Pac-10's Top 10 Players

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Aug 20, 2007

Pac-10's Top 10 Players

Jonathan Stewart, RB, Jr.

Stewart has been hampered by nagging ankle injuries, but he's primed for a real breakout season. When he's 100 percent, the 230-pounder is tough to contain, as evidenced by his 144 rushing yards against a talented Oklahoma defense last year.

Keith Rivers, LB, Sr.

You could easily get away with placing any of USC's three linebackers on this list, but Rivers is the cream of the crop. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound outside linebacker doesn't have a weakness and led USC with 85 tackles last year.

Yvenson Bernard, RB, Sr.

Bernard may be the most underappreciated running back in the country. Over the past two seasons, he has rushed for 2,628 yards and caught 80 passes.

Bruce Davis, DE, Sr.

Davis recorded the most sacks (12.5) of any returning player in college football. The senior possesses outstanding speed off the edge.

Sam Baker, LT, Sr.

The four-year starter has already earned All-America honors twice. At 6-foot-5, 305 pounds, Baker is an exceptionally reliable blocker on John David Booty's blind side.

Sammie Stroughter, WR/PR, Sr.

Stroughter led the Pac-10 in catches (74) and receiving yards (1,293). The senior playmaker also scored three touchdowns off punt returns.

Sedrick Ellis, DT, Sr.

This 6-foot-1, 285-pounder is the rock at the center of USC's extremely talented defense. Ellis, who bench presses more than 500 pounds, is the strongest player on the Trojans roster.

Antoine Cason, CB, Sr.

Cason is arguably the top cover corner in America. The 6-foot, 185-pound senior possesses fabulous technique. Cason is a valuable commodity in the pass-happy Pac-10.

DeSean Jackson, WR/PR, Jr.

Jackson's magnificent vision and breathtaking speed make him one of the most explosive players at the college level. As a sophomore, he led the NCAA in punt return average (18.2 yards) and touchdowns (four). He also caught 59 balls for 1,060 yards and nine touchdowns.

John David Booty, QB, Sr.

Although Darren McFadden finished as runner-up in last year's Heisman Trophy race, many experts believe Booty is the frontrunner for this year's stiff-arming statue. The senior signal-caller finished last season in style, throwing for 391 yards and four touchdowns against a highly regarded Michigan defense.