College Football Predictions: Picking the Pac-12's Best Players at Each Position

Over the past few seasons, the Pac-12 Conference has slowly become known as one of the elite conferences in the nation.

With two teams starting the season ranked in the top-10—Oregon and Stanford—the Pac-12 is now viewed as the clear-cut best conference behind the SEC.

With a power conference comes star players, and that is exactly what the Pac-12 has an abundance of.

Heisman contenders like LaMichael James from Oregon and Andrew Luck from Stanford are far and away the stars of the Pac-12. However, that doesn't mean the conference doesn't have any other talent elsewhere.

Here's a list of the best players at each position in the Pac-12 conference.

Quarterback: Andrew Luck, Stanford

No surprise here.

Andrew Luck might not only be the best quarterback in his own conference, but might be the best player in the nation.

Luck will likely be the first-overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft and is a serious Heisman Trophy award candidate.

Running Back: LaMichael James, Oregon

The two no-brainers right off the bat.

LaMichael James is considered to be the best running back in the nation and finished third in the Heisman voting in 2010.

Kenjon Barner—Oregon's backup running back— will be taking some of James' carries away, but it's still safe to say that he will have another big year for the Ducks in 2011.

Wide Receiver 1: Juron Criner, Arizona

This 6'4" 215-pound wide receiver was Nick Foles' favorite target in the 2010 season.

With both seniors returning for their senior season, expect big things from this dynamic duo in the Wildcat's passing game.

Wide Receiver 2: Jermaine Kearse, Washington

Jermain Kearse emerged as one of the conference's top receivers after a phenomenal 2010 with Jake Locker at Washington.

Kearse eclipsed the 1,000 yards receiving mark in 2010 and snagged 12 touchdowns in the process.

However, with the loss of Locker to the NFL, it's doubtful that Kearse will be able to put up numbers similar to those he had last year.

Offensive Tackle: Jonathan Martin, Stanford

Not only is Jonathan Martin arguably the best offensive lineman in the conference, he also has one of the most important jobs in the country: protecting Andrew Luck's blindside.

The future first-round pick might be the best offensive lineman in the entire country. 

Offensive Guard: David DeCastro, Stanford

What are the chances? Two of the best offensive lineman in the Pac-12 are on the same team.

This should make Andrew Luck one happy man.

With two of the best offensive lineman in the country—Martin and DeCastro—protecting Luck, Stanford's offense is primed to put up some big numbers in 2011.

Defensive End: Junior Onyeali, Arizona State

After winning the Pac-10 defensive freshman of the year award in 2010, Junior Onyeali will be out looking to build upon last year's success.

Arizona state's defense will rank near the top of the conference in 2011. Expect Onyeali to contribute in a big way.

Defensive Tackle: Alameda Ta'amu, Washington

Washington's defensive line is shaping up to be one of the best in the Pac-12.

Leading the group will be senior defensive tackle Alameda Ta'amu, who is primed for a big season.

Ta'amu will be the big man in the middle as he tries to shore up the Huskies' rush defense.

Linebacker 1: Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State

If you haven't heard of Vontaze Burfict yet, it won't be much longer until you hear his name being mentioned in the highlights every night.

Burfict is arguably the best linebacker in the country. He won the all-conference defensive MVP in 2010, as well as being selected to the All-American team.

Linebacker 2: Shayne Skov, Stanford

Shayne Skov will be the leader of a very talented Stanford Defense in 2011.

After losing Owen Marecic to the NFL, more weight will fall on the shoulders of Skov as he tries to lead lead the Cardinal's linebacking corps.

Cornerback 1: Cliff Harris, Oregon

Even though Harris was suspended indefinitely for the beginning of the 2011 season, Cliff Harris will still have plenty of time to make his presence felt. 

Harris will be leading a strong Oregon's secondary this year as the Ducks try to repeat as Pac-12 champions.

Cornerback 2: Desmond Trufant, Washington

The Washington Huskies are primed to have a solid defense in 2011.

Their secondary will be lead by junior cornerback and two-year starter Desmond Trufant, who had 48 tackles and an interception last season.

Safety 1: T.J. McDonald, USC

After leading the Trojan defense in tackles a year ago, T.J. McDonald will be expected to become the leader of the defense.

This 6'3" 205-pounder will likely be a first day draft selection in the 2012 draft if he opts to forgo his senior year at USC.

Safety 2: John Boyett, Oregon

John Boyett has been the starting safety at Oregon ever since his freshman year.

Even though he is at bit undersized at 5'10" and 202 pounds, Boyett is instrumental to Oregon's rush defense.

Look for the two-year starter to have a big season in 2011.