Oregon State Football

Fall Camp Countdown: Most Valuable Players For 2016 - #12 Paul Lucas

The #12 spot on our "Fall Camp Countdown" list goes to #16 in the Beavers' game-day program, sophomore R-Back Paul Lucas.

By The_Coach Jul 25, 2016, 1:07pm PDT

With only 12 days left until Oregon State starts fall camp, we are counting down by previewing the 25 most valuable football players that will help lead the Beavers to a successful 2016 season. We'll count-down by highlighting a new player each day until fall camp starts. To follow-up from yesterday's selection of junior defensive end Baker Pritchard, today's pick goes to sophomore R-Back Paul Lucas.

#12 Paul Lucas - R-Back

Heading into Fall Camp as the starting R-Back for the Beavers, sophomore Paul Lucas is on track to become one of the most versatile weapons in the whole Pac-12 with his ability to both come out of the backfield and split out as a receiver. From the looks of things so far, it seems that head coach Gary Andersen is still open to using the Phoenix, Arizona native in both roles.

Besides being in pole position for the R-Back position, Lucas is listed as the second-string wide receiver (Y) and the third-string wide receiver (T). He's also on the fall depth chart as sophomore Ryan Nall's backup at running back, where the two are expected to combine for a "thunder-and-lightning" duo. Lucas only carried the ball 23 times in nine games a season ago but he did break a 76 yard run against Washington, which showed some of the serious potential inside the "then-true freshman".

If there's one thing that can't be overstated about Lucas' game, it's that his speed is easily his most dangerous weapon in his arsenal. While he admitted during his freshman year that he was still learning how to use his quick maneuvers, as he heads into his sophomore campaign in Corvallis, the feeling for Lucas to become a bigger-impact star with his speed is becoming more and more obvious. With Nall still expected to be the primary ground-game operator, Lucas should now be labeled as "home-run" type of backfield player, who at any moment can change the course of the game with his talents.

Our "Fall Camp Countdown" continues tomorrow with the #11 Most Valuable Player for the Beavers in 2016.

The List So Far:

#12: Paul Lucas (R-Back)

#13: Baker Pritchard (DE)

#14: Bright Ugwoebu (LB)

#15: Noah Togiai (H-Back)

#16: Sumner Houston (NT)

#17: Kalani Vakameilalo (DT)

#18: Phillip Napoleon (DE)

#19: Seth Collins (WR)

#20: Dwayne Williams (CB)

#21: Yanni Demogerontas (C)