BeaversEdge Top 20 for 2017: No. 15 Andrzej Hughes-Murray
In the month of July, BeaversEdge.com will be counting down the top 20 Oregon State football players on the 2017 roster.
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No. 15 - Andrzej Hughes-Murray
Bio
6-foot-2, 240-pounds
Inside Linebacker
Sophomore
Federal Way, Wash.
Federal Way H.S.
2016 stats: 24 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 fumble recovery, 1 field goal block (in six games)
2016 Recap
Hughes-Murray came onto the scene late in 2016 due to massive injuries on the defensive side of the ball. Given how mature he played as a true freshman, it’s no wonder he checks in at No. 15 on our list. Late in the 2016 season, Hughes-Murray became one of OSU’s best players on the defensive side of the ball.
2017 Outlook
After having his redshirt burned halfway into the 2016 season, Hughes-Murray will be looking to play a full 12 or 13 games in 2017. He is going to be battling for a starting inside linebacker job and very well could be one of OSU’s most dynamic players on the defensive side of the ball as a sophomore. He played very well in spring, and he impressed me with his high football IQ and knack for being in the right place at the right time. Most college players make the biggest jump physically and mentally from year one to year two, and I’m excited to see how Hughes-Murray has improved in the offseason.
Greaves' take on Hughes-Murray
For each player in the BeaversEdge Top 20, Marcus Greaves will provide analysis of each player. Greaves played for Oregon State from 2014-2017 and has joined BeaversEdge.com as a football analyst.
This kid is the definition of an animal! He has the build of a SEC linebacker but the speed and agility of a PAC 12 linebacker. The Beavers are going to utilize Hughes-Murray and potentially have him replace Saulo as an inside linebacker. He's going to bring physicality to the defense and relentless effort. I am expecting many tackles for this kid; he has a chance to be all-conference. We are going to have to see though if he can truly understand the defensive schemes. If so, he will be a force to reckon with.