Pac-12: John White
Despite the Pac-12 conference being home to some of the best quarterbacks and wide receivers in the country, some teams do occasionally run the football. Some better than others. Some really better than others.
Our friends at Athlon Sports continue their series of assorted Pac-12 rankings. They've given us the Pac-12 coaches and quarterbacks, and now they are up with their running back rankings.
Here's how the top 20 shakes out, which includes last year's production, expectations for 2012 and surrounding personnel:
Initial thoughts:
Our friends at Athlon Sports continue their series of assorted Pac-12 rankings. They've given us the Pac-12 coaches and quarterbacks, and now they are up with their running back rankings.
Here's how the top 20 shakes out, which includes last year's production, expectations for 2012 and surrounding personnel:
- De'Anthony Thomas, Oregon
- Kenjon Barner, Oregon
- John White, Utah
- Stepfan Taylor, Stanford
- Isi Sofele, Cal
- Cameron Marshall, Arizona State
- Johnathan Franklin, UCLA
- Curtis McNeal, USC
- Ka'Deem Carey, Arizona
- Jesse Callier, Washington
- Malcolm Agnew, Oregon State
- Rickey Galvin, Washington State
- Tony Jones, Colorado
- Bishop Sankey, Washington
- Tyler Gaffney, Stanford
- C.J. Anderson, Cal
- Nelson Agholor, USC
- Deantre Lewis, Arizona State
- Carl Winston, Washington State
- D.J. Morgan, USC
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Jim Z. Rider/US PresswireOregon's De'Anthony Thomas and Kenjon Barner (24) look to be the Pac-12's top RB duo.
Jim Z. Rider/US PresswireOregon's De'Anthony Thomas and Kenjon Barner (24) look to be the Pac-12's top RB duo.Initial thoughts:
- Unlike the quarterback rankings last week, where Ted and I both had some ideas on how we'd move things around, this top 10 seems pretty solid, give or take one or two spots. There will be some games when Barner takes the lead and others where Thomas does. And in the games when they both do, look out. So those two are interchangeable, but certainly worthy of the top two spots based on the scheme they are in and the numbers they are likely to produce.
- White will probably have better overall numbers than Taylor, because he's likely to have more carries. Taylor is Stanford's primary guy, but the Cardinal rotate liberally -- and with the aforementioned Gaffney, the emergence of Ricky Seale and Barry Sanders coming in, that could cut into some of his carries. But you can still ink Taylor in for 1,000 yards and close to double-digit touchdowns. Stanford and Utah have big holes to fill on the offensive line, but both backs are talented enough to absorb the change.
- Sofele is a good running back, but Anderson has come on strong and Daniel Lasco and Brendan Bigelow are expected to play bigger roles this season. Five might be a bit high -- depending on his job status.
- Interested to see what Marshall does without Noel Mazzone as his offensive coordinator. Interested to see what Franklin does with Mazzone as his offensive coordinator. Arizona State is pretty deep at the position, but Marshall is the guy.
- Without depth, McNeal is going to have to carry a lot of the load. And he's not exactly known for his durability. If the Trojans can get a couple of guys behind him to take a few snaps, he could be top five by season's end.
- Depending on how quickly the Wildcats pick up the offense, Carey is another guy who could potentially crack the top five. He has enough snaps under his belt and was productive enough in a different kind of spread that he should have very good numbers -- if he gets enough per-game carries.
- It looks more and more like Washington is moving more toward a by-committee approach with Callier and Sankey at the top of the list. Their overall ranking will depend on how many carries per game they get. By Week 3, we might be flip-flopping them.
- The final three years at Texas Tech, Mike Leach's rushing attack ranked 115th ('09), 94th ('08) and 119th ('07) nationally. Running backs come second in his offense. Just the way it is.
- Jones is a good playmaker on a team starving for them. But until we know who is going to throw the ball and catch the ball in Colorado, this ranking seems about right. He does have a couple of pretty good linemen blocking for him though, which could help him crack the top 10 by season's end.
Most Pac-12 teams will have new faces on hand this spring -- early-entry high school or JC players or transfers -- who are expected to provide immediate help, if not win starting jobs.
Here are seven we expect to make a mark in 2012 (feel free to comment on how you can't believe we left out so-and-so).
LB Brian Wagner, Arizona: Wagner was prolific tackler at Akron, collecting at least 100 stops in three years as a starter and earning All-MAC honors in two out of his three seasons with the Zips. He might not have top-flight Pac-12 speed, but the Wildcats are fairly desperate at linebacker.
QB Connor Wood, Colorado: Wood, a Texas transfer, was expected to win the job even before Nick Hirschman re-injured his foot. But with Hirschman out, it's Wood's offense -- at least for the spring. In the fall, Jordan Webb, a two-year starter at Kansas with two years of eligibility remaining, is expected to join the fray.
DE Arik Armstead, Oregon: The true freshman arrives in Eugene this spring after one of the more closely watched recruiting sagas on the West Coast. While more than a few folks believe the 6-foot-8, 280 pounder is a prototypical left OFFENSIVE tackle, he's going to at least start off on defense at Oregon. He's athletic enough to play end, and could immediately be in the picture to replace the departed Terrell Turner.
TE Caleb Smith, Oregon State: The Beavers use both a tight end and an H-back, and Smith, a touted recruit from Kentridge High School in Renton, Wash., looks like a good candidate to replace departed -- and productive -- H-back Joe Halahuni. He could challenge sophomore Connor Hamlett, the backup tight end in 2011, for the starting job.
DE Brandon Willis, UCLA: Willis' wanderlust has been almost comical -- he's transferred between UCLA and North Carolina twice -- but he was once a touted recruit and could compete for immediate playing time on an experienced but underachieving Bruins D-line.
RB Kelvin York, Utah: York, a 5-foot-11, 225-pound transfer out of Fullerton College, picked the Utes over a host of suitors. At the very least will be Robin to John White's Batman. It's also possible they could be 1A and 1B, almost splitting carries equally.
RB/WR Antavius Sims, Washington: Sims is a JC transfer who signed with the Huskies in 2011 but didn't qualify academically. He was expected to play cornerback, but has been shifted to offense so he can use his speed both as a runner and receiver.
Here are seven we expect to make a mark in 2012 (feel free to comment on how you can't believe we left out so-and-so).
LB Brian Wagner, Arizona: Wagner was prolific tackler at Akron, collecting at least 100 stops in three years as a starter and earning All-MAC honors in two out of his three seasons with the Zips. He might not have top-flight Pac-12 speed, but the Wildcats are fairly desperate at linebacker.
QB Connor Wood, Colorado: Wood, a Texas transfer, was expected to win the job even before Nick Hirschman re-injured his foot. But with Hirschman out, it's Wood's offense -- at least for the spring. In the fall, Jordan Webb, a two-year starter at Kansas with two years of eligibility remaining, is expected to join the fray.
DE Arik Armstead, Oregon: The true freshman arrives in Eugene this spring after one of the more closely watched recruiting sagas on the West Coast. While more than a few folks believe the 6-foot-8, 280 pounder is a prototypical left OFFENSIVE tackle, he's going to at least start off on defense at Oregon. He's athletic enough to play end, and could immediately be in the picture to replace the departed Terrell Turner.
TE Caleb Smith, Oregon State: The Beavers use both a tight end and an H-back, and Smith, a touted recruit from Kentridge High School in Renton, Wash., looks like a good candidate to replace departed -- and productive -- H-back Joe Halahuni. He could challenge sophomore Connor Hamlett, the backup tight end in 2011, for the starting job.
DE Brandon Willis, UCLA: Willis' wanderlust has been almost comical -- he's transferred between UCLA and North Carolina twice -- but he was once a touted recruit and could compete for immediate playing time on an experienced but underachieving Bruins D-line.
