Oregon State Spring Analysis: Defensive Line
Now that OSU’s spring practice is in the books, BeaversEdge.com will be diving into each of the Beavers' position groups post spring and priming you for the fall by breaking it all down.
Today, we start with the defensive line and how they stack up post-spring headed into fall camp.
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Who's Gone?
Noke Tago
Tago was plagued by injuries in his career, most notably the knee injury he sustained against USC in 2014, on the controversial chop block. Tago played in eight games this season and recorded eight tackles, and two TFL’s. Tago brought size to the defensive line and added depth, and the Beavers will miss his leadership.
Who's Back?
Phillip Napoleon, SR
Baker Pritchard, SR
Titus Failauga, SR
Paisa Savea, SR
Lamone Williams, JR
Kalani Vakameilalo, JR
Elu Aydon, SO
Ricky Liuchan, SO
Thor Katoa, SO
Kenny Turnier, FR
Isaac Garcia, FR
Who's Coming In?
As far as incoming players go, the defensive line brings in only two players. Four-star JC defensive tackle Craig Evans and 2016 grayshirt Isaac Garcia are new players who will be trying to compete for time on the line. Evans will enroll at OSU in May and arguably will be a plug and play guy from day one.
Garcia is still in limbo with the NCAA in terms of eligibility. There is a hope that he will be squared away and cleared in time for this season but nothing concrete on him at the moment. If both Evans and Garcia can play, these two guys probably add 5-7 sacks and several turnovers between the two of them. The size and athleticism that these guys bring give the Beavers a ton of different options on the line.
Spring Analysis
The most intriguing thing about the defensive line that we learned during spring football is that the Beavers could very well be using two down lineman for the upcoming season quite often. In just about every practice that I attended in the spring, there were several formations where the Beavers went with two down lineman to give them an extra corner, or linebacker depending on the scheme. As I look at this from an outside perspective, I am concerned about this formation as should most Beaver fans. Since Gary Andersen arrived, he brought with him Kalani Sitake, and now Kevin Clune to run his defense and both guys employed a 3-4 scheme.
Personally, I think having a 3-4 scheme is almost mandatory with the up-tempo spread offenses that exist in the Pac-12. For the last two seasons, the Beavers have ranked last in the Pac-12 in total sacks, and that was a huge emphasis heading into the offseason. With only two guys on the line, the Beavers are going to be asking a lot from their linebackers and defensive backs to help them get pressure on the QB. I like the idea of playing two down lineman and bringing pressure from unorthodox places to confuse the offense, but the Beavers will have to execute and let the stats speak for themselves.
Spring Superlatives
MVP, Paisa Savea: For me this was an easy pick. Savea was a monster on the defensive line over spring ball, and his motor was always going at 150 percent. Later in spring, he was one of the two guys on the defensive line that rotated in with the first unit, and he showed athleticism that I didn’t think he had. He showed the strength to muscle through offensive lineman to take down the QB and also showed off his footwork, shutting down a run-pass-option to the running back and made tackles in space. Savea had a quiet 2016, but I look for him to make a big leap in 17 either starting or coming off the bench.
Most to prove, Elu Aydon: Aydon started at nose tackle for the Beavers in 2016 for almost every game, but he only recorded 21 tackles with two of them being TFL’s and only adding one sack. For a nose tackle, Aydon needs to take the next step in 2017 and be a nose tackle that opposing centers fear. Ever since his arrival, the coaching staff has been high on him, and his physical traits speak for themselves. Aydon needs to be a big time player next season.
Biggest question mark, Titus Failauga: When Failauga arrived at OSU he came as a defensive end, and spent his first three years there, before switching to outside linebacker last season. And this spring Failauga was moved back to defensive end for his senior season. When guys are moving between DE and LB they often have to either gain weight or lose it to be in the ideal shape for the position. With Failauga having to bulk up and go back to the line, it will be interesting to see how he handles the position change, and if he has an impact being back on the defensive line. I have always really liked Failauga’s potential wherever he is on the field because of his quick step and physicality.
D-line Breakdown
The unique thing about this group is that the Beavers bring back players that accel at different things. For instance, take a guy like Titus Failauga who has shifted between d-line and linebacker during his tenure. He brings you versatility to be a hybrid guy that has the speed and quick first step to get around an offensive lineman. On the opposite side of the spectrum there are guys like Philip Napoleon, Paisa Savea, and Baker Pritchard who don’t have the same hybrid ability, but have a wicked swim move, and have the physicality to go toe-to-toe with some of the best lineman in the Pac-12. Combine those guys with the “plugs” like Elu Aydon, Kalani Vakameilalo, and Thor Katoa and now the Beavers have a complete defensive line.
This year, Gary Andersen has personally challenged his defense to get 60 combined sacks and takeaways this season. That all starts with the guys on the d-line who have been arguably the worst in the Pac-12 at getting to the quarterback for the last couple seasons. This unit has to step up and play “Big Boy Football” in the words of Andersen if the Beavers are going to reach a bowl game this season.
Projected Depth Chart
Starters: Elu Aydon, Craig Evans, and (If OSU puts a third guy on the line) Paisa Savea.
Bench guys that will be MAJOR contributors: Titus Failauga, Phillip Napoleon, Kalani Vakameilalo, Isaac Garcia, Baker Pritchard.
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