With Oregon State's 2017 season already nearing its end, BeaversEdge.com looks towards the future and analyzes key freshman and sophomores on both sides of the ball.
BeaversEdge.com senior writer Brenden Slaughter has been to nearly every single Oregon State practice since the beginning of fall camp and gives his analysis of key defensive underclassmen.
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Andrzej Hughes-Murray - Sophomore Linebacker
Strengths: Of all the linebackers on this list, Hughes-Murray might have the highest ceiling and potential. He’s only a sophomore, but plays with a fire like he’s a fifth year senior. He’s constantly in and around every single play and doesn’t ever take a snap off. His ability to be physical force around the field is the reason we are hearing his name called often.
Weaknesses: While I’ve loved Hughes-Murray’s development, it’s important to realize that this is his first full season playing linebacker. He had his redshirt burned in 2016 and has still been learning the nuances of playing the college game. Once he gets fully up to speed, we are talking about a linebacker that could be one of the most complete OSU’s had in recent memory.
Spin: Hughes-Murray is a baller. There really isn’t any other way to describe his play. While he is still young and still makes mistakes, he has a short memory and doesn’t let them affect him for much more than a few seconds. Hughes-Murray is already a good player, and I’ll look for him to be a great one over the next two seasons.
Isaiah Dunn - Freshman Cornerback
Strengths: Isaiah Dunn burst onto the scene in early fall-camp when defensive coordinator Kevin Clune and Gary Andersen lauded the true-freshman’s playmaking ability. He didn’t see the field as soon as he should've based on an academic situation, but once he did, he showed flashes of being great.
Weaknesses: While Dunn earned raved reviews in fall-camp, he is still just a true-freshman. Growing pains are going to be a part of his development, as that was exemplified against Cal last week when he was beat deep on a touchdown.
Spin: Isaiah Dunn is going to be a very good cornerback before his time is done here in Corvallis. He’s gaining incredible experience as a true-freshman and will grow into a lockdown cornerback because of his high football IQ, intangibles, and work ethic.
