Pac-12 restructure does not faze this 3-Star RB's commitment to Oregon State

By Aman Sharma

Modified Sep 13, 2024 18:23 GMT

Despite the ongoing turbulence within the Pac-12, LaMarcus Bell, a talented 3-star running back from Lake Oswego High School, remains committed to Oregon State. Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 190 pounds, Bell has shown remarkable skill early in his junior year, making him a top contender for high school Gatorade Player of the Year.

He’s already received offers from Oregon State, Nevada and Washington State, and is also drawing interest from Arizona State, Boise State and UCLA. Bell's performance in the season opener was amazing, he rushed for 126 yards on 15 carries and scored three touchdowns.

This weekend, Bell will visit Oregon State as they take on in-state rival University of Oregon. He remains unfazed by the Pac-12’s recent announcement to add Boise State, Fresno State, Colorado State and San Diego State to the conference. For Bell, his decision isn’t swayed by the shifting landscape.

"It doesn’t really impact things at all," he said. "I just want to play somewhere I could fit in with the offense, build relationships with the coaches, and connect to the atmosphere."

Bell has formed a close bond with Oregon State’s running backs coach Thomas Ford:

"I love the staff and the atmosphere when I’m down in Corvallis for the games and even just the couple practices I attended, it’s just amazing," Bell said. "Coach (Thomas) Ford is definitely the coach I’m closet to. He shows me so much support I haven’t seen before."

Oregon State faces Oregon in rivalry amid conference shifts

The Beavers (2-0) will meet No. 6 Oregon (2-0) this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. EST in Corvallis for one of the more unusual matchups in the 130-year history of the rivalry. With Oregon set to play its first-ever Big Ten game in just over two weeks after last summer’s conference realignment, the landscape has drastically changed.

Meanwhile, Beavers and Washington State remain the only two members of the "Pac-2," and are navigating independent-like schedules. Adding to the intrigue, Oregon State’s program has experienced upheaval. Last November, longtime head coach Jonathan Smith and several key staff members departed for Michigan State, just 24 hours after Oregon dominated the Beavers.

Despite the challenges, Bray and his team have refused to dwell on the past.

“Oh, 3-0. That’s the biggest thing. That’s what we’re after," Bray said this week. "And it’s kind of one week at a time. I know that’s cliche a little bit, but that’s how you live in football."

All-Conference offensive lineman Joshua Gray, OSU’s longest-tenured player, missed that game due to injury. Recalling the Beavers’ upset victories in 2020 and 2022, Gray fondly noted,

"That was one of my favorite games I’ve ever played in. Still a lot of good feelings from that one. But it's onto the next one; that game doesn't affect this game at all."

The coaching staff is deeply rooted in Beavers’ history, with Bray, offensive coordinator Ryan Gunderson, and defensive coordinator Keith Heyward all being part of past Oregon State victories over Oregon.