Ranking the 2015 Pac-12 linebacker groups: UCLA has the best linebackers in the Pac-12

1. UCLA - Myles Jack (Jr.) Kenny Young (So.) Deon Hollins (Jr.) Kenne Orijoke (Jr.) Isaako Savaiinaea (Jr.)

Jim Mora has built a hell of a linebacker group in Westwood. Led by Mr. Everything Jack, this unit is big, fast, aggressive and young but experience.

2. Stanford - Blake Martinez (Sr.) Kevin Anderson (Sr.) Peter Kalambayi (Jr.) Noor Davis (Sr.) Luke Kaumatule (Sr.)

This unit isn't as good as it was a couple of years ago, but how could anyone be that good again? This is a nice blend of a couple of classic Stanford holdovers like Anderson and Martinez and the new regime of playmaking linebackers like Kalambayi.

3. USC - Su'a Cravens (Jr.) Lamar Dawson (Sr.) Anthony Sarao (Sr.) Michael Hutchings (Jr.) Olajuwan Tucker (So.)

This unit jumped up a few spots when it revealed that the Pac-12's bes defensive back, Cravens, was becoming a full-time linebacker. Dawson and Sarao are solid veterans and Hutchings and Tucker are youngsters ready to emerge as standouts.

4. Oregon - Joe Walker (Sr.) Christian French (Sr.) Rodney Hardrick (Sr.) Tyson Coleman (Sr.)

As usual, the Ducks have an underrated group of linebackers. Walker is a heady player who does everything right, French is a proven pass rushes on the edge and Hardrick is a rock in the middle.

5. Arizona State - D.J. Calhoun (So.) Salamo Fiso (Jr.) Viliami Moeakiola (Jr.) Chans Cox (So.) Antonio Longino (Sr.)

This younger unit is perfect for Todd Graham. They are quick, athletic, love to attack and get into the backfield.

6. Arizona - Scooby Wright III (Jr.) Jake Matthews (Jr.) Cody Ippolito (Jr.) Derrick Turituri (Jr.)

Wright greatly elevates this unit as the best linebacker in the nation, but don't sleep on the rest of the players who will benefit from his presence. Matthews is a gritty tackler and Turituri can make plays in the backfield.

7. Utah - Jared Norris (Sr.) Jason Whittingham (Sr.) Tanner Larsen (So.) Udea Masina (So.)

Norris is a big time players and Whittingham is a good pass rushing linebacker. They need a little more depth though.

8. Washington - Travis Feeney (Sr.) Cory Littleton (Sr.) Azeem Victor (So.) Keishawn Bierria (So.)

The stars are gone from Washington's linebacker group, but Feeney and Littleton are solid players that have been around for a while now with some talent.

9. Cal - Michael Barton (Jr.) Jalen Jefferson (Sr.) Hardy Nickerson (Jr.) Devante Downs (So.)

There is talent here, led by star in the making Barton, but they need to prove themselves a bit more by stopping opponents occasionally in 2015.

10. Washington State - Jeremiah Allison (Sr.) Peyton Pelleur (So.) Kache Palacio (Sr.) Ivan McClellan (Sr.)

The Cougars are not known for their defense, but they have a decent linebacker core. Allison is a lower All-Pac-12 level player.

11. Colorado - Addison Gillam (Jr.) Kenneth Olugbode (Jr.) Deaysean Rippy (Jr.) Ryan Severson (Jr.)

Gillam was close to on par with Scooby Wright as a freshman, but struggled last year with illness. This unit would be a huge boost if Gillam can get back on track.

12. Oregon State - Caleb Saulo (Jr.) Rommel Mageo (Jr.) Kyle Haley (Jr.) Manase Hungalu (So.)

The Beavers lost every starter from their 2014 defense and now will have to completely rebuild with unknown talents.