Oregon State's season opener at Colorado State is less than a week away.



To prepare readers for the action ahead, The Oregonian/OregonLive will roll out a variety of preseason breakdowns and projections.



Up first: Player superlatives

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Timothy J. Gonzalez | AP Photo

Offensive MVP

Mizell: Running back Ryan Nall. The Beavers have a loaded backfield and are aiming to become a more potent downfield passing team with new starting quarterback Jake Luton. But Nall will still anchor this unit, thanks to his unique combination of power and elusiveness. If his steps to become more durable keep him healthy for an entire season, he should have no problem surpassing 1,000 yards and contending for all-conference honors.

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Moran: Nall. This may be the deepest backfield in recent Oregon State memory but make no mistake -- Ryan Nall is the No. 1 running back. When he has been healthy, Nall has performed like one of the top runners in the Pac-12. He's also only entering his second full season as a running back. His goal of reaching 1,000 should be met, particularly if the Beavers show improvement in the pass game.

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Randy Rasmussen | The Oregonian/OregonLive

Defensive MVP

Mizell: Inside linebacker Manase Hungalu. Cornerback Xavier Crawford, outside linebacker Bright Ugwoegbu and defensive end Titus Failauga are contenders here, but Hungalu gets the clear nod after his breakout 2016 season. The team captain is an all-around playmaker in the middle of the Beavers defense, totaling 83 tackles, three fumble recoveries, one interception, four pass breakups and three quarterback hurries. And his presence and leadership are crucial, with the Beavers breaking in a new inside linebacker beside him.

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Moran: Cornerback Xavier Crawford. The freshman All-American was the pleasant surprise of the defense last season and this year should take over as one of the leaders of the secondary. Opposing offenses tried to throw at Crawford early and often, and the former grayshirt showed he could succeed 1-on-1 against top Pac-12 competition. His diligent film study and on-field work after practice helped get him to start as a freshman, and he's kept up that work ethic entering his second year as a starting cornerback.

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Sean Meagher | The Oregonian/OregonLive

Breakout star

Mizell: Wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins. With a big frame, strong hands and impressive athleticism, the true freshman looks to be a prime target for Luton. The gem of the Beavers' 2017 recruiting class earned a starting spot early in fall camp and is part of a tall group of pass-catchers. With Seth Collins sidelined with a finger injury, Hodgins has an early opportunity to make an impact.

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Moran: Tight end Noah Togiai. Luton appeared to have an instant chemistry with Togiai, whose already been called one of the best tight ends in the Pac-12 by position coach Dave Baldwin. The hyper-athletic Togiai had the makings of a reliable go-to option last season before a knee injury ended his season only five quarters in. Now he should have more pieces around him to command single coverage in the middle of the field and in the red zone.

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Godofredo Vasquez | The Corvallis Gazette-Times via AP

Most underrated

Mizell: Defensive lineman Kalani Vakameilalo. Gary Andersen publicly challenged the defensive front before camp began, yet Vakameilalo has always been the subject of praise because of his versatility, size and athleticism. His position does not typically garner a ton of stats, but his role is key for a unit aiming to improve dramatically at stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback this season.

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Moran: Left tackle Blake Brandel. Even as Oregon State reshuffled its line and moved former defensive lineman Sumner Houston to center, Brandel's new job at left tackle was safe. He has the prototypical size of an offensive lineman (6-foot-7, 314 pounds) and got key experience as a redshirt freshman lining up at right tackle opposite fourth round NFL draft pick Sean Harlow. He'll be key to protecting Luton's blindside all season.

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Sean Meagher | The Oregonian/OregonLive

Top newcomer

Mizell: Quarterback Jake Luton. Put it this way: Luton must hold this role in order for the Beavers to make a bowl this season. The 6-foot-7, big-armed signal-caller won the starting job early in fall camp and has been working to build chemistry with his receivers and display a calm demeanor. Still, the Beavers need Luton to adjust quickly to the Pac-12 gauntlet and consistently connect on deep and intermediate throws.

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Moran: Luton. If the OSU offense takes a step forward, it will be because of the junior college transfer whose big arm can make throws not seen since Andersen's arrival in Corvallis. The Beavers won't ask Luton to come in and run an Air Raid offense. But if he can stretch the field vertically and execute on more precise routes in the red zone, the offense could help Oregon State to its first bowl game in four years.

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Randy L. Rasmussen | The Oregonian/OregonLive

Most to prove

Mizell: Wide receiver Jordan Villamin. The big-bodied pass-catcher's disappearance is still one of last season's most puzzling developments. But Villamin assures he's adjusted his mindset and refined his technique, which he believes will lead to a bounce-back senior season. Victor Bolden's departure leaves Villamin as the receiving corps' veteran. And with Collins injured, Togiai coming off an injury and Hodgins about to get his first collegiate snaps, Villamin's role early in the season could be especially crucial.

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Moran: Villamin. The receiver was the biggest disappointment of the 2016 season. He has NFL size and flashed his potential as a freshman and sophomore, before tallying career-lows in catches (21) and touchdowns (one) as a junior. But he appears to be in far better shape this fall camp, has worked extensively on developing chemistry with Luton and has the talent to be a No. 1 receiver. This is his chance.

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Oregon State vs. Colorado State, Saturday Aug. 26, 11:30 a.m. PST, CBS Sports Network

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Coming up

Wednesday: Schedule breakdown

Thursday: Over/under

Friday: Bold predictions

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