RB Kelvin York, Utah: York, a 5-foot-11, 225-pound transfer out of Fullerton College, picked the Utes over a host of suitors. At the very least will be Robin to John White's Batman. It's also possible they could be 1A and 1B, almost splitting carries equally.
RB/WR Antavius Sims, Washington: Sims is a JC transfer who signed with the Huskies in 2011 but didn't qualify academically. He was expected to play cornerback, but has been shifted to offense so he can use his speed both as a runner and receiver.
Our postseason list of the Pac-12's top-25 players is complete.
You can review it here.
Here are some quick breakdowns for you to chew on (remember, because we had an, er, tie at No. 12, there are 26 players on the Pac-12's top-25).
By unit
Offense: 19
Defense: 7
The Pac-12 is an offensive league. The SEC doesn't have to worry about leaving off a quarterback who might be a first-day NFL draft pick (Arizona State's Brock Osweiler).
Also, offensive players are easier to evaluate. A defensive tackle who clogs the middle but doesn't get many numbers is harder to measure than a quarterback, running back or wide receiver.
By team
USC ... 7
Stanford ... 6
Oregon ... 5
California, Utah, Washington ... 2
Arizona, Washington State ... 1
Arizona State, Colorado, Oregon State & UCLA ... 0
USC, Stanford and Oregon dominated. Makes sense: All three were top-10 teams, and no other Pac-12 squads were ranked.
As for the teams with no players: Arizona State's top candidates were Osweiler, running back Cameron Marshall and receiver Gerell Robinson. If the Sun Devils hadn't finished with a six-game losing streak, it's hard to imagine at least one of them wouldn't have made the list.
Colorado had only All-Pac-12 player: second-team offensive tackle David Bakhtiari. Oregon State cornerback Jordan Poyer, who earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors, was given consideration. He's almost certain to be on the preseason top-25.
UCLA didn't have any All-Conference players.
By position
QB ... 5
WR ... 5
RB ... 4
OL ... 3
TE... 2
LB ... 2
DE ... 2
DT... 1
CB ... 1
S ... 1
Every position group -- other than special teams -- got at least one player. That happens in large part because while making the list you think, "Who's the best guy in the conference at this position?"
Who's coming back?
2. Matt Barkley, QB, USC
5. Chase Thomas, LB, Stanford
7. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
8. Robert Woods, WR, USC
11. Keith Price, QB, Washington
12 De'Anthony Thomas, WR-RB, Oregon
13. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
15. Keenan Allen, WR, California
16. Marqise Lee, WR, USC
19. T.J. McDonald, S, USC
20. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
21. John White, RB, Utah
23. Nickell Robey, CB, USC
24. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
With 14 guys from the list coming back in 2012, that means 11 spots open up for the preseason top-25.
Want a reason folks think so highly of USC: Five of the 14 guys coming back in 2012 are from USC. And it's a heck of a list.
And how tough is it going to be to earn first-team All-Pac-12 honors at receiver in 2012?
You can review it here.
Here are some quick breakdowns for you to chew on (remember, because we had an, er, tie at No. 12, there are 26 players on the Pac-12's top-25).
By unit
Offense: 19
Defense: 7
The Pac-12 is an offensive league. The SEC doesn't have to worry about leaving off a quarterback who might be a first-day NFL draft pick (Arizona State's Brock Osweiler).
Also, offensive players are easier to evaluate. A defensive tackle who clogs the middle but doesn't get many numbers is harder to measure than a quarterback, running back or wide receiver.
By team
USC ... 7
Stanford ... 6
Oregon ... 5
California, Utah, Washington ... 2
Arizona, Washington State ... 1
Arizona State, Colorado, Oregon State & UCLA ... 0
USC, Stanford and Oregon dominated. Makes sense: All three were top-10 teams, and no other Pac-12 squads were ranked.
As for the teams with no players: Arizona State's top candidates were Osweiler, running back Cameron Marshall and receiver Gerell Robinson. If the Sun Devils hadn't finished with a six-game losing streak, it's hard to imagine at least one of them wouldn't have made the list.
Colorado had only All-Pac-12 player: second-team offensive tackle David Bakhtiari. Oregon State cornerback Jordan Poyer, who earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors, was given consideration. He's almost certain to be on the preseason top-25.
UCLA didn't have any All-Conference players.
By position
QB ... 5
WR ... 5
RB ... 4
OL ... 3
TE... 2
LB ... 2
DE ... 2
DT... 1
CB ... 1
S ... 1
Every position group -- other than special teams -- got at least one player. That happens in large part because while making the list you think, "Who's the best guy in the conference at this position?"
Who's coming back?
2. Matt Barkley, QB, USC
5. Chase Thomas, LB, Stanford
7. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
8. Robert Woods, WR, USC
11. Keith Price, QB, Washington
12 De'Anthony Thomas, WR-RB, Oregon
13. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
15. Keenan Allen, WR, California
16. Marqise Lee, WR, USC
19. T.J. McDonald, S, USC
20. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
21. John White, RB, Utah
23. Nickell Robey, CB, USC
24. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
With 14 guys from the list coming back in 2012, that means 11 spots open up for the preseason top-25.
Want a reason folks think so highly of USC: Five of the 14 guys coming back in 2012 are from USC. And it's a heck of a list.
And how tough is it going to be to earn first-team All-Pac-12 honors at receiver in 2012?
Our countdown of the Pac-12's top 25 players ends at No. 1.
You can see Ted Miller's preseason top 25 here.
1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
2011 numbers: Luck passed for 3,517 yards and 37 touchdowns with 10 interceptions in 2011, completing 71.3 percent of his passes. He also rushed for 150 yards and two TDs. He ranked fifth in the nation in passing efficiency.
Preseason ranking: No. 1.
Making the case for Luck: Luck not only is going to be the top overall pick in the NFL draft this spring, he would have been the top overall pick in 2011. Simply, he's the best QB prospect in a generation. Of course, you've heard this all before. He was No. 1 in this ranking in 2010 as well. First, there's the physical side: A 6-foot-4, 235-pound frame that ran a 4.69 40 at the NFL combine and jumped better than any QB. Luck is the pure pro-style pocket passer who secretly moonlights as an outstanding all-around athlete. Then there's the head. Luck is not just a smart guy, he's a Stanford smart guy. The architectural design major had a 3.48 GPA. And he's not just Stanford smart: He's football smart. No college football player in the nation -- perhaps in years -- had as much play-calling responsibility at the line of scrimmage this year as Luck. The Cardinal offense, playing with second-tier talent at receiver, averaged 43.2 points per game, which ranked seventh in the nation. Finally, there's character and moxie. While Luck is highly competitive, he's also as humble as they come -- authentically so. An NFL team is never going to have to worry about Luck getting into trouble. Luck has been burdened with high expectations since 2009 when NFL scouts started whispering about him. He's not only lived up to those expectations, he's eclipsed them. The only wart on his résumé? All together Oregon fans: He failed to beat Oregon the past two seasons, which cost him shots at the national championship.
2. Matt Barkley, QB, USC
3. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
4. Matt Kalil, OT, USC
5. Chase Thomas, OLB, Stanford
6. Mychal Kendricks, LB, Cal
7. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
8. Robert Woods, WR, USC
9. Chris Polk, RB, Washington
10. Jonathan Martin, LT, Stanford
11. Keith Price, QB, Washington
12 (tie). Darron Thomas, QB & De'Anthony Thomas, WR-RB, Oregon
13. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
14. David DeCastro, OL, Stanford
15. Keenan Allen, WR, California
16. Marqise Lee, WR, USC
17. Nick Perry, DE, USC
18. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
19. T.J. McDonald, S, USC
20. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
21. John White IV, RB, Utah
22. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
23. Nickell Robey, CB, USC
24. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
25. David Paulson, TE, Oregon
You can see Ted Miller's preseason top 25 here.
