Who is coming back next year

January, 8, 2009
Jan 8
6:31
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By Ted Miller

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

Considering the strengths and weaknesses of the talent that returns in the Pac-10 for 2009.

As previously stated, the conference will be far more experienced at quarterback -- even with the potential departure of USC's Mark Sanchez -- and deep at running back.

Things also look fairly good on the defensive line, secondary and at tight end.

Two areas of concern: Offensive line and receiver.

No first- or second-team All-Pac-10 offensive lineman or receivers return in 2009.

Here are the players coming back who received some level of All-Pac-10 honors (and a couple of notables):

Arizona

  • TE Rob Gronkowski, S Devin Ross, C Colin Baxter, P Keenyn Crier, RB Nic Grigsby, DT Earl Mitchell, S Cam Nelson, DE Brooks Reed...also WR Delashaun Dean

Arizona State

  • DE Dexter Davis, DT Lawrence Guy, OT Shawn Lauvao, OLB Mike Nixon, K Thomas Weber, WR Kyle Williams...also CB Omar Bolden

California

  • RB Jahvid Best, CB Syd'Quan Thompson, DE Tyson Alualu, P Bryan Anger, DE Cameron Jordan, OLB Mike Mohamed...also OT Mike Tepper, OT Mitchell Schwartz

Oregon

Oregon State

Stanford

  • DE Tom Keiser, DE Erik Lorig, FB Owen Marecic, OT Chris Marinelli...also LB Chike Amajoyi, DT Sione Fua, WR Ryan Whalen

UCLA

USC

Washington

  • DT Daniel Te'o-Nesheim, OLB Mason Foster, WR D'Andre Goodwin, S Nate Williams...QB Jake Locker, FB Paul Homer

Washington State

  • C Kenny Alfred...also LB Louis Bland, LB/DE Andy Mattingly, K Nico Grasu

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