BeaversEdge Top 20 for 2017: No. 9 Blake Brandel
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. 9 - Blake Brandel
Bio
6-foot-7, 312-pounds
Offensive Tackle
Redshirt Sophomore
Milwaukie, Ore.
Central Catholic H.S.
2016 Recap
Brandel was one of the biggest freshman surprises for the Beavers last season. He burst onto the scene early, snagging one of the offensive line spots. He bounced around the line, but eventually settled in on the right side, playing RT for most of the season. Despite being the youngest player on a group mostly comprised of seasoned veterans, Brandel fit right in on the offensive line. His maturity and demeanor really impressed me throughout the season, and when you combine that with his physical makeup, it’s no wonder he had such an impressive freshman season.
2017 Outlook
Brandel flipped to the left side in the spring and appears to be a shoo-in to start at left-tackle and take over for the departed Sean Harlow. Brandel is one of OSU’s most experienced offensive lineman returning and could be the vocal leader on the line. His gritty, tough, take no-prisoners attitude is exactly what Gary Andersen is looking for in an offensive lineman and he should be a big-time player for OSU in the fall.
Greaves' take on Brandel
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.
Brandel has the potential to be a top tackle in the nation, in my opinion. While playing as a redshirt freshman, Brandel showed constant improvement during the season and by the end, you could argue he was the next best lineman behind Lavaka. Though he still has much to improve to his game, he shows that he can be a top tackle in the conference with his athleticism and speed. I expect him to take major strides in maturing as well as be a major key for the Beavers' rushing attack come this season.