1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
2011 numbers: Luck passed for 3,517 yards and 37 touchdowns with 10 interceptions in 2011, completing 71.3 percent of his passes. He also rushed for 150 yards and two TDs. He ranked fifth in the nation in passing efficiency.
Preseason ranking: No. 1.
Making the case for Luck: Luck not only is going to be the top overall pick in the NFL draft this spring, he would have been the top overall pick in 2011. Simply, he's the best QB prospect in a generation. Of course, you've heard this all before. He was No. 1 in this ranking in 2010 as well. First, there's the physical side: A 6-foot-4, 235-pound frame that ran a 4.69 40 at the NFL combine and jumped better than any QB. Luck is the pure pro-style pocket passer who secretly moonlights as an outstanding all-around athlete. Then there's the head. Luck is not just a smart guy, he's a Stanford smart guy. The architectural design major had a 3.48 GPA. And he's not just Stanford smart: He's football smart. No college football player in the nation -- perhaps in years -- had as much play-calling responsibility at the line of scrimmage this year as Luck. The Cardinal offense, playing with second-tier talent at receiver, averaged 43.2 points per game, which ranked seventh in the nation. Finally, there's character and moxie. While Luck is highly competitive, he's also as humble as they come -- authentically so. An NFL team is never going to have to worry about Luck getting into trouble. Luck has been burdened with high expectations since 2009 when NFL scouts started whispering about him. He's not only lived up to those expectations, he's eclipsed them. The only wart on his résumé? All together Oregon fans: He failed to beat Oregon the past two seasons, which cost him shots at the national championship.
2. Matt Barkley, QB, USC
3. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
4. Matt Kalil, OT, USC
5. Chase Thomas, OLB, Stanford
6. Mychal Kendricks, LB, Cal
7. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
8. Robert Woods, WR, USC
9. Chris Polk, RB, Washington
10. Jonathan Martin, LT, Stanford
11. Keith Price, QB, Washington
12 (tie). Darron Thomas, QB & De'Anthony Thomas, WR-RB, Oregon
13. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
14. David DeCastro, OL, Stanford
15. Keenan Allen, WR, California
16. Marqise Lee, WR, USC
17. Nick Perry, DE, USC
18. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
19. T.J. McDonald, S, USC
20. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
21. John White IV, RB, Utah
22. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
23. Nickell Robey, CB, USC
24. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
25. David Paulson, TE, Oregon
Our countdown of the Pac-12's top 25 players continues.
You can see Ted Miller's preseason top 25 here.
2. Matt Barkley, QB, USC
2011 numbers: Barkley completed 69 percent of his passes for 3,528 yards, with 39 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also scored two rushing TDs.
Preseason ranking: No. 6
Making the case for Barkley: Barkley earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors behind What's-His-Name and third-team All-American honors from the Associated Press, leading USC to a final top-five ranking and 10-2 finish. He ranked eighth in the nation in passing efficiency, and his 39 TD passes ranked first in the conference. Further, over the season's final four games, he completed 72.7 percent of his passes with 17 TDs and just two picks, ending Oregon's 21-game home winning streak at Autzen Stadium along the way. In that 38-35 victory, he passed for 323 yards and four TDs. And get this: Barring injury, he is almost certain to write his name atop the Pac-12 record book's two most important categories for quarterbacks: career passing yards and career TD passes. He needs 2,765 yard passing to eclipse former USC standout Carson Palmer's 11,818 yards, and 20 TD passes to beat former Trojan Matt Leinart's 99 career scoring tosses. Barkley enters the 2012 season as the decided front-runner for the Heisman Trophy.
3. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
4. Matt Kalil, OT, USC
5. Chase Thomas, OLB, Stanford
6. Mychal Kendricks, LB, Cal
7. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
8. Robert Woods, WR, USC
9. Chris Polk, RB, Washington
10. Jonathan Martin, LT, Stanford
11. Keith Price, QB, Washington
12 (tie). Darron Thomas, QB & De'Anthony Thomas, WR-RB, Oregon
13. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
14. David DeCastro, OL, Stanford
15. Keenan Allen, WR, California
16. Marqise Lee, WR, USC
17. Nick Perry, DE, USC
18. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
19. T.J. McDonald, S, USC
20. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
21. John White IV, RB, Utah
22. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
23. Nickell Robey, CB, USC
24. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
25. David Paulson, TE, Oregon
You can see Ted Miller's preseason top 25 here.
2. Matt Barkley, QB, USC
2011 numbers: Barkley completed 69 percent of his passes for 3,528 yards, with 39 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also scored two rushing TDs.
Preseason ranking: No. 6
Making the case for Barkley: Barkley earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors behind What's-His-Name and third-team All-American honors from the Associated Press, leading USC to a final top-five ranking and 10-2 finish. He ranked eighth in the nation in passing efficiency, and his 39 TD passes ranked first in the conference. Further, over the season's final four games, he completed 72.7 percent of his passes with 17 TDs and just two picks, ending Oregon's 21-game home winning streak at Autzen Stadium along the way. In that 38-35 victory, he passed for 323 yards and four TDs. And get this: Barring injury, he is almost certain to write his name atop the Pac-12 record book's two most important categories for quarterbacks: career passing yards and career TD passes. He needs 2,765 yard passing to eclipse former USC standout Carson Palmer's 11,818 yards, and 20 TD passes to beat former Trojan Matt Leinart's 99 career scoring tosses. Barkley enters the 2012 season as the decided front-runner for the Heisman Trophy.
3. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
4. Matt Kalil, OT, USC
5. Chase Thomas, OLB, Stanford
6. Mychal Kendricks, LB, Cal
7. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
8. Robert Woods, WR, USC
9. Chris Polk, RB, Washington
10. Jonathan Martin, LT, Stanford
11. Keith Price, QB, Washington
12 (tie). Darron Thomas, QB & De'Anthony Thomas, WR-RB, Oregon
13. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
14. David DeCastro, OL, Stanford
15. Keenan Allen, WR, California
16. Marqise Lee, WR, USC
17. Nick Perry, DE, USC
18. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
19. T.J. McDonald, S, USC
20. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
21. John White IV, RB, Utah
22. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
23. Nickell Robey, CB, USC
24. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
25. David Paulson, TE, Oregon
Our countdown of the Pac-12's top 25 players continues.
You can see Ted Miller's preseason top 25 here.
3. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
2011 numbers: James led the nation with 150.4 yards rushing per game. He rushed for 1,805 total yards -- he missed two games -- with 18 touchdowns and a 7.3 yards per carry average. He also caught 17 passes for 210 yards and a TD, and averaged 10.7 yards per punt return with a TD.
Preseason ranking: No. 2.
Making the case for James: James is the greatest player in Oregon history, and one of the greatest running backs in Pac-12 history. A two-time consensus All-American, he finished his career with 5,082 yards rushing and 53 rushing TDs, totals which both rank second in conference history. He ranked second in the FBS in all-purpose yards per game (181.30), and 11th in scoring average (10.0). He produced 26 games of 100-plus, and seven of 200-plus rushing yards. What most folks don't seem to realize is that James in 2011 was probably better than James in 2010, when he was a Heisman finalist and won the Doak Walker Award as the nation's best running back. He averaged more yards per carry -- 7.3 vs. 5.9 -- than he did in 2010, and did so with a rebuilt offensive line. So why is he No. 3? The distinction ultimately came down to this: Outstanding years by quarterbacks eclipse outstanding years by running backs.
