Fall Camp Preview: Safety

Although Oregon State graduated two safeties that started for three seasons, Tyrequek Zimmerman and Ryan Murphy, there is optimism that those slated to replace them could pick up right where their predecessors left off and even possess a higher ceiling. Zimmerman’s production can’t be understated however; he was the leading tackler for OSU for two straight seasons (2013-2014). Between Murphy and Zimmerman, they finished their careers with a combined 492 total tackles.

After would-be Jr. safety Zack Robinson retired from football, Coach Sitake and Coach Odum are now faced with a relatively young and inexperienced group of safeties with which to mold into team leading tacklers. Fortunately, if the end of the 2014 season and spring ball told us anything, it’s that two names stick out as front runners for the starting positions; Jr. Cyril Noland Lewis (6-1 206) and So. Justin Strong (5-9, 195). Here’s how the Beavers fare, depth and talent-wise, as they enter the inaugural season under Head Coach Gary Andersen.

PROJECTED STARTERS

Jr. Cyril Noland-Lewis (6-1, 206) / Ruston, LA: Noland-Lewis is a versatile body that may often times take a step into the box and play the hybrid OLB/S position that Coach Sitake employs in his defensive scheme. Cyril is a lean 6-1 but plays bigger than his listed 206lb weight, has shown to be a reliable tackler and is disciplined in his approach to coverage as seen by his interception on a double pass in the most recent spring game. Noland-Lewis saw time in all 12 games in 2014, primarily as a special-teams standout, and finished with 27 tackles and two sacks. If he continues to progress at the pace he has over the past year he will be entrenched as a starter for the next two seasons.

So. Justin Strong (5-9, 195) / Rialto, CA: Justin came on…strong…at the end of the 2014 season and showed that his smaller build is no problem when it comes to getting physical with Pac-12 ball carriers. Strong finished 7th in tackles (56) and should be the favorite to start next to Noland-Lewis on September 4th. Strong is as sure of a tackler as you’re going to find on the roster and possesses the instincts that defensive coaches love. After he diagnoses the offensive play, his closing speed and angles taken are impressive. Look for Strong to thrive under Cach Sitake’s leadership, especially with the pressure many believe will be created by the front 7 this season.

SECOND LINE

So. Brandon Arnold (5-11, 195) / Los Angeles, CA: Arnold is very well put together and was one of the most intriguing recruits in Coach Riley’s 2013 class. Arnold has had an opportunity to show he’s worth a look for the starting gig, however hesitancy in his game seems to be limiting him (saw time in 10 games last year and recorded 1 tackle). It could be a matter of overthinking things, either way, Arnold has the physical ability and simply needs to let his play-making ability take over and trust that his staff will have him in the right place. His growth this fall is essential in bolstering the depth at the safety position. This should be his year to contribute, even if in limited action.

RsFr. Adam Soesman (6-1, 200) / Clovis, CA: Soesman is an interesting prospect and has sort of fallen to the back of the pack in terms of public praise, likely due to lack of reps behind the three mentioned above. Adam showed good ball skills, picking off a Nick Mitchell pass in the spring game, winning a jump ball over WR Hunter Jarmon. Soesman will be an interesting one to watch this season as he looks to break through the depth chart and make an impact. Expect him to fill the special-teams role that Noland-Lewis held last season.

INCOMING FRESHMEN

Jalen Rakim Moore (6-1, 190) / Upland, CA: Moore was an under-the-radar prospect who only held offers from Alcorn St. and South Dakota St. before committing to Coach Andersen in January. Moore is a downhill safety who violently finishes through his tackles. According to Moore, he’s not afraid of being a team leader, even as a freshman. Technique and overall football IQ will be where Moore can step his game up to match his physicality.

Omar Hicks-Onu (6-1, 172) / Carollton, TX: Hicks-Onu committed over a year ago and to his credit, remained steadfast in his commitment, even with the coaching change. Hicks-Onu has tremendous top-end speed, boasting a 4.38 40-yard dash. Filling out his frame will be essential in year one for Omar if he aims to play safety at OSU. His versatility could move him to corner or even receiver according to Onu’s commitment article back in January.

2015 EXPECTATIONS

This 2015 safety group, while young and somewhat inexperienced, should show remarkable growth as the season progresses. The quickness of that progression will be exposed when OSU travels to Ann Arbor in week two.

If Coach Sitake can trust his back four to remain disciplined in coverage, he can play all sorts of games with his blitz packages. Safeties need to be able to make plays and trust their eyes. Last year Beaver safeties recorded only four interceptions, expect that number to double. The Beaver safeties need to be key in run support as well and don’t be surprised if one of the two believed starters end the season atop the list for total tackles.