The college football season is right around the corner. As the season approaches, I will be breaking down the best players of each conference. Each article a new conference will be unveiled and the order will be alphabetical. The players will be ranked 1-10 (1 being the best). Note: This is before the start of the 2012 season, therefore players may get hurt and some will get better or worse. This is simply analyzing the best players in each conference, not which players will get drafted the highest in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Pacific 12 Conference
1.Matt Barkley-Quarterback-Southern California
The senior quarterback is going into the 2012 season as the most hyped player in the nation. Matt Barkley is just as good off the field as he is on it; he is one of the best students and hardest workers in the college game today. Now that we are finally entering the season, scouts are trying to nitpick Barkley but they are struggling to criticize him. In 2011 Barkley threw for 39 touchdowns and only seven interceptions while totaling 3,528 yards. Barkley has all of the traits that people don’t normally think of that makes him great: he stays poised in the pocket, throws fantastically on the run and has a soft touch on fade routes, dropping it over the cornerbacks. This Heisman hopeful looks to lead the Trojans to a national title.
2.Star Lotulelei-Defensive Tackle-Utah
The Utes’ defensive tackle only has average stats but he plays like a superstar by sucking in double teams, bowling over interior lineman and disrupting the pass game. The 2011 Morris Trophy (best defensive lineman) recipient recorded 44 tackles last season and he also absorbs double teams, freeing up space so his teammates can get into the backfield and make plays. The 318-pounder is arguable the most valuable defensive player in the country, with his dominance up front, Utah could surprise people in the PAC-12.
3.Keith Price-Quarterback-Washington
Stepping into the shadow of Jake Locker last season, Keith Price is a bit of an unknown for most viewers, but this kid is a star. Although he is only 6’1 (which is short for a QB), Price dominates the passing game and has an amazing football IQ. In the Alamo Bowl against Baylor last year, Price scored for 7 touchdowns (3 rushing) and put Washington in a position to win if their defense had held up. Not only does Price just throw the ball, but he can make all of the throws, one of his best passes is the TE seam to phenom Austin-Sefarian Jenkins. Price threw for 33 touchdowns and 11 interceptions; that is more touchdowns than Jake Locker ever threw as a Husky. Keith Price is my dark horse for the Heisman, he will show everyone how great he is week 2 at LSU.
4.Marquess Wilson-Wide Receiver-Washington State
Just as Mike Leach comes to coach Washington State, the buzz around Marquess Wilson escalates. Blessed with freakish measurable (6’4, 185), Wilson exhibits tremendous body control and shows the ability to stretch the field at any given moment. Wilson makes ridiculous catches and can jump over any defensive back that he will face in college. 82 receptions for 1,388 yards and a dozen touchdowns in 2011, Mike Leach is going to abuse Marquess Wilson in 2012.
5.Kenjon Barner-Running Back-Oregon
After backing up LaMichael James for several years, Kenjon Barner is finally ready to step into the spotlight. Barner is a burner (would you expect anything else from Oregon) and it is going to be extremely hard to contain him. Barner has insanely quick feet and can bust a play open whenever he wants; if he turns the corner, good luck catching him. Like James, Barner is a great pass catcher and is not afraid to run between the tackles either; he fits this offense perfectly.
6.Keenan Allen-Wide Receiver-California
Allen made the All PAC-12 team last year and has a very good chance to repeat that feat this year. Allen is a great size at 6’3, 210 but runs like he only ways 170 pounds, easily QB Zac Maynard’s favorite target. Keenan Allen was two receptions shy of 100 and finished the season with 1,343 yards to go along with six touchdowns. With Marvin Jones going to the NFL, Allen becomes the true number one receiver and will showcase his talents against double-teams and number one corners. Whether it is end-arounds or short passes, Allen has the ability to go the distance against any defense.
7.Robert Woods-Wide Receiver-Southern California
Many scouts have Robert Woods ranked very high, but I feel that the 7th overall player in the conference is a safe bet. Woods typically runs short routes and does a lot of his damage after the catch. Barkley’s favorite target finished 5th in the nation with 111 receptions and ranked 13th with 1,292 receiving yards. Woods loses defenders with his footwork and veteran-like route running- at least once a game Woods will go uncovered on a “Sluggo route.” The Barkley-Woods connection is one of the top tandems in the nation.
8.T.J. McDonald-Free Safety-Southern California
T.J. McDonald is the most important defender on the USC team, he is the glue that holds the backfield together. As a coach, it is great to see your free safety step up and make tackles, McDonald tallied 69 in 2011 which included a game with 10 against UCLA. T-Mac has fluid hips and can cover the slot receiver if need-be, allowing the defense to keep more pass rushers on the field. McDonald never gets beat deep and is the top safety in this year’s class.
9.De’Anthony Thomas-Athlete-Oregon
On the depth chart, De’Athony Thomas is listed as a running back but he is what I like to call a hybrid player. Not only does he play out of the backfield but he also lines up at receiver and returns kicks. Another Oregon speedster, Thomas has big-play potential and will have a lot more to offer in his sophomore season. Even though he is the backup running back, Thomas will play a huge part in the Duck’s offense, Chip Kelly lives for speedy playmakers.
10.Austin Seferian-Jenkins-Tight End-Washington 
When talking about NFL tight ends, most of them have basketball backgrounds and ASJ doesn’t break that mold. As a two-sport varsity athlete, Seferian-Jenkins has been a stud on the campus of Washington. At 6’6, 266 lbs., the Washington native uses his power forward footwork and speed to get open and create plays. Last year, as a freshman, ASJ caught 41 passes for 538 yards and six scores. The tight end position is evolving into a combo position involving blocking and stretching the field, with that being said, no linebacker in the nation can cover the Washington tight end. People normally don’t say this, but the sophomore tight end is going to be who teams center their defensive gameplan around.
Just Missed:
Jordan Poyer-Cornerback-Oregon State
Jeff Tuel-Quarterback-Washington State
Marquis Lee-Wide Receiver-Southern California
Marcus Trufant-Cornerback-Washington
Silas Redd-Running Back-Southern California
Joseph Fauria-Tight End-UCLA
AlexFarnworth 