CORVALLIS – Former Utah State standout football student-athletes Chuckie Keeton and Funaki Asisi have joined the Oregon State football staff, Beaver football head coach Gary Andersen announced Wednesday.

“These young men will be outstanding role models for our student-athletes and understand what it takes to be successful in our program on and off the field,” Andersen said of the duo that both played for him at Utah State.  “We’re excited to welcome them to our team and look forward to their contributions.”

Keeton is one of the most honored football student-athletes in the history of Utah State University both on and off the field for a career that spanned 2011-15. He was a first team Western Athletic Conference honoree in 2012, won numerous league player of the week honors and was a member of the 2014 American Football Coaches Association “Good Works” Team for his community service and leadership endeavors. He holds several Aggie records on the field and is third for career total offense with 7,621 yards.  Keeton, a native of Houston, graduated from USU with a degree in business management in 2015.

“I’m very thankful that Coach Andersen and Oregon State has presented me this opportunity,” Keeton said. “I’m excited to be able to contribute to the growth of the school, program and the football team in whatever capacity possible. Go Beavs!”

Asisi arrives at OSU after two years at Utah State, serving one year as a graduate assistant for offense and one as a graduate assistant for academics. He also had a one-year stint as an assistant coach at Logan High School in Utah and one year in the private business sector. The native of Upland, Calif., was an offensive lineman for Utah State from 2007-11, lettering four years. He also was involved in the Aggies’ Student-Athlete Mentors Program, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in health education with a minor in physical education.

“My wife (Lindsay)  and I could not be more excited to be a part of a great university and football program,” Asisi said. “I have had the pleasure of either working with or being coached by many of the current staff. I have no doubts in their abilities and I expect great things. It is a blessing to have the opportunity to contribute to the process and I can’t wait to help build the dam!”

The Beavers open the season Thursday, Sept. 1 at Minnesota in a game that will be televised by the Big Ten Network before embarking on a seven-game home schedule at Reser Stadium that kicks off Saturday, Sept. 17 vs. Idaho State.

– Oregon State Athletics