Oregon State University football sophomore Johnny Hekker has been awarded a scholarship for the 2009-10 season.

The Bothell High graduate was one of just four true freshmen (the others were Matt Barker, Marcus Perry and Jacquizz Rodgers) to play in 2008.

As the team’s starting punter, Hekker grew into the job, blossoming late in the season and earning special-teams MVP honors at the Sun Bowl.

In the final five games of the season, Hekker punted 30 times for an average of 43.4 yards per kick, an improvement of 7.5 yards over the first half of the season. During that time, he also tallied eight of his nine kicks of 50 yards or more.

Oregon State returns to organized activities Aug. 10 when fall camp opens with the first practice of the season at Tommy Prothro Football Complex. The Beavers will then spend the next 27 days preparing for their season opener against Portland State, Sept. 5, at Reser Stadium. Season tickets, as well as several other ticket packages, are available at osubeavers.com.