CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Sammie Stroughter was back doing what Oregon State fans have grown accustomed to -- seeing him make plays.

KGW graphic

The senior receiver had several big catches Saturday as the Beavers held their annual spring game in front of 6,852 at Reser Stadium.

Stroughter, who had three catches for 58 yards and helped the White team defeated the Black team 22-3, is rebounding from a tumultuous 2007 season.

Last fall, he missed early practices and the first game of the season after two people close to him died. He returned to the team for the second game, but suffered a lacerated kidney in the fourth game, ending his season.

Stroughter, from Sacramento, Calif., was granted a medical hardship, allowing him a second senior season.

This spring, Stroughter has continued a leadership role with the team.

"He's coaching us up. He's doing good at practice, trying to make us better," said sophomore receiver James Rodgers.

In 2006, Stroughter was a second-team all-Pac-10 Conference selection as a receiver and punt returner. He was also named to The Associated Press All-America third team as an all-purpose player. Stroughter has three punt returns for touchdowns in his career.

On Saturday, Stroughter had three catches for 58 yards, including a 31-yard play in which he spun out of a defender's tackle to gain another 10 yards.

Oregon State coach Mike Riley said he likes what he's seen from Stroughter in his return.

"Sammie looks like he's back in a lot of ways, his speed, his quickness and play-making ability," Riley said.

Stroughter left the field after the game Saturday before any media could catch up with him.

One of the other stars of Saturday's game was sophomore kicker Justin Kahut, who booted field goals of 42, 50, 55 and 31 yards. Kahut had to wait his turn last year behind Alexis Serna, the 2006 winner of the Lou Groza Award, given to the nation's top collegiate kicker.

"He's paid his dues behind Alexis, and now its time to step up," Riley said.

Junior quarterback Lyle Moevao threw for 226 yards and a touchdown for the White team.