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Much has been made about how Oregon State running back Jacquizz Rodgers makes up for his small stature with his wily elusiveness and brute strength.
Going into this season, the 5-foot-7 junior looks more powerful than ever - the result of having worked out this summer with his brother, James, and his teammates in Corvallis.
Quizz all but dwarfed slim-built coach Mike Riley at the Pac-10 media day at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
The Beavers have come to depend on Rodgers for their ground game and will rely on him again this season after coming oh-so-close to playing in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day.
Oregon State went 8-5 last season, tied as runner-up in the Pac-10 behind conference champion Oregon. The Ducks' victory in the Civil War denied Oregon State its first trip to Pasadena since 1965. The Beavers went on to lose to BYU in the Las Vegas Bowl, 34-20.
Quizz scored 22 touchdowns last season, including a school-record 21 on the ground, tying him for third in the nation. He has 2,693 yards rushing in two seasons at Oregon State, fourth on the school's career list.
His brother, James, is arguably one of the best returning receivers in the Pac-10. A key component of Oregon State's trademark fly sweep, the elder Rodgers caught nine touchdowns and rushed for another score last season.
Quizz said more of his teammates stuck around this summer to work out together than ever before. The idea, he said, is to win from the start - something the Beavers have not been known for in recent years.
''I think we can do it because a lot of guys bought into staying in Corvallis in the summer, more guys than we've had in past years - just combining and coming together in the summer to work on timing and everything else,'' he said. ''I think it will be a great year for us. ''
Behind the focus on Quizz - and the possibility of a Heisman-worthy season - the Beavers will be breaking in new quarterback Ryan Katz.
Last season's QB, Sean Canfield, graduated after throwing for 21 touchdowns and completing a school-record 67.9 percent of his passes. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints. Oregon State appealed for a sixth year of eligibility for backup Lyle Moevao but it was denied by the NCAA.
Katz has been waiting in the wings for the past two seasons for his chance, so he knows what he's getting into, Riley said.
''The transition at that position always provides a mystery,'' Riley said. ''We've got a lot of experience, Quizz and the guys will have to give Ryan a lot of support, but this kid is going to be a good quarterback.''
Behind Katz, Oregon State appears solid on both sides of the ball this season. The team returns eight starters on offense and seven on defense.
Keys for the Beavers on defense include cornerback James Dockery, named captain this season, and senior defensive tackle Stephen Paea, who flirted with going to the NFL in the offseason.
The Beavers were picked to finish third in the Pac-10 behind the rival Ducks and Southern California.
Oregon State has traditionally been seen as the state's working-class team, tucked away in Corvallis while the Ducks steal the spotlight with endless uniform combinations and state-of-the-art facilities, courtesy of alum and Nike co-founder Phil Knight.
The Rodgers brothers, with their commitment this summer, fit perfectly into the team's culture.
But while the Beavers emphasize work ethic, Riley said it's his staff's ability to recognize potential that has given Oregon State the ability to find players like the Rodgers brothers - who didn't attract a lot of attention out of high school because of their size.
''We don't care about the number of stars they have in recruiting coming in, we care about the number of stars they have coming out,'' Riley said. ''I really feel fortunate to have two very important things: time and continuity in the staff. We've had very few staff changes. I think it's very good for players to develop with consistent teaching. I've always had the vision of a long-lasting program where guys can be comfortable growing in the program.''
