BeaversEdge Top 20 for 2017: No. 7 Gus Lavaka
In the month of July, BeaversEdge.com is counting down the top 20 Oregon State football players on the 2017 roster.
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No. 7 - Gus Lavaka
Bio
6-foot-4, 345-pounds
Sophomore
Offensive Guard
Kearns, Utah
Kearns H.S.
2016 Recap
Lavaka earns the nod of highest rated lineman on this list because he was just a model of consistency all season. Other than a brief injury, Lavaka played tremendously on the offensive line all season. He played in 10 games for the Beavers, and as a freshman, he was phenomenal. Lavaka was a relative unknown as a recruit, but Andersen clearly saw potential in Lavaka as he played like a four year letterman. I thought his versatility to play multiple positions on the line helped him stand out as one of OSU’s best players on offense in 2016. We aren’t the only one’s high on Lavaka as Pro Football Focus tabbed him as a freshman All-American for his efforts in 2016. Lavaka is a 23-year-old true sophomore as he took an LDS Mission after high school.
2017 Outlook
Lavaka is set to play one of the guard spots for the Beavers in 2017, and I believe that he will have a tremendous year. His frame and footwork make him one of the best lineman that the Beavers have had in some time. The other thing to consider is that he is only a sophomore. The key for Lavaka is staying healthy. So much for any offensive lineman is staying healthy for four years, and if Lavaka can avoid the injury bug in 2017, he should be OSU’s best offensive lineman in my opinion. He has the potential to be all Pac-12 if he continues to grow and improve in OSU’s system.
Greaves' take on Lavaka
Marcus Greaves will provide analysis for each player in the BeaversEdge Top 20 for 2017. Greaves played for Oregon State from 2014-2017 and joined the BeaversEdge.com staff as a football analyst.
Gus “The Bus” Lavaka is a big time returner for the Beavers. I expect him to continue dominating the line of scrimmage in the 2017 season. He is strong, quick for his size, and gives everything he has every play. I expect Lavaka to take control of the young offensive line. If he does not, it could be a disaster for the Beavers at the line of scrimmage.