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Oregon State Football: Most Valuable Player - #42 Omar Hicks-Onu

A talented young safety looks to build on his freshman season

By Brian J. Moore
Oregon State v UCLA Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

#43 - Omar Hicks-Onu

Throughout his short time at Oregon State, Omar Hicks-Onu has displayed tremendous athleticism. The Redshirt sophomore speedster from Carrollton, Texas possesses phenomenal speed. He was clocked at 4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash, and 4.28 in the shuttle run. Hicks-Onu will be competing for one of the starting Safety spots along with Brandon Arnold and Jalen Moore. Hicks-Onu will also be competing with other strong candidates such as Landry Payne, Drew Kell, talented incoming-freshmen Trajon Cotton, and wild-cards such as former QB Mason Moran and incoming grad transfer Austin Hudson. The 6’2 198 lb. Hicks-Onu is a strong choice to start at safety, or more likely see increased time on the field during the upcoming 2017 season.

Omar Hicks-Onu only played 5 games during his senior season of high school due to a leg injury. Hicks-Onu flew under the recruiting radar, until the Oregon State coaching staff discovered him at a satellite camp in Dallas, TX. During his redshirt year in 2015, Omar impressed the coaching staff with his great play on the scout-team’s defense. Last season, Hicks-Onu was able to tally 11 tackles in limited playing time. However, Hicks-Onu and the rest of the youngsters in the Beaver secondary displayed tremendous potential and work ethic that has Beaver Nation excited.

Could Omar Hicks-Onu beat out Jalen Moore, or even returning starter Brandon Arnold, and the rest of the talented group of safeties for one of the starting safety positions? Omar will need to have a strong Fall Camp. Hicks-Onu will likely be counted on to provide depth to the safety position. The Beaver secondary was injury prone last season, so Hicks-Onu and the rest of the secondary will need to be ready. With his athleticism, Hicks-Onu could develop into an excellent Pac-12 safety. He’s trending upwards despite his relative inexperience and Beaver Nation will have a fun time watching him and the rest of Oregon State’s young core develop.

The List So Far:

#42: Omar Hicks-Onu - S

#43: Isaac Garcia - DE

#44: Andre Bodden- WR

#45: Trajon Cotton - S

#46: Shemiah Unutoa-Whitson - OLB

#47: Kolby Taylor - WR

#48: Darell Garretson - QB

#49: Jordan Choukair & Adley Rutschman - K

#50: Thor Katoa - DT/OLB