Breakout Players to Watch: Defense
On Monday, BeaverBlitz broke down five players on offense that could be poised for a breakout year. Today it is time to switch sides and check in on defensive players who could be on the brink of a breakout season.
1. ELU AYDON, RFr., DEFENSIVE TACKLE
A lot of eyes will be on the defensive front this fall as the Beavers look to replace Kyle Peko in the interior. Also newsworthy is the fact that head coach Gary Andersen will be directly coaching the defensive line. Aydon is an Andersen recruit. He was originally committed to play at Wisconsin, but followed Andersen (and Coach Chad Kauha'aha'a) to Corvallis. He's big and physical and the year in the weight program is paying dividends. Will he be able to unseat Sumner Houston? That is to be seen, but with the rotation of players seen on the defensive front, don't expect him to be riding the bench.
2. BRIGHT UGWOEGBU, SO, LINEBACKER
The 6-foot-2, 228 pound linebacker has worked hard in the off-season and is poised for a breakout season. It is strange to think of a sophomore as a veteran, but Ugwoegbu carries himself more like a veteran than a newcomer. He will have plenty of competition from freshmen Shemar Smith and fellow sophomore Adam Soesman.
3. DWAYNE WILLIAMS, SO, CORNERBACK
Williams is fast. Really fast. There was a pretty big debate last spring as to who was faster, Williams or Victor Bolden. Williams started to see more playing time last season and is on the brink of a big season, according to many close to the program. He will be battling redshirt freshman Jay Irvine this fall.
4. PHILLIP NAPOLEON, JR, DEFENSIVE END
Napoleon, a junior college transfer, has been with the team since spring and really opened up some eyes with his athleticism. He technically is a 'newcomer', but due to him being a transfer, we feel that he is one to watch and could have a breakout season on the Beavers defensive front.
5. BRANDON ARNOLD, JR, SAFETY
Arnold has been 'right there' in the mix for a couple of years now, but he has his chance to shine. Young players are waiting in the wings, but the opportunity is there for him to be a veteran leader this year. He is a hard hitter and he could surprise some people this fall.