CORVALLIS — At a position that is as deep as it’s been at Oregon State in several years, one of the team’s smallest receivers is making a big impression.

Tyjon Lindsey, a four-star high school recruit who transferred from Nebraska in 2018, has been a fringe performer for the Beavers the past two years. But the 5-foot-9, 173-pound Lindsey appears ready for a sizable role in 2021 based on his performance during the Beavers’ preseason camp this August.

Despite incredible competition among as many as 10 receivers for a place on the Beavers’ two-deep heading into the Sept. 4 opener at Purdue, Lindsey seems all but assured of a starting spot. Always a willing blocker and occasional threat on the fly sweep, Lindsey has emerged as a big-play threat in the passing game in camp.

“I’ve been really pleased with his growth. He’s made a ton of plays,” OSU offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren said.

Lindsey started six times in 2019, but came off the sideline in each of OSU’s seven games last season.

Lindsey admits he was “a role player,” and the stats bear that out. He was fourth on the team in catches (11) and yards (159) in 2020, while running 10 times for 75 yards.

“Me transferring, maybe I didn’t have the offense completely down pat,” Lindsey said. “I just owned my role being a role player, wherever they needed me. I was cool with that.”

But Lindsey would like more, though it’s not fair to say he had that in mind when tackling this offseason. Lindsey said he put in as much work this offseason as he has in previous years. It’s experience that has made the difference.

“Me being able to know the offense and be more familiar with our play calling. It gets me more comfortable to be myself on the field,” Lindsey said.

It’s just a beginning for OSU’s receivers who start against Purdue. Smith says they’ll be rotating receivers because “they’ve earned playing time.”

As many as 10 receivers could see time against the Boilermakers, though some stand out. Smith, Lindgren and receivers coach Kefense Hynson must figure out how to make sense of the receivers’ roster.

Smith said senior Trevon Bradford “can play every down.” Second-year freshman Zeriah Beason has continued his remarkable spring production in August. Tre’Shaun Harrison, a Florida State transfer, gave a glimpse of what he could do with nine catches for 142 yards during the final two games of 2020. Smith likes the physical aspect of 6-2, 223-pound Georgia transfer Makiya Tongue, and the big play ability of Anthony Gould, Jesiah Irish, Silas Bolden and Champ Flemings.

Add in a couple veteran tight ends, and it’s no wonder Smith said “we’ve got some options.”

Lindgren said one sneaky option to watch is Bolden. The second-year freshman “has speed and has run by some people, and he’s done some nice things on some short bubble screens or perimeter screens. … he’s a guy who is a pretty dynamic player, talented with the ball in his hands.”