzano asked about Chiles, who went 2-3 for 37 yards and also added a rush for nine yards in his collegiate debut.
“We got the opportunity to get him in the game and not just hand the thing off the whole time,” Smith said. “He threw a couple of strikes. He’s moving his feet. Goes to the crosser, which was kind of the second read, and throws a strike. Pulls the ball on a read play gets some yards. Ends up throwing another strike down the middle of the field to the tight end. He is a good player.”
Smith says they need to continue getting Chiles playing time.
“We want to continue to force the issue as much as we can to get him experience because the sky is the limit with him,” he said.
The 17-year-old Chiles impressed on the field in San Jose. Smith told Canzano what makes Chiles so successful whether he is in the game or in practice.
“He’s young but he doesn’t play young,” Smith said. “He’s just instinctive out there cause he is so athletic and has a really good arm. But it’s not just having a strong arm. He takes some off some throws when he needs to underneath where you want to be a passer of the ball. He recognizes coverage and can adjust. He moves his feet. The moment hasn’t been to big for him. Not just in this first game but in scrimmages and competitive situations. Love his work ethic. He’s well-liked on the team. He has a lot going for him.”
The Beavers look like a team ready to compete for a conference championship with DJ Uiagalelei, but they also look ready to compete for numerous future conference titles — whatever conference that will be — with Aidan Chiles.
Listen to the full interview with Oregon State head football coach, Jonathan Smith, by clicking the podcast below. Catch the Bald Faced Truth with John Canzano weekdays 3-6 in Portland exclusively on 750 The Game.
