Oregon State Beavers On SI

A Quick Look at Impact Defensive Newcomers for Oregon State Football in 2024

Who should beav fans get to know? Let's take a look.

Travis Johannes

Kobe!
Kobe! / Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

As the Oregon State Beavers begin Fall Camp this week, here is a quick look at some of those players that you will want to get to know on the defensive side of the ball in Trent Bray's first season as head coach in Corvallis.

Defensive Line

Tygee Hill

The big transfer from LSU had a bounty of offers coming out of high school. He decided to stay within his home state and suit up for the Tigers. After seeing limited action, Tygee journeyed out west to Corvallis where he will have three years to play for Coach Bray. While Tygee will not be the only newcomer to make an impact on the defensive line, he seems the likeliest to make a name for himself right away.

Tevita Pome'e

Have you heard the phrase "an eye for an eye leaves everyone blind?" How about "A kicker for a defensive lineman leaves everybody still hating the ducks"? No, well thats cause I just made it up. While the Beavs' former conference mates to the south ended up with a former Beav kicker, the team in Corvallis ended up with an impressive looking defensive lineman in the 6'2" 321-pound Pome'e. His spurning of the Ducks is sure to make him a fan favorite, while he has four years to make a name for himself on the field as well.

Nick Norris

The version of me that is trapped in early 2000's internet culture really wants to make references to Chuck Norris facts... But since there is no relation between the two, I will refrain.

Nick Norris came to the Beavs from the University of Northern Colorado. Out of all the newcomers on the defensive line, Norris boasts the most experience with three years of playing time under his belt. I admittedly am not sure what to expect from him, but it's hard to imagine he won't get a decent amount of playing time in the revamped defensive line. One thing we know for sure is that when Superman goes to bed at night, he wears Nick Norris pajamas.

RELATED: State of the Beavs: Will Oregon State Football Be Better or Worse in 2024?

Edge

DJ Wesolak

Much like Gabarri Johnson on the offensive side of the ball, arguably the most excitng defensive newcomer is a Missouri transfer. DJ Wesolak was a highly sought after four star recruit coming out of high school when he committed to Mizzou over a plethora of blue blood offers. The 6'3" 261-pound has a strong chance to terrorize opposing quarterbacks for the next three seasons and become a household name in the greater Corvallis region.


Linebacker

Aiden Sullivan


Gyriece Goodman

Prior to the transfer portal, the best way to infuse some immediate impact talent into your roster was through the JUCO route, and while Bob Dylan once said "For the times they are a-changin'", Trent Bray hopes juniors Aiden Sullivan and Gyriece Goodman can tell Bob Dylan to shove it. Sullivan (Butte College) and Goodman (Garden City College) will likely be the next men up at inside linebacker behind Melvin Jordan and Isaiah Chisom.

Defensive back

Kobe Singleton

Kobe Singleton
Nov 5, 2022; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Matt Landers (3) is tackled by Liberty Flames cornerback Kobe Singleton (20) in the fourth quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Liberty won 21-19. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports / Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

While I mentioned that Wesolak is the newbie I am most excited about, there isn't a newcomer on the defensive side of the ball that I am more certain will be a starter right away then Kobe Singleton. The Liberty transfer brings three years of experience and was highly sought-after in the portal after deciding against the NFL draft. Expect him and Jaden Robinson to see the majority of the snaps at corner in 2024.

Mason White

The Beavs tried to land White out of the JUCO ranks a year ago, losing out to TCU. Fast forward a year and Mason decided that maybe Corvallis was the right place after all. He picked off seven balls in two seasons at Mt. San Antonio before utilizing his redshirt last season. Expect White to see a lot of playing time when Singleton or Robinson need a breather.

Sai Vadrawale


You know what's silly? A team that is a stone's throw away from the Pacific Ocean traveling across the country to play in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Sai Vadrawale won't have to experience that after all, as the Cal transfer will be spending the next four seasons (theoretically) in Corvallis. The redshirt freshman is probably a year or two away from a large impact on the field, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him get some play at nickelback as well as make an impact on the special teams.

Let me know your thoughts Beav fans! Hit me up on twitter @travislikesdogs to tell me who you think will be a Beaver legend of this crew, or maybe someone I missed.

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Travis Johannes

TRAVIS JOHANNES

Beaver alum (08) who writes with his heart and not his head. Often thinks about what life would be like if Ryan Cesca made that damn kick. Want in depth analysis and film breakdown? I ain't your guy. Puns and jokes that only three people will get? I'm your huckleberry.

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