4. Matt Kalil, OT, USC
5. Chase Thomas, OLB, Stanford
6. Mychal Kendricks, LB, Cal
7. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
8. Robert Woods, WR, USC
9. Chris Polk, RB, Washington
10. Jonathan Martin, LT, Stanford
11. Keith Price, QB, Washington
12 (tie). Darron Thomas, QB & De'Anthony Thomas, WR-RB, Oregon
13. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
14. David DeCastro, OL, Stanford
15. Keenan Allen, WR, California
16. Marqise Lee, WR, USC
17. Nick Perry, DE, USC
18. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
19. T.J. McDonald, S, USC
20. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
21. John White IV, RB, Utah
22. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
23. Nickell Robey, CB, USC
24. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
25. David Paulson, TE, Oregon
You can see Ted Miller's preseason top 25 here.
3. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
2011 numbers: James led the nation with 150.4 yards rushing per game. He rushed for 1,805 total yards -- he missed two games -- with 18 touchdowns and a 7.3 yards per carry average. He also caught 17 passes for 210 yards and a TD, and averaged 10.7 yards per punt return with a TD.
Preseason ranking: No. 2.
Making the case for James: James is the greatest player in Oregon history, and one of the greatest running backs in Pac-12 history. A two-time consensus All-American, he finished his career with 5,082 yards rushing and 53 rushing TDs, totals which both rank second in conference history. He ranked second in the FBS in all-purpose yards per game (181.30), and 11th in scoring average (10.0). He produced 26 games of 100-plus, and seven of 200-plus rushing yards. What most folks don't seem to realize is that James in 2011 was probably better than James in 2010, when he was a Heisman finalist and won the Doak Walker Award as the nation's best running back. He averaged more yards per carry -- 7.3 vs. 5.9 -- than he did in 2010, and did so with a rebuilt offensive line. So why is he No. 3? The distinction ultimately came down to this: Outstanding years by quarterbacks eclipse outstanding years by running backs.
4. Matt Kalil, OT, USC
5. Chase Thomas, OLB, Stanford
6. Mychal Kendricks, LB, Cal
7. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
8. Robert Woods, WR, USC
9. Chris Polk, RB, Washington
10. Jonathan Martin, LT, Stanford
11. Keith Price, QB, Washington
12 (tie). Darron Thomas, QB & De'Anthony Thomas, WR-RB, Oregon
13. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
14. David DeCastro, OL, Stanford
15. Keenan Allen, WR, California
16. Marqise Lee, WR, USC
17. Nick Perry, DE, USC
18. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
19. T.J. McDonald, S, USC
20. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
21. John White IV, RB, Utah
22. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
23. Nickell Robey, CB, USC
24. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
25. David Paulson, TE, Oregon
Our countdown of the Pac-12's top 25 players continues.
You can see Ted Miller's preseason top 25 here.
7. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
2011 numbers: Lotulelei had 44 total tackles, with nine coming for a loss. He had 1.5 sacks, a pass break-up, forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Preseason ranking: Unranked.
Making the case for Lotulelei: How dare the Pac-12 blog vote an interior defensive lineman ahead of all these scintillating offensive stars! Well, go ask any interior offensive lineman who tried to block Lotulelei last season -- almost always with a second interior offensive lineman helping. We'll wait here. Da da dum tee dum. You're back! They crumpled onto the ground and yelled, "Noooooo!" Yeah, that's what we thought. After all, Pac-12 offensive linemen voted Lotulelei, just a wee bit at 6-foot-3, 325 pounds, the best defensive lineman in the conference in 2011, which earned him the coveted Morris Trophy. He also earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors and then opted to come back for his senior season, even though he likely would have been a first-day pick in the NFL draft. The toughest things to find on the West Coast -- other than good barbecue restaurants -- are A-list interior defensive linemen. That's what Lotulelei is. If you plopped him into any Pac-12 defense, he wouldn't put up sexy numbers but that defense would dramatically improve statistically. The belief here is that Lotulelei should get preseason All-American attention.
8. Robert Woods, WR, USC
9. Chris Polk, RB, Washington
10. Jonathan Martin, LT, Stanford
11. Keith Price, QB, Washington
12 (tie). Darron Thomas, QB & De'Anthony Thomas, WR-RB, Oregon
13. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
14. David DeCastro, OL, Stanford
15. Keenan Allen, WR, California
16. Marqise Lee, WR, USC
17. Nick Perry, DE, USC
18. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
19. T.J. McDonald, S, USC
20. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
21. John White IV, RB, Utah
22. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
23. Nickell Robey, CB, USC
24. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
25. David Paulson, TE, Oregon
You can see Ted Miller's preseason top 25 here.
7. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
2011 numbers: Lotulelei had 44 total tackles, with nine coming for a loss. He had 1.5 sacks, a pass break-up, forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Preseason ranking: Unranked.
Making the case for Lotulelei: How dare the Pac-12 blog vote an interior defensive lineman ahead of all these scintillating offensive stars! Well, go ask any interior offensive lineman who tried to block Lotulelei last season -- almost always with a second interior offensive lineman helping. We'll wait here. Da da dum tee dum. You're back! They crumpled onto the ground and yelled, "Noooooo!" Yeah, that's what we thought. After all, Pac-12 offensive linemen voted Lotulelei, just a wee bit at 6-foot-3, 325 pounds, the best defensive lineman in the conference in 2011, which earned him the coveted Morris Trophy. He also earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors and then opted to come back for his senior season, even though he likely would have been a first-day pick in the NFL draft. The toughest things to find on the West Coast -- other than good barbecue restaurants -- are A-list interior defensive linemen. That's what Lotulelei is. If you plopped him into any Pac-12 defense, he wouldn't put up sexy numbers but that defense would dramatically improve statistically. The belief here is that Lotulelei should get preseason All-American attention.
8. Robert Woods, WR, USC
9. Chris Polk, RB, Washington
10. Jonathan Martin, LT, Stanford
11. Keith Price, QB, Washington
12 (tie). Darron Thomas, QB & De'Anthony Thomas, WR-RB, Oregon
13. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
14. David DeCastro, OL, Stanford
15. Keenan Allen, WR, California
16. Marqise Lee, WR, USC
17. Nick Perry, DE, USC
18. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
19. T.J. McDonald, S, USC
20. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
21. John White IV, RB, Utah
22. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
23. Nickell Robey, CB, USC
24. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
25. David Paulson, TE, Oregon
Our countdown of the Pac-12's top 25 players continues.
You can see Ted Miller's preseason top 25 here.
8. Robert Woods, WR, USC
2011 numbers: Woods caught 111 passes for 1,292 yards with 15 TDs.
Preseason ranking: No. 21
Making the case for Woods: Woods, first-team All-Pac-12, earned first-team All-American honors from the AP, The Sporting News and was second-team with Walter Camp. While he fell off a bit at season's end, almost entirely due to injury, there was no question the 6-foot-1, 180 pounder was the best receiver in the conference. His 9.2 receptions per game was No. 1 in the Pac-12 and No. 4 in the nation. His 107.7 yards receiving per game were No. 2 in the conference and No. 8 in the nation. His 15 TDs ranked first in the conference. He didn't do as well as he did in 2010 in the return game, but he still made opposing coaches very nervous whenever he touched the ball. His most memorable game came against Arizona, when he caught 14 passes for 255 yards. One of his two TDs went for 82 yards. He also set a school record with 17 catches in the opener against Minnesota.
