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#45: Trajon Cotton - Safety
Trajon Cotton will be a true freshman for Oregon State this fall. He committed to the Beavers over Colorado, Oregon, Cal, UCLA, Nebraska and a host of other schools back in January. The Inderkum high school product also played alongside fellow incoming freshman Isaiah Hodgins on the 7-on-7 TMP squad and has been outspoken in his recruitment of other athletes like 2018 WR Isaah Crocker.
While Cotton will experience an adjustment period going from high school football to Pac-12 level competition, he is an outstanding athlete with great instincts. In high school he ran on the track team competing in events like: the 100 meter, 4x100m and 4x200m relays, as well as the high jump. The versatile athlete also spent some time at quarterback in high school.
Despite being a true freshman, Cotton is physical and athletic enough to boost the depth in Oregon State’s secondary. He’s not the biggest safety on the roster at 6-feet 185 pounds, but has the ability to fly around the field and make plays. He also appears to have a nose for finding the ball whenever it is tipped or thrown in traffic.
Trajon Cotton will have a slightly easier path to playing time than most true freshman. The Beavers are looking to replace departed senior safeties, Devin Chappell and Kendall Hill. Also, Gabe Ovgard was forced to medically retire after a series of concussions. Cotton will still be in fierce competing with Brandon Arnold, Jalen Moore, Omar Hicks-Onu, Landry Payne, David Morris and incoming grad transfer Austin Hudson though.
Oregon State will likely start Brandon Arnold and Jalen Moore at safety, but they will be ready to weather the storm if they are hit with any injuries. In 2017, the Beavers secondary was the strength of their defense but endured plenty of injuries. Led by Treston Decoud and Devin Chappell, Oregon State surprised opposing teams with their stout secondary. Matching last seasons production could be a tall task, but expect Oregon State’s overall team defense to improve in the upcoming season.
The List So Far:
#45: Trajon Cotton - S
#46: Shemiah Unutoa-Whitson - OLB
#47: Kolby Taylor - WR
#49: Jordan Choukair & Adley Rutschman - K
#50: Thor Katoa - DT/OLB