One of several candidates for the starting not at the SAM (outside linebacker) position this fall.

2022 -- Played in 10 games as a redshirt freshman, missing only the Eastern Washington contest ... notched 19 total tackles (10 solo stops) , including two sacks -- one in opener at Fresno State and the other in finale versus Portland State ... earned pair of quarterback hurries, both against Portland State ... season-high four tackles in both the Idaho State and Portland State contests ... 3.5 tackles for lost yardage, including the two sacks ... eaarned tackles in 2023 Spring Game.

2021 -- Played in four of the final five games of his freshman season, preserving his redshirt year ... did not record any tackles ... expected to back up Dustin Grein at Rush linebacker this fall.

High School -- Under head coach Mike Papadopoulos at Vacaville High School, Otterstedt was a two-way player as a junior in 2019, catching 12 passes for 184 yards and four touchdowns and making 43 tackles (20 solo) on defense, including one tackle for lost yardage ... Bulldogs were 8-3 in 2019, claiming the Monticello Empire League title and qualifying for the CIF-Sac-Joaquin Division II playoffs ... Otterstedt was named to the All-Monticello Empire League first team as a tight end ... during pandemic-shortened 2021 spring season, made 22 tackles (14 solo) in five games with three sacks, one interception, two pass breakups and one forced fumble ... also caught eight passes for 126 yards as Vacaville posted 5-0 overall mark and won Monticello Empire League title ... Otterstedt, who also played junior varsity baseball at Vacaville, carries a 4.1 grade-point average and also received offers from Davidson, UC Davis, San Diego and Montana before choosing to be a Mustang because "Cal Poly was the only school I was able to visit and I had a great connection with the coaching staff. It was the best option for my future athletic and academic careers."

Personal -- Son of Sean and Tachael Otterstedt ... one sister, Alexia ... wants to work in sports medicine ... hobbies include camping and weightlifting ... majoring in kinesiology.

Head coach Beau Baldwin: "Michael played tight end and safety, which is an interesting combination. He played a little light in high school, but has since matured physically. He was playing at 187 pounds, but the growth he has made to get up to about 230 is incredible. Some of the things he's going to be doing for us on the football field has not showed up yet. He has the ability to play defensive end and outside linebacker. He gives you the ability to be very multiple in our defensive scheme."

Michael Otterstedt