2008 Oregon State Defensive Preview

The late season success for the 2007 OSU squad had much to do with the stellar defense coach Mark Banker pieced together with, seemingly, the entire roster.  A defense that ranked 1st nationally giving up only 70.6 rushing ypg (yards per game). 8th nationally giving up 306.2 total ypg, and  33rd nationally giving up 22.6 ppg (points per game).  Names such as Doggett, LaRoque, and Darlin will be added to the long list of great linebackers who donned the OSU orange and black.  All three earned 2nd Team All Pac-10 honors.  The loss of the entire front seven is the focal point for most pre-season reviews of the Beavs.  The key to this years success is simple...fill the holes on defense.

While many prognosticators can't overlook the fact that OSU graduated it's entire front seven, they may have overlooked who IS returning.  Defensive Ends Victor Butler (Hendrix Award List) and Slade Norris return for senior seasons.  These two were used primarily on third down as pass rush specialists (19.5 sacks between the two). They look to solidify their position as every down players throughout fall camp.  The DE position added JC transfers Simi Kuli, a 6'4" 270lb five star recruit out of El Camino College and Ben Terry, 6'3" 240lb out of Saddleback, CA. While it's reported that Kuli still has academic issues and may not be eligible until as early as November 1st, Ben Terry is expected to be in fall camp and contribute right away. The DE position should be fast, strong, and explosive and cause havoc in the opposing backfield.

Manning the DT position is another familiar face in Pernell Booth.  The 6'1" 302 pounder plugged the A and B gaps last season and will hopefully return healthy from off season surgery (foot).  Alongside Booth is JC transfer Steven Paea, 6'1" 293lbs, who was an instant success in spring and summer ball.  Coaches are raving about Paea's raw talent and great combination of speed and power.  Mixed in with Booth and Paea will be new names trying to contribute in any way possible.  Jr. Sioeli Nau - 6'2" 307lb, So. Mitchell Hunt - 6'2" 271lbs, So. Brennan Olander - 6'1" 274, and Fr. Jesse Fifita 6'1" 276lbs.  So when attempting to re-write the script from last years 10 man rotation consider these names:  Butler, Norris, Kuli, Terry, Booth, Nau, Hunt, Paea, and Olander. 

Another BIG question mark on the season is the linebacker position.  Self proclaimed "Linebacker U" has had incredible success at this position since the late 90's.  Names such as Allen, Siegler, Barnett, Bray, Ellison, and recent ones Doggett, LaRoque, and Darlin have set a standard at the LB position and the new three look to follow in their footsteps.  Two positives for this crew, they've practiced together, and because of the defensive scheme Mark Banker and coach Riley have implemented, they've seen time in games as a unit.  The cohesiveness should not be an issue between the three, however meshing the style of play with everyone else around them could prove to be tough.  Bryant Cornell 6'1" 233lbs plays smart and is quicker than his previous counterpart, Alan Darlin.  A smart MLB in Riley's system is a must, and it looks like Cornell should fit quite well.  Keaton Kristick at 6'3" 226 can fly and resembles the likes of Doggett and Barnett.  The kid is fun to watch, his motor is always going and he loves contact.  The last projected starter is 6'0" 211lb Keith Pankey, the youngest but arguably most athletic out of the group.  Coach Riley praises his "nose for the football" and ability to make plays.  This unit, although inexperienced as starters, should do just fine and continue the great tradition OSU has had in recent years at the LB position.

And finally, the secondary, the strong point for the 2008 Beaver Defense.  The secondary matured last year and corner play was outstanding with Keenan Lewis and Brandon Hughes (Lott and Thorpe Award Candidate) manning the outside thirds.  They both return for Sr. seasons and look to better their production from last year that boasted only 5 interceptions between them.  Youngster Tim Clark showed tremendous promise, stepping into a starting role (due to a Keenan Lewis injury) against, then No. 2 Cal and held the dangerous DeShawn Jackson to only five yards on four receptions. Sr. Patrick Henderson will prove to be a solid backup in his farewell season as a Beaver. Safties Al Afalava and Bryan Payton were great run stoppers, but were often out of position in coverage which led to big plays down the field.  Payton has since left the team due to personal reasons, which leaves Afalava and Sr. Greg Laybourn manning the starting spots.  Youngsters Lance Mitchell 6'2" 205 and Cameron Collins 6'2" 215 are big and very athletic. Sr. Austin Hall and So. James Dockery will also be in the mix for playing time. With the suspension of Afalava for the opener against Stanford and the loss of Payton, look for new faces to play right away.

The OSU Defense is under great scrutiny this season due to it's incredible success last year and loss of senior leadership.  The loss of 8 starters will have the coaching staff looking for answers and players to step up into roles.  With the experience the LB core has had in game time situations, it shouldn't take long before this unit is clicking on all cylinders.  The D-Line will play true to form and harass opposing Quarterbacks while remaining stout against the run.  This all, of course, my very positive outlook.  If the defense can't get it together in the first couple weeks, this could be a long season for the Beavs.