Marshfield graduate Steve Cooper is among five athletes who have been invited to take part in Oregon State University's spring drills as walk-ons.

Cooper, who participated in football, basketball and track and field for Myrtle Point and Marshfield high schools, is listed as a wide receiver by Oregon State.

The 5-foot-8-inch sophomore graduated from Marshfield in 2004 and played one season at Southern Oregon University. He was a second-team all-league pick at defensive back in the Midwestern League his senior season for the Pirates.

The other players invited to participate in spring drills by coach Mike Riley are receiver Bill Banash from Tigard High School, linebacker Cody Heller from Marsing High School in Idaho, linebacker Michael Smith from Lake Oswego and running back Andy Stewart from Sunset High School in Beaverton.

OSU opens spring practice on April 3 at the Truax Indoor Center and Tommy Prothro Football Complex.

Practices, which are open to the public, begin about 3:30 p.m. during the week. The annual spring game is at 1 p.m. on April 29 at Reser Stadium.