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Pac-12 Football: Every team’s most important newcomers for 2021

By Dante Pryor

Dec 18, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oregon Ducks players pose with trophy after the Pac-12 Championship against the Southern California Trojans at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Oregon defeated USC 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oregon Ducks players pose with trophy after the Pac-12 Championship against the Southern California Trojans at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Oregon defeated USC 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 19, 2020; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers quarterback Chance Nolan (10) scrambles out of the pocket to pass against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2020; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers quarterback Chance Nolan (10) scrambles out of the pocket to pass against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Oregon State

Expectations are high in Corvallis this fall, and they should be. Even without Jermar Jefferson, the Beavers have their most complete team in the Jonathan Smith era. Still, Jefferson’s production has to be replaced. Redshirt Junior B.J. Baylor returns as the Beavers’ most experienced runner with just 27 carries.

Baylor, however, will not be alone in the backfield. So expect these two running backs to see a lot of snaps this fall.

  • Damir Collins, APB: Don’t let Collins’ size (5-foot-8 and 185 pounds) fool you. This diminutive dynamo does not shy away from contact. Collins is a plus athlete because of his versatility. Collins can line up nearly anywhere on the field. However, Collins is as limited as the imagination of an offensive coordinator. Not only can the Portland Jefferson High School standout line up in the backfield, but Collins can also line up in the slot and return kicks and punts. Collins has great burst and top-end speed and is not afraid to run between the tackles. He also adds value as a kick and punt returner. If Jonathan Smith does not like his defensive back depth, Collins could switch since he played defensive back in high school.
  • Deshawn Fenwick (transfer), APB: The South Carolina transfer was already impressive in spring practice, which does not come as much of a surprise. Fenwick rattled off several ten-plus yard runs during the spring.  Fenwick is more of a “traditional” runner. Look for him and Baylor to gobble most of the regular season carries as the Beavers replace Jefferson’s production. Though Fenwick is great out of the backfield, he is also a threat in the passing game.
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