Sunday Poll: Which Oregon State Linebacker Will Have The Best Year in 2018?

It’s no secret the Oregon State Beavers need to see some improvement in their defense this season. Specifically, the linebacking corps has a lot on their shoulders. Manase Hungalu, arguably their best defender and leading tackler in 2017, is off to the NFL, and Bright Ugwoegbu is also trying to get a pro career off the ground. In their places will be some younger and fresher faces who we hope are ready to make their own name in college football. Which brings us to today’s question...Which Oregon State Linebacker Will Have The Best Year in 2018?

Here are your options...

Jonathan Willis

One of two senior linebackers on the team, Willis has 36 games and 18 starts under his belt with 161 total tackles, 10.5 TFLs, five sacks, three pass deflections, two forced fumbles, a blocked kick and three quarterback hurries. More than likely will be the main starting inside linebacker if he stays healthy.

Kee Whetzel

A strong possibility he takes over Ogwoegbu’s old spot as an outside backer. Whetzel played in 12 games last year and started against Arizona. He totaled 26 tackles, three TFLs one forced fumble, and two sacks in 2017 (his freshman year).

Hamilcar Rashed Jr.

Played sparingly in his redshirt freshman campaign last season picking up six tackles. Rashed should see a lot more time this year as an outside backer

Andrzej Hughes-Murray

A junior outside backer who has some quality pass rush ability. Hughes-Murray was an Athlon All-Pac-12 Freshman team selection back in 2016 and was a more regular contributor in 2017. His career stats include 45 tackles, four TFLs, a fumble recovery, and two blocked kicks.

Shemar Smith

Most likely the other starting inside backer. As a reserve in 2017, Smith had 14 tackles, 3 TFLs, a sack and one quarterback hurry.

Other

Doug Taumoelau? John McCartan? Isaiah Tufaga? Adam Soesman? Someone else?

Let us know what game you’re most excited for by voting in the poll (if you didn’t come to this link via Twitter on your phone because technology), letting us know in the comments, or tweeting at us. Go Beavs!