9. Chris Polk, RB, Washington
10. Jonathan Martin, LT, Stanford
11. Keith Price, QB, Washington
12 (tie). Darron Thomas, QB & De'Anthony Thomas, WR-RB, Oregon
13. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
14. David DeCastro, OL, Stanford
15. Keenan Allen, WR, California
16. Marqise Lee, WR, USC
17. Nick Perry, DE, USC
18. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
19. T.J. McDonald, S, USC
20. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
21. John White IV, RB, Utah
22. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
23. Nickell Robey, CB, USC
24. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
25. David Paulson, TE, Oregon
You can see Ted Miller's preseason top 25 here.
8. Robert Woods, WR, USC
2011 numbers: Woods caught 111 passes for 1,292 yards with 15 TDs.
Preseason ranking: No. 21
Making the case for Woods: Woods, first-team All-Pac-12, earned first-team All-American honors from the AP, The Sporting News and was second-team with Walter Camp. While he fell off a bit at season's end, almost entirely due to injury, there was no question the 6-foot-1, 180 pounder was the best receiver in the conference. His 9.2 receptions per game was No. 1 in the Pac-12 and No. 4 in the nation. His 107.7 yards receiving per game were No. 2 in the conference and No. 8 in the nation. His 15 TDs ranked first in the conference. He didn't do as well as he did in 2010 in the return game, but he still made opposing coaches very nervous whenever he touched the ball. His most memorable game came against Arizona, when he caught 14 passes for 255 yards. One of his two TDs went for 82 yards. He also set a school record with 17 catches in the opener against Minnesota.
9. Chris Polk, RB, Washington
10. Jonathan Martin, LT, Stanford
11. Keith Price, QB, Washington
12 (tie). Darron Thomas, QB & De'Anthony Thomas, WR-RB, Oregon
13. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
14. David DeCastro, OL, Stanford
15. Keenan Allen, WR, California
16. Marqise Lee, WR, USC
17. Nick Perry, DE, USC
18. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
19. T.J. McDonald, S, USC
20. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
21. John White IV, RB, Utah
22. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
23. Nickell Robey, CB, USC
24. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
25. David Paulson, TE, Oregon
Our countdown of the Pac-12's top 25 players continues as we now move into the top 10.
You can see Ted Miller's preseason top 25 here.
No. 10. Jonathan Martin, LT, Stanford
2011 numbers: Martin protected QB Andrew Luck's blindside and the Cardinal gave up just 11 sacks in 2011, which tied for seventh fewest in the nation. The Cardinal also ranked 18th in the nation with 210.6 yards rushing per game.
Preseason ranking: No. 10
Making the case for Martin: The case will best be made for Martin when he's a first-round NFL draft choice this spring. The 6-foot-6, 304-pound junior opted to enter the draft a year early after earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors for a second consecutive year after being honorable mention as a redshirt freshman. Martin was a preseason first-team Playboy preseason All-America selection and made a number of postseason All-American teams, including Walter Camp (first team) and AP (second team). For two years in a row, Stanford has had the best offensive line in the conference -- in 2010, the Cardinal allowed just six sacks and rushed for 213.8 yards per game. Martin was the cornerstone both years.
No. 11 Keith Price, QB, Washington
No. 12 (tie). Darron Thomas, QB & De'Anthony Thomas, WR-RB, Oregon
13. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
14. David DeCastro, OL, Stanford
15. Keenan Allen, WR, California
16. Marqise Lee, WR, USC
17. Nick Perry, DE, USC
18. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
19. T.J. McDonald, S, USC
20. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
21. John White IV, RB, Utah
22. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
23. Nickell Robey, CB, USC
24. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
25. David Paulson, TE, Oregon
You can see Ted Miller's preseason top 25 here.
No. 10. Jonathan Martin, LT, Stanford
2011 numbers: Martin protected QB Andrew Luck's blindside and the Cardinal gave up just 11 sacks in 2011, which tied for seventh fewest in the nation. The Cardinal also ranked 18th in the nation with 210.6 yards rushing per game.
Preseason ranking: No. 10
Making the case for Martin: The case will best be made for Martin when he's a first-round NFL draft choice this spring. The 6-foot-6, 304-pound junior opted to enter the draft a year early after earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors for a second consecutive year after being honorable mention as a redshirt freshman. Martin was a preseason first-team Playboy preseason All-America selection and made a number of postseason All-American teams, including Walter Camp (first team) and AP (second team). For two years in a row, Stanford has had the best offensive line in the conference -- in 2010, the Cardinal allowed just six sacks and rushed for 213.8 yards per game. Martin was the cornerstone both years.
No. 11 Keith Price, QB, Washington
No. 12 (tie). Darron Thomas, QB & De'Anthony Thomas, WR-RB, Oregon
13. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
14. David DeCastro, OL, Stanford
15. Keenan Allen, WR, California
16. Marqise Lee, WR, USC
17. Nick Perry, DE, USC
18. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
19. T.J. McDonald, S, USC
20. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
21. John White IV, RB, Utah
22. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
23. Nickell Robey, CB, USC
24. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
25. David Paulson, TE, Oregon
Our countdown of the Pac-12's top 25 players continues.
You can see Ted Miller's preseason top 25 here.
No. 12 (tie). Darron Thomas, QB & De'Anthony Thomas, WR-RB, Oregon
2011 numbers: Darron Thomas completed 62 percent of his passes for 2,761 yards with 33 TDs and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 206 yards and three scores. De'Anthony Thomas rushed for 595 yards and seven TDs, averaging 10.8 yards per carry. He caught 46 passes for 605 yards and nine TDs. He averaged 27.3 yards per kick return with two TDs.
Preseason ranking: Darron Thomas was No. 3. De'Anthony Thomas was unranked.
Making the case for the Thomases: No doubting these Thomases! (Yes, this was a screw-up. Yes, one of these guys was inadvertently -- stupidly -- left off of the master top-25 list when the countdown began. So this is the best way to make sure they both get included. The good news is this is about where both would rank). Darron Thomas had a good season but fell a bit in our overall estimation -- he threw and ran for fewer yards than in 2010 -- while De'Anthony Thomas will be the highest rated true freshman. Darron Thomas, despite surprising many with his decision to enter the NFL draft a year early, ranks first in career touchdown passes (66) for Oregon, seventh in passing yards (5,910) and sixth in total offense (6,633). He is the third player in Pac-12 history (USC’s Matt Leinart 2003-04, Stanford’s Andrew Luck 2010-11) with consecutive seasons with 30 or more touchdown passes. And he was outstanding in the Rose Bowl, completing 17 of 23 for 268 yards with three touchdown’s and one interception in the win over Wisconsin.
De'Anthony Thomas was even more outstanding in the Rose Bowl, with a team-high 314 all-purpose yards, carrying the ball twice for 155 yards and two TDs, including a stunningly explosive 91 yard bolt. He also caught four passes for 34 yards. De'Anthony Thomas was the Pac-12 co-offensive freshman of the year and earned first team All-Conference honors as a kick returner. He was the only player in the nation with at least 400 yards rushing, receiving and kick returning. He ranked 11th nationally in all-purpose yards with 147.8 ypg. He earned numerous freshman All-American honors and is already being mentioned as a leading 2012 Heisman Trophy candidate.
13. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
14. David DeCastro, OL, Stanford
15. Keenan Allen, WR, California
16. Marqise Lee, WR, USC
17. Nick Perry, DE, USC
18. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
19. T.J. McDonald, S, USC
20. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
21. John White IV, RB, Utah
22. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
23. Nickell Robey, CB, USC
24. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
25. David Paulson, TE, Oregon
You can see Ted Miller's preseason top 25 here.
No. 12 (tie). Darron Thomas, QB & De'Anthony Thomas, WR-RB, Oregon
2011 numbers: Darron Thomas completed 62 percent of his passes for 2,761 yards with 33 TDs and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 206 yards and three scores. De'Anthony Thomas rushed for 595 yards and seven TDs, averaging 10.8 yards per carry. He caught 46 passes for 605 yards and nine TDs. He averaged 27.3 yards per kick return with two TDs.
