As a group, there’s not a clearcut standout. The Pac-12’s all-conference preseason football squad says as much, as Oregon State’s receivers didn’t receive a first-, second- or honorable mention team honor.

But as the Beavers ended preseason camp earlier this week, there’s plenty of confidence coming from the offense about OSU’s receivers. The Beavers have at least seven receivers who could earn significant playing time this season, and not because the coaches are looking for someone to provide a spark.

Outside of size and a bona fide NFL prospect, Oregon State has its best group of receivers heading into a season under fifth-year coach Jonathan Smith. Offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren said speed is what separates the 2022 receiving corps from recent groups.

“A bunch of those guys can really go and stretch the defense,” Lindgren said. “Then you talk about run after the catch stuff, it’s something that we’ve seen a lot during camp.”

Oregon State’s top seven receivers, led by seniors Tre’Shaun Harrison and Tyjon Lindsey, make up a veteran group. Among the seven they combine for 154 games of experience, 1,938 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns.

Anthony Gould, set for a breakout season as one of the standouts during spring practices and preseason camp, said the position group has grown during his four years because of a simple aspect.

“Just making plays when the opportunity presents itself,” Gould said. “That’s the stuff we can control.”

Gould said it was beneficial to learn from former Beavers Isaiah Hodgins and Trevon Bradford, both in NFL camps this August, in recent years.

“They were the big brother I needed to help develop my game,” said the West Salem High graduate.

Though the preseason teams at receiver don’t scream Oregon State, several players appear capable of earning notoriety by season’s end.

The favorite to become go-to receiver is Harrison, who transferred from Florida State two years ago. The 6-foot-1 Harrison has been a star at times, but inconsistent. Statistically, Harrison is Oregon State’s top returning receiver with 75 receptions for 898 yards and seven touchdowns during his career.

Lindsey, like Harrison, has flashed promise but has difficulty stringing together several strong performances. Lindsey, a 2018 Nebraska transfer, is right behind Harrison statistically with 60 receptions for 698 yards and eight touchdowns during his five-year career.

Gould and Silas Bolden have consistently been impressive during practice since April. Bolden, younger brother of former Beaver standout Victor Bolden, and Gould also figure prominently on kick and punt return teams.

Now, for a couple issues.

One is size. It’s clearly the Beavers’ weakness. Among the top seven receivers, Makiya Tongue and Jimmy Valsin are the tallest at 6-2. Lindsey, Gould and Silas Bolden are 5-9 or shorter.

Lindgren doesn’t believe it’s a significant issue, though a tall receiver or two would be beneficial in short yardage or red zone situations.

“We just have to use them in little bit different ways,” Lindgren said.

The other is depth. Up to seven guys are going to want touches this season, and that doesn’t include the tight ends. OSU played a lot of receivers during the 2021 season, and there was some thought the Beavers might pare it back a bit to develop chemistry and rhythm.

Lindgren said the staff is finalizing plans for the season this week, so it’s unclear as to how many receivers could see the field. Lindgren believes there will be opportunities for those who have proven themselves, based on individual game schemes and the receivers who can best carry out the plan.

“Some games may be similar to what you saw last year, and some games it may be a little tighter, and we’re rolling with three guys and they’re consistently playing more,” Lindgren said.

With many receivers wanting the ball, Gould said there’s no issue with competitiveness getting out of hand. They live by OSU receivers coach Kefense Hynson’s mantra of “Be competitive but not combative.”

“It’s about guys being able to own their role and embrace it. That’s what really takes teams to the next level,” Gould said.