2014 Pac-12 Positional Rankings - Defensive Backs: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu headlines Pac-12 defensive back rankings

1. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu Sr. CB Oregon

Ekpre-Olomu turned down the NFL after last season despite almost being guaranteed going in the first round and is widely recognized as being the top cornerback returning in college football in 2014. He is a strong corner who can physically handle any receiver who brings some of the best run defense skills to the position that I have ever seen in the Pac-12.

2. Jordan Richards Sr. S Stanford

A veteran at the back of the Stanford defense, Richards is a big hitter that can defend the run as any safety in the nation. He has excellent size to match his hitting prowess and is the kind of physical presence that can keep receivers and tight ends from going over the middle.

3. Marcus Peters Jr. CB Washington

At 6'0 200, Peters has excellent size and ball skills to boot. He can be a turnover machine when opponents challenge him, just ask Oregon State, as he picked off two passes, caused and recovered a fumble against the Beavers in 2013.

4. Steven Nelson Sr. CB Oregon State

Nelson might not be a household name, but he teamed with Rashaad Reynolds last year to form a dynamic cornerback duo and finished the season with six interceptions. He will become the Beavers' lock-down cornerback in 2014 and he has all of the tools to more than fill Reynolds' shoes.

5. Jared Tevis Sr. S Arizona

The Wildcats have slowly been turning their defense around under Rich Rodriguez and Tevis has been a big part of that. He isn't the biggest guy, but he is a tackling machine that almost never lets big plays get behind him.

6. Josh Shaw Sr. CB USC

Shaw has everything physically that you want in a cornerback and he could have been drafted had he declared for the 2014 NFL Draft, but he is back for his senior season. He has been solid throughout his career, but never a star and 2014 would be the perfect time to turn into one with his impressive tools.

7. Alex Carter Jr. CB Stanford

Carter brings serious size and strength to the position at 6'0 205 as he was a safety coming out of high school. He has first round potential and can dominate receivers physically as well as any cornerback in the conference.

8. Su'a Cravens So. S USC

Cravens is an absolute star in the making, and I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up being the best safety in the Pac-12 at the end of the season. Still, Cravens is one of those former elite recruits who many are rating a little too highly going into 2014, based on a good, but not great 2013 and his high potential.

9. Brian Blechen Sr. S Utah

Blechen has been forgotten after missing all of last season to injury, but he is a standout if he can bounce back from injury. He is a former linebacker, that brings that size and physicality to the position, but can also defend the pass well and snatch interceptions.

10. Anthony Jefferson Sr. S UCLA

The rare veteran in UCLA's talented, but young, defensive back group, Jefferson had a breakout season in 2013 as an honorable mention All-Pac-12 selection who racked up tackles. He isn't a physical monster, but he does everything he needs to do well and is a steady presence in the back of the Bruin defense.

11. Ryan Murphy Sr. S Oregon State

An underrated player that is consistent in the back of the Beavers defense, Murphy might be the heart of the Beaver D and like Jefferson, simply does everything you need him to well. He also brings ideal size to the table at 6'3 215 and can be a ball hawk with six career interceptions.

12. Randall Goforth Jr. S UCLA

The other safety for the Bruins is similar to Jefferson as a solid, all-around player that can rack up tackles and pick off passes when the chance arises.

On the edge

Fabian Moreau So. CB UCLA

Tyrequek Zimmerman Sr. S Oregon State

Jonathan McKnight Sr. CB Arizona

Eric Rowe Sr. S Utah

Greg Henderson Sr. CB Colorado