Oregon State Football: Most Valuable Players Countdown #34 James Rawls

We continue our most valuable players list at #34, now just 36 days away from the Beavers season opener against Oklahoma State at Reser. With fall camp right around the corner, it’s starting to feel like football season.

#34 James Rawls - Defensive End

The Oregon State defensive line has been, umm, lets say underwhelming the past handful of years. Jonathan Smith and his staff reached into the transfer market to try and shore up that area of need as quick as possible. Enter JUCO product James Rawls.

The 3 star recruit from Fullerton College has 4 years to play 3, but I would not expect him to utilize that redshirt year given the needs on the defensive line. At 6’3” and 265 pounds I would expect Rawls to get some immediate playing time early in the season as the coaching staff evaluates their best d-line options.

Obviously jumping to the Pac 12 will be a learning curve for the sophomore, but in his one year at Fullerton he impressed with 5.5 sacks in 10 games as well as 14.5 tackles for loss and a pair or forced fumbles. If he can come close to that same production in year one he will be a very important part of the OSU defense. If he struggles to gain traction in year one he will still provide depth and have several years ahead to reach his potential. Either way he represents a very welcome addition to the OSU defense.

Editors note: If James Rawls does make an impact, expect a whole lot of tweets from BTD that say something to the effect of “Rawlin’ out!” cause I like puns and I am not that clever.

Projected Statistics:

7 TFLs , 2 Sacks, 1 fumble recover