Oregon State safety Kitan Oladapo decided to go back to school and play for the Beavers in 2023 instead of entering the NFL draft early.
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound prospective senior was Oregon State’s second-leading interceptor last season with 80 interceptions.
Oladapo’s return is a huge boost to the Beavers’ defense. OSU’s vice team is missing several key players from its 2022 squad, including cornerback Rejzohn Wright and safety Jaydon Grant. Oladapo has 33 career starts and was in Oregon’s program for five years.
Oladapo is a two-time full-court safety. The Central Catholic high school senior had some highly impactful games in the 2022 season. He had a career-high 15 tackles in a win at Fresno State, but had 17 against Oregon.
Of Oladapo’s 80 tackles, four were fumbled tackles and 2.5 sacks. Oladapo ranks 13th in the Pac-12 in tackles.
Oladapo has 174 career tackles.
– Nick Daschel | ndaschel@oregonian.com | @Nick Dasher