Fall Camp Countdown: Most Valuable Players For 2016 - #6 Dustin Stanton

The #6 spot on our "Fall Camp Countdown" list goes to #74 in the Beavers' game-day program, senior right tackle Dustin Stanton.

By The_Coach Jul 31, 2016, 6:42am PDT

With only 6 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 running back Ryan Nall, today’s pick goes to senior right tackle Dustin Stanton.

#6 Dustin Stanton - Right Tackle

At 6’6", 300 pounds, it’s hard to remember that Dustin Stanton once entered the Oregon State program about 55 pounds lighter, as a player who was hopeful to one day become the team’s starting tight end. After four years of adding bulk to his frame, Stanton now starts for the Beavers in a different capacity, as one of the end anchors on what could be a surprise offensive line unit in the Pac-12.

Heading into Fall Camp as the team’s number one right tackle, Stanton has solidified his hold on the position after filling in for teammate Gavin Andrews’ due to injury two seasons ago, which eventually pushed the aforementioned Andrews into a spot alongside Stanton on the line at right guard. Stanton’s development at the position was mostly a "trial by fire" affair which has now reaped it’s own benefits. Stanton’s NFL potential has been documented before at Building The Dam and with another strong showing in his senior year, the chance for Stanton to hear his name called on Draft Day (or at least get a NFL Camp Invite) is very realistic.

The biggest reason that Stanton will need to be invaluable for Gary Andersen in his senior season is that most of the defensive schemes diverted away from left tackle Sean Harlow will be headed in Stanton’s direction. Stanton has shown strides in both his pass and run protection but he should expect a series of new approaches to attack him this time around. Also, a lack of depth behind the Marysville, Washington native makes things interesting as well. Behind Stanton on the depth chart at the right tackle spot is a wealth of unproven talent in sophomore Trent Moore and junior Sam Curtius.

Our "Fall Camp Countdown" continues tomorrow with the #6 Most Valuable Player for the Beavers in 2016.

The List So Far:

#6: Dustin Stanton (RT)

#7: Ryan Nall (RB)

#8: Treston Decoud (CB)

#9: Devin Chappell (S)

#10: Gavin Andrews (RG)

#11: Titus Failauga (OLB)

#12: Paul Lucas (R-Back)

#13: Baker Pritchard (DE)

#14: Bright Ugwoebu (LB)

#15: Noah Togiai (H-Back)