dpCORVALLIS — After his first college touchdown, Jesse Legree handed the football to an official. Following his second career score, the Oregon State freshman made sure to show the world where he’s from.
Legree torched Texas Tech’s defense in Week 2, posting a still nation-leading 240 yards and two touchdowns. After his 75-yard touchdown in that game, Legree broke out “The Avenue,” a popular dance in Baltimore, in celebration in the South end zone of Reser Stadium.
“It’s great because I know a lot of people from the city, they don’t get to showcase where they from or they shy away from where they from if they go into a different environment,” Legree said. “But I want everybody to see who I am and where I’m from and I’m going to stand for my city.”
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The dance is one of several staples in the city’s dance culture. “The Avenue” was popularized in the 2014 song “Bird Flu” by the late Baltimore rapper Lor Scoota and gained further famousness in local rapper Shy Money’s “Im the One.”
Ravens running back Justice Hill celebrated with “The Avenue” in 2024.
It’s not a new celebration for Legree, who also did it as a senior at national champion Saint Frances Academy.
He’s been teaching the dance to OSU’s receivers. Whether coach JaMarcus Shephard will ever break it out is another matter.
With 23 receptions for 585 yards and six touchdowns, Legree has quickly established himself as one of the best freshmen in college football. He wants to be identified with his hometown.
“As a player, you’re going to get the dog out of me because that’s just where I come from,” Legree said. “The Baltimore city, we breed dogs. To be here and bring in a different culture to Oregon State, I’m going to show that.”
Oregon State (2-2) at Colorado State (2-2)
- When: Saturday, Oct. 3
- Time: 3 p.m. PT
- Where: Canvas Stadium, Fort Collins, Colorado
- Betting line: Oregon State by 4.5
- TV: USA
- On air: KEX 1190 in Portland, KEJO 1240 and 93.7 in Corvallis
- Stream: You can watch this game live with DIRECTV (free trial). Streaming broadcasts for this game will be available locally in Oregon and Washington, but may not be available outside of the Pacific Northwest, depending on your location.
