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2016 has come and gone, the bowl games have fizzled out (well, all but one but whatever it’s Alabama), and with a couple months before the 2017 season, we are officially in the dog days of winter without college football. Which means, at long last, its time to start making way-too-early-pre-final-roster depth charts. The Beavers will return a large amount players with experience starting to their offense; an offense that continued to improve throughout the 2016 campaign. First we’ll take a look at the offensive depth chart, projecting how it may look for the 2017 season.
Quarterbacks:
Marcus McMaryion I think he has proven himself, especially in the Civil War. The offense moved smoothly despite a myriad of injuries. He has the most experience and should be the clear favorite.
Jake Luton A junior college transfer whom many project will be the starter, Jake slips to number 2 for me due to MM’s Civil War performance 2 years in a row and and Marcus’s continued growth in Spring and Fall ball.
Mason Moran From the Arizona Pipeline, many projected him to be the starter at this point in his college career. But with Luton transferring in and Marcus’s strong end of the season, Mason has the most growing to do in order to see playing time. Has potential though, sitting out on the sidelines for an entire season and learning the offense.
Darrel Garretson Named last years starter, before the injury and held his own, while he was out there. I believe it is between him and Mason Moran for that third spot, with the nod going to Mason. Garretson is still very valuable, due to his playing experience.
Conor Blount Might be the QB left out all together. Was great in relief of the injury cycle was the QB position at OSU last season. Quick and great arm.
Running Backs:
Ryan Nall A clear cut starter, Nall came up just short of a 1,000 yard season in a injury-riddled year that saw a lot of growth by him personally and the team as a whole when he was on the field. Strong and not afraid of contact, combined with his lateral quickness, Nall may just end up mounting an all-Pac-12 season in 2017.
Artavis Pierce Most fans will remember his scrappy run to position the Beavers for the final blow to the Ducks in the Civil War, setting up Ryan Nall. Pierce really found himself throughout the season and will battle incoming freshmen for the number 2 spot. He’s a reliable and fierce runner who will be a deadly backup to help continue the running back tradition here at Oregon State.
T.J Green Fast, decisive back who will fit in right away. He can run and cut with the best of them and can also catch the ball out of the backfield. Also has 4 other teammates on this team, who have either committed or are already on the roster.
Wide Receivers:
Jordan Villamin He had a tough 2016 season, one in which he told a local beat reporter that “he was in his head too much and nothing seemed to click until late,” but he stepped up at the right time and found himself when it was needed most. With Victor Bolden gone, Villamin will need to step up and fill a new role. I believe he will and this will be his breakout season.
Seth Collins After a season where he made a full transition from QB to WR, I feel he will be a lot more comfortabin 2017 and will mold into a solid No. 2. Along with newcomer Isaiah Hodgins, Jordan Villamin, and Marcus McMaryion at QB, this offense will help take the burden off of Nall. However, after missing the last few weeks of the season due to meningitis, it is still unknown what kind of player Seth may be when and if he returns.
Timmy Hernandez He could flip with Hodgins easily for this spot, either way, Hernandez will be on the field and contributing. He is a nice 2 way player and can line up anywhere to receive the pigskin!
Isaiah Hodgins The prize thus far in the ‘17 recruiting class, Hodgins will make an immediate impact in Orange and Black. He will compete for playing time right away. He will be a huge part of the Beavers offense during his time at Oregon State.
Hunter Jarmon Hunter will be in the mix as well. He is effective in certain packages and when the Beavers need a change of pace wideout. The Senior will put up sneaky numbers.
Xaiver Hawkins Can absolutely contribute and more this season, he had 2 catches for 13 yards last season. Expect to see more of him this season. Almost the same exact build and size as the departed Bolden.
Tight Ends:
Noah Togiai After an injury ruined his Sophomore season, Togiai will come into his Junior season hungry to be another option on the offense as an H-Back/TE for Marcus to throw to. He will fit right back into a starting role.
Ricky Ortiz He will backup Noah and will be one of the most important backups not only on this team, but in this conference. He offers a different dimension to the offense that is undervalued in my opinion, especially his seemingly automatic hands that catch everything thrown his way.
Tuli Wily-Matagi I believe he becomes the 3rd option at TE in his sophomore season. At 6’4 and 254 pounds, he has great size for the quick block and drop plays.
Offensive Line:
Blake Brandel Blake saw quite a bit of playing time during his freshman season. He will battle for the starting left tackle position.
Gus Lavaka The talented guard will build upon his successful freshman season.
Brayden Kearsley Another Senior lineman, who will take over for the departed Andrews and will fit in just fine.
Fred Lauina The savvy senior will provide leadership for the O-line.
Justin Sattelmaier Between the big body of Justin and the experience after playing two years of JUCO, I wouldn’t be surprised if he started at either Tackle position. He is 6’7 an 300 lbs of pure man who will help the running and passing game immensely.
* Other potential contributors on the offensive line: Will Hopkins, Kammy Delp & Trent Moore
Building the Dam will also be previewing a defensive depth chart, but until then, what do you agree and disagree with on offense?