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Its time to focus on the defense and make our way-too-early-pre-roster depth chart predictions. The Beavers defense in 2016 was led by their surprisingly strong secondary, but will lose a few key players from that unit. The defense (especially the linebacking core) was hampered by injuries last season, but that could end up being a blessing in disguise. Let’s take a look at how the depth chart could look next season. Also, keep in mind that national signing day is less than a month away, so Oregon State could add a few talented recruits or junior college transfers that aren’t listed in the predictions below.
* Denotes incoming freshman or junior college transfer
DEFENSIVE LINE
The defensive line was YOUNG in 2016, which bodes well for the upcoming season. The Beavers won’t lose a single player who played significant snaps on the D-line. The experience gained (plus the addition of Craig Evans) will hopefully equate to an improved run defense.
DEFENSIVE END
Baker Pritchard, SR / 6-3 /272
Phillip Napoleon, SR / 6-4 / 284
NOSE TACKLE
Elu Aydon, SO-RS / 6-3 / 327
Sumner Houston, JR / 6-2 / 289
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Kalani Vakameilalo, JR / 6-3 / 311
*Craig Evans, JR / 6-3 / 305
*Josh Bowcut, FR / 6-5 / 280
LINEBACKERS
The linebackers also look to be in excellent shape headed into the 2017 season. Losing Caleb Saulo is a big blow to the defense, but this group suffered a ton of injuries in 2016, meaning a lot of different players saw significant playing time. Ugwoegbu and Hungalu are impact players to watch.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER (F)
Bright Ugwoegbu, JR / 6-2 / 226
Adam Soesman, JR / 6-1 / 220
Joah Robinett, SO / 6-7 / 236
Hamlicar Rashed Jr., SO / 6-4 / 222
INSIDE LINEBACKER (M)
Manase Hungalu, SR / 6-1 / 232
Hamilton Hunt, SO-RS / 6-0 / 226
INSIDE LINEBACKER (R)
Jonathan Willis, JR / 6-1 / 228
Wesley Payne, SR / 5-10 / 215
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER (B)
Andrzej Hughes-Murray, SO / 6-2 / 235
Titus Failauga, SR / 6-3 / 249
*David Morris, FR / 6-3 / 210
Shemar Smith, SO / 6-1 / 227
SECONDARY
The strength of the 2016 season will deal with quite a bit of turnover headed into the 2017 season. Standouts Treston Decoud and Devin Chappell are gone. Thankfully the Beavers will welcome back Xavier Crawford who’s outstanding freshman season earned him Freshman All-American honors. They will look to fill the gaps around him with upcoming players and potential junior college transfers.
CORNERBACK
Jay Irvine, SO-RS / 6-1 / 199
Shawn Wilson, SO-RS / 5-9 / 187
*Justin Gardner, FR / 6-2 / 160
SAFETY
Brandon Arnold, SR / 5-11 / 206
Jalen Moore, SO-RS / 6-0 / 212
SAFETY
Omar Hicks-Onu, SO-RS / 6-1 / 198
Landry Payne, SR / 6-0 / 195
CORNERBACK
Xavier Crawford, SO-RS / 6-1 / 188
Kyle White, SR / 6-0 / 207
*Jeffery Manning Jr, FR / 6-1 / 185
NICKEL BACK
Dwayne Williams, JR / 5-9 / 180
Shawn Wilson, SO-RS / 5-9 / 187
SPECIAL TEAMS
The punting game should remain steady with Nick Porebski returning for his senior season. The Beavers will be forced to replace Victor Bolden Jr. though. He’s handled kick and punt return basically since he’s arrived in Corvallis, but now that he’s exhausted his eligibility Oregon State will have to turn elsewhere.
PAT-FG
Jordan Choukair, SO / 6-1 / 195
KICKOFF
Adley Rutschman, SO / 6-1 / 206
PUNTER
Nick Porebski, SR / 5-10 / 198
Daniel Rodriguez, SO-RS / 5-10 / 201
LONG SNAPPER
Connor Kelsey, SO / 6-0 / 225
HOLDER
Nick Porebski, SR / 5-10 / 198
Timmy Hernandez, JR / 6-0 / 195
PUNT RETURN
Trevon Bradford, SO / 6-0 / 183
KICK RETURN
Artavis Pierce, SO / 6-0 / 220