Oregon State Football: Most Valuable Player Countdown - #5 Gus Lavaka

The countdown of Oregon State Football’s most valuable player continues with number 5. Just 7 more days until the home opener! Real college football is going to be played tomorrow!

#5 Gus Lavaka - Offensive Line

The old veteran on the Beavers offensive line, Gus Lavaka is one of those guys who seems like he’s been on campus for a decade or so, as he made seven starts as a freshman in 2016 and has held down a spot ever since. Heading into the 2019 campaign, Lavaka has made a total of 31 starts in his career and was named to the 2019 Outland Trophy preseason watch list, an accolade that annually honors college football’s best interior lineman.

At 6’ 4”, 350 pounds, Lavaka has the size with a strong senior season to find his name on NFL Draft boards, especially with a star talent like running back Jermar Jefferson showcasing his skills behind him. However, he’ll need to stay healthy, something that hasn’t caught him too many times during his career, but did rear it’s ugly head during the Beavers inter-squad scrimmage, when Lavaka had to be helped off the field with a leg injury. Thankfully for both Lavaka and the Beavers, the injury was nothing serious and Mr. Ole Reliable should be good to go for the season opener.

It’s safe to project Lavaka as a potential all-league talent, especially if Jefferson follows up his rookie campaign with a strong sophomore season.

Projected Statistics:

12 Games Played. 12 Starts. 12 Pancakes.