We’re continuing our countdown of the 30 of the most important Beavers to watch this season. Today, we get started with the defense, featuring a player who should have a much bigger role this season.

#29 - Thomas Sio

Sio hasn’t had the chance to put up much in the way of numbers yet. Oregon State uses the defensive line to set up their linebackers, and Sio’s snaps were limited as a redshirt freshman last season. That said, he has already shown a lot of promise. His biggest moment of 2021 was an amazing pass deflection in the Beavers’ win over Washington.

Sio looked great in Spring Training, using his size to clog up the interior of the line. It’ll be a tough training camp battle for starting spots on the D-Line, especially with Isaac Hodgins hopefully ready to return, but Sio seems well positioned to see a lot more snaps.

Previously on the countdown

• #30 - Luke Loecher