Oregon State Football: Most Valuable Player Countdown - #32 Avery Roberts

The list is down to #32 as we are just 34 days away from the Beavers season opener against Oklahoma State in Corvallis. With fall camp right around the corner, it’s starting to feel like football season.

#32 Avery Roberts - Linebacker

Originally committed to play at Nebraska under Trent Bray, Avery Roberts followed his coach to Oregon State in part of the pipeline that brought fellow former Cornhuskers Tristan Gebbia and Tyjon Lindsey. Out of high school, Roberts was one of the best linebackers in the country and was expected to contribute right away. While he did appear in all 12 games as a freshman, he recorded just four tackles.

Now a redshirt sophomore after sitting out one year due to transfer rules, Roberts is expected to be a big contributor on the defensive front seven. It’s quite possible he shoots up this list by season’s end, but time on the field may be shared with returning spot-starter Isaiah Tufaga and highly touted newcomer Omar Speights. Expect Roberts to be the starter and make an impact this season alongside Shemar Smith at the inside linebacker position.

Projected Statistics

59 tackles, 5 TFL, 0.5 sack, 1 QB hurry, 1 forced fumble.