Not way back, the Pac-12’s expertise scale tilted unmistakably to the offense, notably the ability positions. The convention often rolled out a handful of NFL-caliber quarterbacks supported by high-end tailbacks and receivers.
However as we study the personnel in 2022, it’s clear the vast majority of the convention’s finest gamers are on protection — and never within the secondary.
A high quality case could possibly be made that the defensive entrance, lengthy one of many weaker place teams, has the best focus of expertise.
The Hotline’s rating of the highest 10 gamers ignores place worth, both within the school recreation or the NFL Draft, and takes a pound-for-pound method to expertise.
Additionally thought-about: Oregon OG TJ Bass, USC CB Mekhi Blackmon, Oregon OL Alex Forsyth, Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez, ASU OG LaDarius Henderson, Washington OT Jaxson Kirkland, Utah TE Dalton Kincaid, Stanford QB Tanner McKee, ASU LB Merlin Robertson, Utah DL Mika Tafua, Utah TB Tavion Thomas, UCLA QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, USC DT Tuli Tuipulotu
1. Oregon linebacker Noah Sewell: He doesn’t play one of many important perimeter spots (edge rusher, cornerback), however Sewell would be the finest participant at any place on the sector this fall, dominating from the middle as Utah’s Devin Lloyd did final season.
2. USC receiver Jordan Addison: The reigning Biletnikoff Award winner may very effectively shut the season as the most effective participant within the league, and the land. However we marvel concerning the adjustment to a brand new quarterback, new scheme, new head coach, new convention — and all of the hype.
3. Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III: Phillips has been on the trail to stardom since he turned one of many highest-ranked signees in Utah historical past. His man-to-man protection abilities give the Utes a great deal of flexibility with their schemes. A future high-round draft decide.
4. Cal defensive deal with Brett Johnson: The perfect under-the-radar participant within the convention is an unblockable bull on the inside. In case you’re unfamiliar, that’s as a result of Johnson didn’t play in 2021 as a result of accidents sustained in an offseason automotive accident. Assuming he’s wholesome, destruction will comply with.
5. Washington edge Zion Tupuola-Fetui: The pocket-crusher can be greater on the checklist — maybe No. 1 — if not for the Achilles tear suffered within the spring of 2021. If he’s again to pre-injury kind, Tupuola-Fetui might be one of many nation’s finest edge rushers.
6. Utah quarterback Cameron Rising: It’s so completely Utah that a returning quarterback, toting a convention title and first-team all-league honors, can be nudged off the preseason stage. USC’s Caleb Williams has wolfed up the eye, however we count on Rising to have one other stellar yr.
7. UCLA tailback Zach Charbonnet: The perfect ballcarrier within the convention (by a slim margin over Utah’s Tavion Thomas). Charbonnet, whose profession started at Michigan, runs with energy and elusiveness and is adept within the passing recreation. Top-of-the-line all-around tailbacks within the nation.
8. Washington State edge Ron Stone Jr.: The son of the previous Professional Bowler recorded 11.5 tackles-for-loss final yr in what was, technically, his sophomore season. We count on him to enhance on that quantity as the first playmaker for what needs to be a stout entrance seven.
9. Oregon defensive finish Brandon Dorlus: After three seasons in Kayvon Thibodeaux’s shadow, Dorlus strikes into the highlight. He’s athletic, versatile, requires double-teams in passing conditions and is destined for the highest half of the NFL Draft each time he declares.
10. USC quarterback Caleb Williams: Whereas not the Pac-12’s finest professional prospect on the place — that may be Stanford’s Tanner McKee — the Oklahoma switch is an elite playmaker who ought to have a significant affect. That mentioned, he has solely tried 211 profession passes, and plenty of got here towards third-rate defenses.
Help the Hotline: Obtain three months of limitless entry for simply 99 cents. Yep, that’s 99 cents for 90 days, with the choice to cancel anytime. Particulars are right here, and thanks to your help.
*** Ship ideas, feedback and ideas (confidentiality assured) to pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.com or name 408-920-5716
*** Observe me on Twitter: @WilnerHotline
*** Pac-12 Hotline isn't endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Convention, and the views expressed herein don't essentially mirror the views of the Convention.