Oregon State Football: Most Valuable Player Countdown - #47 Evan Bennett

Our countdown continues as we are now 42 days from the start of college football and 49 days from Oregon State’s first game. The Beavers will open up the season against Oklahoma State’s Fightin’ Mullets. Without further ado, here’s our #47 most valuable player.

#47: Evan Bennett - Defensive Line

There’s no doubt the defensive line is the position group that struggle the most last season. When there’s an area that is in dire need of help, it creates an opportunity for someone to contribute right away. If the position is defensive line, then it usually takes a special specimen to fill the void. No, Stephen Paea isn’t coming back, but I believe that Evan Bennett can live up to that kind of legacy by the time his career is over. Bennett is the first freshman to crack the top 50 list as our countdown hits number 47.

Enter Bennett. Standing at 6’2’’ and 270 pounds, he clearly has the size and strength to step up. Though he played at four high schools in four years, he finished his prep career on one of the nation’s best high school football programs in Mater Dei (which pumps out division one talent every year) for his senior season. While he may not be expected to be relied on like Isaac Hodgins was as a true freshman since there is some help arriving via the junior college and transfer route, it’s likely the coaches have already taken the redshirt off. Expect Bennett to find a spot in the rotation at some point this season.

Projected Statistics:

17 tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 QB hurry