Preseason ranking: Darron Thomas was No. 3. De'Anthony Thomas was unranked.
Making the case for the Thomases: No doubting these Thomases! (Yes, this was a screw-up. Yes, one of these guys was inadvertently -- stupidly -- left off of the master top-25 list when the countdown began. So this is the best way to make sure they both get included. The good news is this is about where both would rank). Darron Thomas had a good season but fell a bit in our overall estimation -- he threw and ran for fewer yards than in 2010 -- while De'Anthony Thomas will be the highest rated true freshman. Darron Thomas, despite surprising many with his decision to enter the NFL draft a year early, ranks first in career touchdown passes (66) for Oregon, seventh in passing yards (5,910) and sixth in total offense (6,633). He is the third player in Pac-12 history (USC’s Matt Leinart 2003-04, Stanford’s Andrew Luck 2010-11) with consecutive seasons with 30 or more touchdown passes. And he was outstanding in the Rose Bowl, completing 17 of 23 for 268 yards with three touchdown’s and one interception in the win over Wisconsin.
De'Anthony Thomas was even more outstanding in the Rose Bowl, with a team-high 314 all-purpose yards, carrying the ball twice for 155 yards and two TDs, including a stunningly explosive 91 yard bolt. He also caught four passes for 34 yards. De'Anthony Thomas was the Pac-12 co-offensive freshman of the year and earned first team All-Conference honors as a kick returner. He was the only player in the nation with at least 400 yards rushing, receiving and kick returning. He ranked 11th nationally in all-purpose yards with 147.8 ypg. He earned numerous freshman All-American honors and is already being mentioned as a leading 2012 Heisman Trophy candidate.
13. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
14. David DeCastro, OL, Stanford
15. Keenan Allen, WR, California
16. Marqise Lee, WR, USC
17. Nick Perry, DE, USC
18. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
19. T.J. McDonald, S, USC
20. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
21. John White IV, RB, Utah
22. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
23. Nickell Robey, CB, USC
24. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
25. David Paulson, TE, Oregon
Our countdown of the Pac-12's top 25 players continues.
You can see Ted Miller's preseason top 25 here.
13. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
2011 numbers: Wilson caught 82 passes for 1,388 yards with 12 touchdowns.
Preseason ranking: No. 25
Making the case for Wilson: Wilson ranked first in the Pac-12 and sixth in the nation with 115.7 yards receiving per game. His 12 touchdown receptions ranked second in the conference. His 16.9 yards per catch ranked third. Everyone who played Washington State knew this: Wilson is the Cougars' most dangerous weapon. And yet Wilson just kept catching passes. In the Cougs' two conference wins -- over Colorado and Arizona State -- he came up particularly big. He hauled in the a 63-yard touchdown with 1:10 left to complete a 31-27 comeback win in Boulder. And he caught eight passes for 223 yards -- yeah, that's 27.9 yards per catch -- and three TDs against the Sun Devils. While Wilson earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors behind USC's Robert Woods and California's Keenan Allen, it's not unreasonable to counter that the 6-foot-4, 183-pound sophomore had the best season of any receiver in the conference in 2011. And with 2,394 yards receiving in two years, he's on pace to write his name in the Washington State and Pac-12 record books.
14. David DeCastro, OL, Stanford
15. Keenan Allen, WR, California
16. Marqise Lee, WR, USC
17. Nick Perry, DE, USC
18. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
19. T.J. McDonald, S, USC
20. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
21. John White IV, RB, Utah
22. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
23. Nickell Robey, CB, USC
24. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
25. David Paulson, TE, Oregon
You can see Ted Miller's preseason top 25 here.
13. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
2011 numbers: Wilson caught 82 passes for 1,388 yards with 12 touchdowns.
Preseason ranking: No. 25
Making the case for Wilson: Wilson ranked first in the Pac-12 and sixth in the nation with 115.7 yards receiving per game. His 12 touchdown receptions ranked second in the conference. His 16.9 yards per catch ranked third. Everyone who played Washington State knew this: Wilson is the Cougars' most dangerous weapon. And yet Wilson just kept catching passes. In the Cougs' two conference wins -- over Colorado and Arizona State -- he came up particularly big. He hauled in the a 63-yard touchdown with 1:10 left to complete a 31-27 comeback win in Boulder. And he caught eight passes for 223 yards -- yeah, that's 27.9 yards per catch -- and three TDs against the Sun Devils. While Wilson earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors behind USC's Robert Woods and California's Keenan Allen, it's not unreasonable to counter that the 6-foot-4, 183-pound sophomore had the best season of any receiver in the conference in 2011. And with 2,394 yards receiving in two years, he's on pace to write his name in the Washington State and Pac-12 record books.
14. David DeCastro, OL, Stanford
15. Keenan Allen, WR, California
16. Marqise Lee, WR, USC
17. Nick Perry, DE, USC
18. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
19. T.J. McDonald, S, USC
20. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
21. John White IV, RB, Utah
22. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
23. Nickell Robey, CB, USC
24. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
25. David Paulson, TE, Oregon
Our countdown of the Pac-12's top-25 players continues.
You can see Ted Miller's preseason top 25 here.
No. 15 Keenan Allen, WR, California
2011 numbers: Allen caught 98 passes for 1,343 yards with six touchdowns. He averaged 13. 7 yards per reception.
Preseason ranking: Unranked.
Making the case for Allen: Allen earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors after ranking second in the Pac-12 in receiving yards. His 103.3 receiving yards per game ranked 10th in the nation in third in the conference. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound junior put up his huge numbers despite Cal quarterback Zach Maynard -- Allen's half-brother -- ranking 69th in the nation and 10th in the Pac-12 in passing efficiency. If Maynard improves in 2012, Allen's numbers should go up, particularly with the graduation of second-leading receiver Marvin Jones. If there was a downside to Allen's 2011 season, it was him playing better over the first half of the season -- he averaged 138 yards receiving per game in the first six games -- than the second, when he failed to eclipse 100 yards receiving over the final seven games. And you can be sure he'd like to reach the endzone a few more times.
16. Marquis Lee, WR, USC
17. Nick Perry, DE, USC
18. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
19. T.J. McDonald, S, USC
20. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
21. John White IV, RB, Utah
22. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
23. Nickell Robey, CB, USC
24. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
25. David Paulson, TE, Oregon
You can see Ted Miller's preseason top 25 here.
No. 15 Keenan Allen, WR, California
2011 numbers: Allen caught 98 passes for 1,343 yards with six touchdowns. He averaged 13. 7 yards per reception.
Preseason ranking: Unranked.
Making the case for Allen: Allen earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors after ranking second in the Pac-12 in receiving yards. His 103.3 receiving yards per game ranked 10th in the nation in third in the conference. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound junior put up his huge numbers despite Cal quarterback Zach Maynard -- Allen's half-brother -- ranking 69th in the nation and 10th in the Pac-12 in passing efficiency. If Maynard improves in 2012, Allen's numbers should go up, particularly with the graduation of second-leading receiver Marvin Jones. If there was a downside to Allen's 2011 season, it was him playing better over the first half of the season -- he averaged 138 yards receiving per game in the first six games -- than the second, when he failed to eclipse 100 yards receiving over the final seven games. And you can be sure he'd like to reach the endzone a few more times.
16. Marquis Lee, WR, USC
17. Nick Perry, DE, USC
18. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
19. T.J. McDonald, S, USC
20. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
21. John White IV, RB, Utah
22. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
23. Nickell Robey, CB, USC
24. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
25. David Paulson, TE, Oregon
Our countdown of the Pac-12's top-25 players continues.
