CORVALLIS -- The last time Brent VanderVeen played an offensive position other than quarterback, he was in sixth grade.
That is, until last month.
After being eliminated from the derby to win Oregon State's starting job, VanderVeen has been spending practices putting his hand on the ground next to an offensive tackle to prepare to block a defensive end. Or lining up in the slot before a route against a linebacker over the middle. Or catching passes instead of throwing them.
VanderVeen is now a tight end, hoping to carve out a new role after spending his first three collegiate seasons on the sideline.