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Pac-12 Football: Newcomers who’ll have an instant impact in 2022

By Dante Pryor

Dec 3, 2021; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Utah Utes players celebrate with the championship trophy after the 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game against the Utah Utes at Allegiant Stadium.Utah defeated Oregon 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2021; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Utah Utes players celebrate with the championship trophy after the 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game against the Utah Utes at Allegiant Stadium.Utah defeated Oregon 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Oregon State: Mathias Malak-Donaldson, OLB

A marker of improved recruiting is when incoming freshmen are ready-made to compete and take snaps away from veteran players. Mathias Malak-Donaldson is that kind of player. Malak-Donaldson has some learning to do before he ultimately transitions from EDGE rusher to outside linebacker, but he can get after the quarterback.

Malak-Donaldson has a significant first step off the snap and transitions speed to power well for someone getting ready for senior prom. The Oaks Christian High School product has good variety in pass rush moves. He’ll have to learn more about playing standing up but can go in and rush the quarterback in obvious pass downs.

Colorado: Ramon Jefferson (Transfer), RB

The departures of running backs Jarek Broussard and Alex Fontenot left quite the hole in the running back room in Boulder. That void opens the door for Sam Houston to transfer Ramon Jefferson. The Bronx native was productive at the FCS power during his time there.

Jefferson amassed over 1,800 yards in two seasons at Sam Houston. He possesses good vision and does not dance in the hole. Jefferson can accelerate and break off big runs and get nosy between the tackles for tough yards. He’ll be a welcomed addition in Boulder.

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