You can see Ted Miller's preseason top 25 here.
No. 16 Marqise Lee, WR, USC
2011 numbers: Lee caught 73 passes for 1,143 yards with 11 touchdowns. He also averaged 28.5 yards on 10 kickoff returns, with an 88-yard TD.
Preseason ranking: Unranked.
Making the case for Lee: Lee, 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, was the Trojans' "other" super frosh receiver, but he ended up having the season many predicted for George Farmer and was every bit the equal of All-American Robert Woods by season's end. Lee led the Trojans with 15.7 yards per reception and earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors. He would have led the conference in kickoff returns if he had enough touches to qualify. Further, Lee really stepped up late in the season when Woods was banged-up. He caught seven of his 11 TD passes over the final five games and hauled in 21 passes for 411 yards in the final two -- wins over Oregon and UCLA. Lee and Woods will be widely regarded as the best WR tandem in the nation in 2012. Both will be All-American candidates. (And, don't look now, but it might be harder to earn first-team All-Pac-12 honors at WR than All-American honors.)
17. Nick Perry, DE, USC
18. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
19. T.J. McDonald, S, USC
20. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
21. John White IV, RB, Utah
22. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
23. Nickell Robey, CB, USC
24. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
25. David Paulson, TE, Oregon
You can see Ted Miller's preseason top 25 here.
No. 16 Marqise Lee, WR, USC
2011 numbers: Lee caught 73 passes for 1,143 yards with 11 touchdowns. He also averaged 28.5 yards on 10 kickoff returns, with an 88-yard TD.
Preseason ranking: Unranked.
Making the case for Lee: Lee, 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, was the Trojans' "other" super frosh receiver, but he ended up having the season many predicted for George Farmer and was every bit the equal of All-American Robert Woods by season's end. Lee led the Trojans with 15.7 yards per reception and earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors. He would have led the conference in kickoff returns if he had enough touches to qualify. Further, Lee really stepped up late in the season when Woods was banged-up. He caught seven of his 11 TD passes over the final five games and hauled in 21 passes for 411 yards in the final two -- wins over Oregon and UCLA. Lee and Woods will be widely regarded as the best WR tandem in the nation in 2012. Both will be All-American candidates. (And, don't look now, but it might be harder to earn first-team All-Pac-12 honors at WR than All-American honors.)
17. Nick Perry, DE, USC
18. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
19. T.J. McDonald, S, USC
20. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
21. John White IV, RB, Utah
22. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
23. Nickell Robey, CB, USC
24. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
25. David Paulson, TE, Oregon
The 2011 season is over. That means report cards are due.
Up next: Utah
Offense: The Utes ranked 12 in the Pac-12 in total offense with 310.9 yards per game and ninth in the conference in scoring offense with 25 points per game. The Utes, after losing quarterback Jordan Wynn to a shoulder injury in game four against Washington, basically leaned on running back John White and their tough defense. White ranked 11th in the nation with 116.9 ypg, and earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors, but the Utes ranked last in the conference in passing yards per game and 10th in passing efficiency. They gave up a lot of sacks -- 2.58 per game -- and were terrible on third down, ranking last in the conference in conversion rate. Still, Jon Hays, a transfer from Nebraska-Omaha who replaced Wynn, became a good enough game manager that the Utes won five of their last six games, including a dramatic comeback against Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl.
Grade: C-
Defense: The Utes ranked 19th in the nation and first in the Pac-12 in scoring defense (20.2 ppg) and third in the Pac-12 in total defense (350.9 ypg). They were No. 1 in the conference in passing efficiency defense and No. 3 in run defense (113.54 ypg). The Utes were good -- but not great -- at pressuring the quarterback (2.5 sacks per game ranking fifth in the conference) and they were good -- but not great -- on third down, ranking fifth in conversion defense. What they were particularly good at, however, was take-aways. They led the conference with 32 take-aways, including 19 interceptions. Two defensive linemen, tackle Star Lotulelei, who won the Morris Trophy as the conference's best defensive lineman, and end Derrick Shelby won first-team All-Pac-12 honors.
Grade: B+
Overall: The Utes would have won the South Division if they didn't gag at home on the regular-season's final weekend in a surprising loss to Colorado. But they bounced back from that with an impressive overtime victory over Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl. An 8-5 finish with a 4-5 record in conference play ain't too shabby for a team that made the move from the Mountain West into an AQ conference. Some wondered if the Utes could handle the weekly grind of Pac-12 play. They did and ended up with the third most wins in the league. Further, if they can figure things out at quarterback, the Utes look like they could be a factor in the South in 2012.
Grade: B
Up next: Utah
Offense: The Utes ranked 12 in the Pac-12 in total offense with 310.9 yards per game and ninth in the conference in scoring offense with 25 points per game. The Utes, after losing quarterback Jordan Wynn to a shoulder injury in game four against Washington, basically leaned on running back John White and their tough defense. White ranked 11th in the nation with 116.9 ypg, and earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors, but the Utes ranked last in the conference in passing yards per game and 10th in passing efficiency. They gave up a lot of sacks -- 2.58 per game -- and were terrible on third down, ranking last in the conference in conversion rate. Still, Jon Hays, a transfer from Nebraska-Omaha who replaced Wynn, became a good enough game manager that the Utes won five of their last six games, including a dramatic comeback against Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl.
Grade: C-
Defense: The Utes ranked 19th in the nation and first in the Pac-12 in scoring defense (20.2 ppg) and third in the Pac-12 in total defense (350.9 ypg). They were No. 1 in the conference in passing efficiency defense and No. 3 in run defense (113.54 ypg). The Utes were good -- but not great -- at pressuring the quarterback (2.5 sacks per game ranking fifth in the conference) and they were good -- but not great -- on third down, ranking fifth in conversion defense. What they were particularly good at, however, was take-aways. They led the conference with 32 take-aways, including 19 interceptions. Two defensive linemen, tackle Star Lotulelei, who won the Morris Trophy as the conference's best defensive lineman, and end Derrick Shelby won first-team All-Pac-12 honors.
Grade: B+
Overall: The Utes would have won the South Division if they didn't gag at home on the regular-season's final weekend in a surprising loss to Colorado. But they bounced back from that with an impressive overtime victory over Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl. An 8-5 finish with a 4-5 record in conference play ain't too shabby for a team that made the move from the Mountain West into an AQ conference. Some wondered if the Utes could handle the weekly grind of Pac-12 play. They did and ended up with the third most wins in the league. Further, if they can figure things out at quarterback, the Utes look like they could be a factor in the South in 2012.
Grade: B
While recruiting season is heating up for its home stretch, national signing day is about the future. The present matters, too, and there are plenty of present matters that need attending.
What are the main areas of focus in advance of spring practices? Glad you asked.
1. Hello, my name is Coach ____________: There are four new Pac-12 head coaches: Rich Rodriguez at Arizona, Todd Graham at Arizona State, Jim Mora at UCLA and Mike Leach at Washington State. That's a lot of turnover -- one third of the league. Further, none of the four retained many members of the previous staffs. So there will be a lot of "Getting to know you" in advance of spring practices. Also, beyond head coaches, Norm Chow left Utah to become Hawaii's head coach, so the Utes need a new offensive coordinator. Washington rebuilt its defensive staff. Coach Steve Sarkisian fired defensive coordinator Nick Holt and two other coaches and saw defensive backs coach Demetrice Martin bolt for UCLA. He then raided Tennessee, California and Oregon State to replace them. Because of the Huskies, Cal will have two new assistants this spring and Oregon State one.
