The Pac-10 has always been, at least in my head, a passing and pass defense conference when it came to next level talent.
The USC’s, Cal’s, and Oregon’s have always been solid passing teams, and the rest of the conference works with defensive backs and pass rush specialists to combat that.
And while this crop of Pac-10 seniors and juniors has it’s share of defensive tackles, running backs, linebackers, and offensive lineman, quarterbacks, pass rushers, and receivers/defensive backs still dominate this crop.
1. Jake Locker, Quarterback, Washington
-Strong built, mobile, and good arm, he needs to show more consistency and better touch to be #1 overall.
2. Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford
-NFL size and strength and can take advantage of defenses already, we’ll see how he does without Gerhart.
3. Akeem Ayers, Outside Linebacker, UCLA
-Outstanding athlete that has gotten overlooked because of team record, he’s a force on the outside.
4. Stephen Paea, Defensive Tackle, Oregon State
-Verstaile inside presence, Paea moves well between blockers and at the very least is disruptive.
5. Jurrell Casey, Defensive Tackle, USC
-Good build and size, Casey utilizes his size well, but needs to polish him game to be NFL ready.
6. Kris O’Dowd, Center, USC
-Long touted as a future NFL starter, O’Dowd will have to lead an inexperienced line in 2010.
7. LeMicheal James, Running Back, Oregon
-Quick on the outside and has a deadly burst once he finds space, he won’t have Masoli with him.
8. Lawrence Guy, Defensive Tackle, Arizona State
-Not a tremendous overall athelte, guy has the tools and technique to have an impressive season.
9. Stanley Havilli. Fullback, USC
-A rare top notch fullback prospect, Havilli catches, blocks, breaks tackles, and runs like an NFL starter.
10. Mike Mohammed, Outside Linebacker, California
-Great athlete who has improved drastically in his three years as a starter, he’s got great potential.
11. Allen Bradford, Running Back, USC
-Wasn’t the “feature” guy in 2009 because of McKnight, this is now Bradford and Company’s backfield.
12. Rahim Moore, Safety, UCLA
-Led the country in interceptions in 2009 with 10, and if he continues to impress, he won’t be overlooked.
13. Ronald Johnson, Wide Receiver, USC
-Played well last year with Barkley throwing to him in his first year, Johnson and Barkely should be better in ’10.
14. Shane Vereen, Running Back, California (JR)
-Great speed on the outside, he’s been pushing Jahvid Best, a likely starter in his rookie year, since ’08.
15. Omar Bolden, Cornerback, Arizona State
-Still somewhat raw when it comes to NFL potential, Bolden has been a proven college shutdown cornerback.
16. Chris Galippo, Outside Linebacker, USC
-Can play in a variety of sets, Galippo needs to show that he can be consistent and isn’t just a ‘tweener.
17. Casey Matthews, Inside Linebacker, Oregon
-Another Matthews brother who plays very tough, Matthews is more versatile than his brother Clay, not as talented.
18. CJ Gable, Running Back, USC
-Will be sharing carries with Allen Bradford, but he’s got the gamebreaking ability and needs to explode in ’10.
19. Jaquizz Rodgers, Running Back, Oregon State
-Obviously very undersized, we’ve seen guys around his size get chances in the NFL, and not many were this talented.
20. James Rodgers, Wide Receiver, Oregon State
-‘Quiz’s brother, James has deep speed and decent hands, but will need to show that he can get seperation.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
