Pac-10's Top 10 Players

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Aug 23, 2006

Pac-10's Top 10 Players

Antoine Cason, CB

One of the nation's finest all-around cornerback talents, Cason dominates in one-on-one coverage and has gained a reputation as one of the steadiest, hardest-hitting tacklers in the Pac-10. The 6-foot 182-pounder should be a top pick in the 2007 NFL draft.

Sam Baker, T

In his third season as starting left tackle, Baker has bulked up to 305 pounds. As one of the nation's best tackles, he's sure to be coveted by the NFL, but Baker has already publicly stated that his intentions are to stay at USC for his senior season.

Lawrence Jackson, DE

He enters his third season starting at defensive end. Last year Jackson led the Trojans with 10 sacks and also broke up six passes and forced four fumbles. He has unusual quickness on the edge for a player of his stature (6-5, 265).

Zach Miller, TE

Quite possibly the nation's best all-around tight end, he reminds many of former Arizona State star Todd Heap. At 6-5, 259 pounds, Miller has proven to be a reliable target (38 catches for 476 yards and four touchdowns last season) and a dominant blocker.

Yvenson Bernard, RB

While a bit undersized (5-9, 202 pounds), Bernard is very durable and possesses speed that's hard to contain. An all-around threat in the backfield, he scampered for 1,321 yards and 13 rushing TDs and caught 37 passes for 316 yards and another score. He was honorable-mention All-Pac-10 last season -- the conference was loaded with talented RBs -- and should vie for first-team status this year.

Rudy Carpenter QB

Less than 48 hours after announcing that Sam Keller would begin the season as Arizona State's starting QB, Sun Devils coach Dirk Koetter reversed his decision and named Carpenter the lead signal-caller. Carpenter took over under center last year after Keller went down with a season-ending injury and averaged 365.8 passing in his five starts (4-1 record). He also led the nation in passing efficiency (175.01).

Brandon Mebane, DT

He could be the nation's best defensive tackle. At 6-3, 306 pounds, he moves like a defensive end. Last season Mebane regularly faced double teams but still compiled seven sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss. He should easily earn All-America honors.

Jason Hill, WR

He could have been a first-day pick in the 2006 NFL draft, but he chose to come back and challenge the Wazzu record book. He has good size (6-1, 210) and enough speed to make him a big-play threat in the pass-happy Pac-10. Last season Hill lit up a respectable Cal defense for 240 yards and three touchdowns.

Dwayne Jarrett, WR

He had monster numbers as a sophomore: 91 catches for 1,274 yards and 16 TDs. Although he'll be without QB Matt Leinart, Jarrett should still flourish and is sure to be a top pick in the 2007 NFL draft. At 6-5, 210 pounds, he has soft hands, which helps him make numerous acrobatic catches.

Marshawn Lynch, RB

The dynamic and elusive running back enters the season as a Heisman Trophy candidate. He has the speed to turn the corner and the strength to pound between the tackles. If healthy, Lynch and RB Justin Forsett should easily combine for more than 2,500 yards on the ground.

Pac-10's Top 10 Players