2. Settled at quarterback? The only teams that have certainty at quarterback are: California, Oregon State, USC and Washington -- and some Cal fans might even harrumph that assertion. You can probably throw Arizona's Matt Scott in there as a certainty, both because he has quality starting experience and because there's no one around to unseat him. UCLA, Utah and Washington State have returning starters, but they also have plenty of intrigue. It's uncertain who takes the first snap in the opener. For Oregon, most would favor Bryan Bennett stepping in after Darron Thomas' surprising decision to enter the NFL draft, but his name isn't written atop the depth chart in ink just yet. Arizona State, Colorado and Stanford are wide-open competitions. It would be wise for any quarterback who wants to be in the starting mix to be laying groundwork with his teammates and coaches well in advance of the first spring practice.
3. Line up: Arizona welcomes back five starters on its offensive line, while USC and Washington get four starting offensive linemen back. Every other team has some degree of uncertainty with at least two voids to fill. Perhaps more than any position, the quality -- and depth -- of an offensive line can be advanced during the offseason. Hit the weight room, training table and the track -- get stronger, quicker and work off the baby fat and turn that into quality size. Right now just about every team has a guy who thinks he's going to automatically advance on the depth chart who is going to be overtaken by a youngster who is eyeballing his slack, er, rear end while doing an extra set of power cleans.
4. Taking the next step: At this point last year, Oregon defensive end Dion Jordan and Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei were just promising guys, not first-team All-Pac-12 defenders. Wide receivers Keenan Allen of Cal and Robert Woods of USC were coming off impressive freshman seasons but were facing the inevitable, "What's next?" questions, which implied the possibility of sophomore slumps. But, of course, Allen and Woods joined Jordan and Lotulelei on the All-Conference first team. Did you know that USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil wasn't even honorable mention All-Pac-10 in 2010? Kalil was a big-time talent who had yet to make a statement -- you know, the "I'm a top-five pick as the best left tackle in the NFL draft" statement. There are a lot of players who had good seasons in 2011. Good for them. But just like Oregon coach Chip Kelly, the Pac-12 blog is a forward-thinking operation. Yes, we were very impressed De'Anthony Thomas, Marqise Lee, John White, Ben Gardner, Nickell Robey, Marquess Wilson, Dion Bailey, Hayes Pullard, Brian Blechen, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Keith Price, Tramayne Bondurant, Mustafa Jalil, Stefan McClure, David Bakhtiari, Colt Lyerla, Scott Crichton, Sean Mannion, Ty Montgomery, Sean Parker, John Fullington, etc. But what are you doing to get better right now? Yes, right now. So stop reading this, wondering why your name isn't listed and go do some wind sprints.
5. Don't believe the hype -- either way: Everyone is massively overrating USC and Oregon. Top-five teams? Pfftt. So stop staring at yourself in the mirror in your tighty-whiteys, doing a most-muscular pose. I talked to your mammas and they said you ain't all that. California, Washington and Utah are eyeballing your girlfriends. Better watch out. If you don't do the work, you won't be top-five anything. And what about you Colorado, UCLA, Arizona, Oregon State, Washington State -- are you going to hear those national yawns and assume there's no hope? Are you expecting to lose and using that as an excuse to eat a Twinkie on the sofa while watching "Caddyshack" again instead of going to a workout? From now until opening day, there will be endless fan and media chatter describing how every Pac-12 teams' season is going to go. Hey, it's fun. But that doesn't decide a season. The 100 guys in the locker room do. Oh, and one final thought. Stanford? You're done. You ain't poo without Andrew Luck.
What are the main areas of focus in advance of spring practices? Glad you asked.
1. Hello, my name is Coach ____________: There are four new Pac-12 head coaches: Rich Rodriguez at Arizona, Todd Graham at Arizona State, Jim Mora at UCLA and Mike Leach at Washington State. That's a lot of turnover -- one third of the league. Further, none of the four retained many members of the previous staffs. So there will be a lot of "Getting to know you" in advance of spring practices. Also, beyond head coaches, Norm Chow left Utah to become Hawaii's head coach, so the Utes need a new offensive coordinator. Washington rebuilt its defensive staff. Coach Steve Sarkisian fired defensive coordinator Nick Holt and two other coaches and saw defensive backs coach Demetrice Martin bolt for UCLA. He then raided Tennessee, California and Oregon State to replace them. Because of the Huskies, Cal will have two new assistants this spring and Oregon State one.
[+] Enlarge
Jim Z. Rider/US PresswireBryan Bennett is the favorite to take over for Darron Thomas at Oregon.
Jim Z. Rider/US PresswireBryan Bennett is the favorite to take over for Darron Thomas at Oregon.3. Line up: Arizona welcomes back five starters on its offensive line, while USC and Washington get four starting offensive linemen back. Every other team has some degree of uncertainty with at least two voids to fill. Perhaps more than any position, the quality -- and depth -- of an offensive line can be advanced during the offseason. Hit the weight room, training table and the track -- get stronger, quicker and work off the baby fat and turn that into quality size. Right now just about every team has a guy who thinks he's going to automatically advance on the depth chart who is going to be overtaken by a youngster who is eyeballing his slack, er, rear end while doing an extra set of power cleans.
4. Taking the next step: At this point last year, Oregon defensive end Dion Jordan and Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei were just promising guys, not first-team All-Pac-12 defenders. Wide receivers Keenan Allen of Cal and Robert Woods of USC were coming off impressive freshman seasons but were facing the inevitable, "What's next?" questions, which implied the possibility of sophomore slumps. But, of course, Allen and Woods joined Jordan and Lotulelei on the All-Conference first team. Did you know that USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil wasn't even honorable mention All-Pac-10 in 2010? Kalil was a big-time talent who had yet to make a statement -- you know, the "I'm a top-five pick as the best left tackle in the NFL draft" statement. There are a lot of players who had good seasons in 2011. Good for them. But just like Oregon coach Chip Kelly, the Pac-12 blog is a forward-thinking operation. Yes, we were very impressed De'Anthony Thomas, Marqise Lee, John White, Ben Gardner, Nickell Robey, Marquess Wilson, Dion Bailey, Hayes Pullard, Brian Blechen, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Keith Price, Tramayne Bondurant, Mustafa Jalil, Stefan McClure, David Bakhtiari, Colt Lyerla, Scott Crichton, Sean Mannion, Ty Montgomery, Sean Parker, John Fullington, etc. But what are you doing to get better right now? Yes, right now. So stop reading this, wondering why your name isn't listed and go do some wind sprints.
5. Don't believe the hype -- either way: Everyone is massively overrating USC and Oregon. Top-five teams? Pfftt. So stop staring at yourself in the mirror in your tighty-whiteys, doing a most-muscular pose. I talked to your mammas and they said you ain't all that. California, Washington and Utah are eyeballing your girlfriends. Better watch out. If you don't do the work, you won't be top-five anything. And what about you Colorado, UCLA, Arizona, Oregon State, Washington State -- are you going to hear those national yawns and assume there's no hope? Are you expecting to lose and using that as an excuse to eat a Twinkie on the sofa while watching "Caddyshack" again instead of going to a workout? From now until opening day, there will be endless fan and media chatter describing how every Pac-12 teams' season is going to go. Hey, it's fun. But that doesn't decide a season. The 100 guys in the locker room do. Oh, and one final thought. Stanford? You're done. You ain't poo without Andrew Luck.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Ted Miller
Miller has been covering college football since 1997, starting with Auburn and then heading West to Washington and the Pac-12. His columns for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer won first place in the 2007 APSE Best Writing contest. The Atlanta native and University of Richmond graduate presently lives with his wife in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Kevin Gemmell
Gemmell covered San Diego State and the Mountain West Conference for three years before joining ESPN.com. As a Santa Clara graduate, his hope is that the Broncos will one day re-institute football. Until then, he lives vicariously through his readers. Gemmell lives in California with his wife and son.
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