BeaversEdge Top 25 for 2021: No. 20 Riley Sharp
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In the months leading up to the start of fall camp, BeaversEdge.com will be counting down the Top 25 Oregon State football players on the 2021 roster.
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Riley Sharp
Bio
No. 56
6-foot-6, 246 pounds
Outside linebacker
Redshirt Sophomore
Salt Lake City, Utah
Skyline HS
2020 stats: 10 tackles and one pass breakup
2020 Recap
After bursting onto the scene as a redshirt freshman in 2019 in the wake of injuries and establishing himself as one of the Beavers' more exciting youngsters, the shortened 2020 season saw Sharp have a smaller role in defense as the team had ample depth within the position.
With injuries forcing him up the depth chart in '19, Sharp played in all 12 games, making seven starts and recording 35 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, a fumble recovery, and three pass breakups.
As the Beavers got more depth and more guys back from injury at the position this past season, Sharp's role slightly decreased as he only made one start while appearing in all seven games.
He recorded a modest stat line of 10 tackles and one pass breakup, but I believe that to be very indicative of the role he had.
With a larger and more defined role expected this season, I would expect his numbers to significantly jump as he's proven before that he can more than hold his own when his number is called.
2021 Outlook
Heading into the 2021 season, expecations are reasonably high for Sharp as he's expected to have a major role with the outside linebackers in the defense this season.
While he'll have to compete with Addison Gumbs, John McCartan, and Andrzej Hughes-Murray for a starting position, he's set himself up very well to be one of the more reliable and consistent playmakers the team has.
With a consistent role in the defense and several years of experience now under his belt, Sharp is a prime candidate for a breakout season.
He's shown flashes of being the type of disruptor the Beavers need at the position (three sacks vs Cal in 2019) and with him still being so young eligibility-wise, he's still got a ton of room to grow over the next couple of seasons.
Ever since he was thrust into action as an unknown freshman back in '19, Sharp has proven that no moment is too big for him and that poise is something that's going to greatly benefit him and the defense this season and beyond.
Entering the season with career totals of 45 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks, Sharp is on the shortlist of guys who could make a big-time jump this season.
Previously
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