Position Preview: Defensive Line
Outside of Kyle Peko, it seemed as if Oregon State’s defensive line was an afterthought last season. But to be fair, 2015 was not a banner year for entire defensive. However, if the Beavers are to take a step forward this season, they will need their defensive line to make more of an impact, despite the loss of Kyle Peko. Will some highly touted junior college transfers and true freshmen be able to make a big enough impact to help OSU generate more pressure and cause a trickle-down effect for the rest of the defense?
Key Departures
· Kyle Peko. Graduated. The ballyhooed JUCO prospect made the most of his one season of eligibility, recording 45 tackles, 4.5 for loss, and two sacks — earning him Pac-12 honorable mention.
· Jaswha James. Graduated. Played both DE and Stud LB. Recorded 41 tackles, a sack, and recovered two fumbles.
· LaVonte Barnett. Graduated. Recorded 26 tackles, four for loss, and two sacks.
· Jalen Grimble. Graduated. Highly-regarded transfer from Miami played in only five games due to injury, finishing with 15 tackles.
Key Returners
· Baker Pritchard (JR). Listed as potential starter at defensive end. Is the leading returning tackler on the line, having recorded 30 tackles in 2015.
· Sumner Houston (Soph). Listed potential starter at nose tackle. Had 12 tackles last season, and is primed for a breakout campaign.
· Kalani Vakameilalo (Soph.). Listed starter at defensive tackle. Recorded 10 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season. Has the size (311 pounds) to be a force.
· Noke Tago (SR). Promising start to career has been derailed since getting hurt against USC in 2014. Finally healthy, can he surprise at DT?
Key Newcomers
· Elu Aydon (RS-FR). Was close to not redshirting last season. At 6-3, 327 pounds, he has the size to plug the middle, and is expected to challenge Houston into fall camp at nose tackle
· Phillip Napoleon (JR.) JUCO transfer, and another big body at 6-4, 284 pounds. Didn’t make the impact that was hoped of him in the spring, and might have a ways to push Pritchard.
· Paisa Savea (JR.) A former Rivals 3-star, he might have the most upside of all OSU’s JUCO transfers. For now, will provide excellent depth at the defensive tackle position.
· Isaac Garcia (Freshman). 6-4, 225-pound, Rivals 3-star out of Bellevue High School. One of OSU’s top 2016 signings, Garcia is a potential Day 1 starter for the Beavers at DE.
· Kenny Turnier (Freshman). 6-4, 230-pound, Rivals 3-star out Miami Central High School. Another potential Day 1 starter who will battle Garcia for the end spot opposite of Pritchard. While he is currently listed as a linebacker, Turnier will play a hybrid defensive end/hand down linebacker in the Beaver system.
Lineman to Watch
Let’s amend this section to mention two players… Garcia and Turnier. Both are highly anticipated freshmen who likely will make an impact for the Beavers sooner, rather than later. In fact, no matter who ends up getting the starting nod, it wouldn’t be surprising if they both receive about the same amount of snaps. Due to their newness and projected talent, Garcia and Turnier should be a lot of fun to watch.
Strength While the line may not have a ton of game-tested talent and experience, it does have depth, thanks to aggressive recruiting of JUCOs by the coaching staff. In fact, you’d probably have to look back to the early Riley II years to find similar depth at end and tackle. In what could be another rough season, the extra bodies will benefit the Beavers.
Weakness Peko was a dominant force last season for the Beavers, even if it wasn’t apparent, due to all the double teams he faced. Who will be the guy that OSU opponents have to account for this season? Along the same lines, who will emerge as the leader of this unit? That will be crucial — as this is arguably one of the Beavers youngest units.
Key to Success
In order for this unit to make the strides it needs to make this season, JUCO transfers such as Napoleon and Savea need to make an impact. Even if they don’t start, at the very least, they need to be able be part of the DE/DT rotations. If not, the Beavers will struggle to stay fresh and could have to turn to backups that may struggle against Pac-12 offensive lines. OSU has experienced its share of JUCO heartbreak, let’s hope that’s not the case this year.