As the temperature rises, so does anticipation of the upcoming 2009 college football season.

Fan forums and team websites are flooded with predictions and concerns, all simply trying to pass the time until the opening of fall practices.

The 2009 Oregon State Beavers certainly have concerns of their own, none of which more pressing than the departure of four NFL caliber defensive backs and the need to replace tremendous amounts of game experience.

Since 2005 Brandon Hughes and Keenan Lewis have been synonymous with the Beaver secondary.  Both started as freshman and took more than their fair share of lumps.  Many Beaver fans remember (or try not to) the 428 yards given up through the air on the road versus Louisville. 

While their OSU careers began painfully, in no way was that any indication of how they would finish.

Hughes and Lewis were arguably the best corner duo in the Pac-10 in their 2008 senior seasons.  Both were physical and in OSU's man press scheme they fit perfectly. Hughes earned 2nd Team All-Conference honors, while Lewis earned honorable mention, and also was on the All-Academic Team.

Now that the former Beaver greats are fighting for spots on an NFL roster, OSU must replace 282 tackles and over 80 career starts.

So what's left in the cupboard for coach Riley and D-Coordinator Mark Banker? 

No. 21 Tim Clark - Sr. 6'0" 175lbs

The fifth year senior has the most game time experience out of all the returning lettermen for the OSU secondary.

Clark has started only six games, however was a key part in Banker's three man rotation at corner last season.  Clark spelled Hughes and Lewis when needed and proved there was no drop off in production.

Clark is best known by Beaver fans for his dominating performance in his first start.  OSU's 2007 trip to Cal had Keenan Lewis sidelined with injury and in stepped the young red-shirt sophomore Tim Clark.  Clark was man up against the dangerous DeSean Jackson and held the now-Philadelphia Eagles wide out to four yards on five catches.

Clark has the tenacity and attitue to be a great Pac-10 corner.  He's already shown he's worthy of starting and should shine now that he's the man on the edge.

No. 3 Patrick Henderson - Sr. 5'10" 185lbs

Henderson is another senior who is hoping his final year as a Beaver is a successful one.  Henderson may be the most athletic of the corners and while he has never started, he has played in 40 games on special teams. 

Henderson was a kick off return man along side James Rodgers and averaged 28 yards a return in 2008.

With the athleticism that Henderson possesses he's a great fit at corner for OSU.  Like Clark, he's a fifth year senior who knows Mark Banker's system and should do well in his last year as a Beaver. Whether or not he starts he will be on the field.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?