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2015 Preseason Pacific Takes All-Pac-12 Teams

Four all-conference teams of the Pac-12's best players going into 2015.

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

First Team

Offense

QB Jared Goff Jr. Cal

Tough call between Goff and Kessler, but I am going with Goff. He may not have quite the talent around him that Kessler does, but I think he is a better pure quarterback and will put up just as good of numbers in the Bear Raid.

RB Devontae Booker Sr. Utah

I thought Booker was off to the NFL after last season, but he is back. He tore it up as a junior with more than 1,500 yards and will likely carry a heavy, heavy load for the Utes in 2015.

RB Paul Perkins Jr. UCLA

Perkins was the Pac-12's leading rusher in 2014 with nearly 1,600 yards and did it with an impressive 6.3 yards per-carry. He was a stud in the Alamo Bowl and should get more opportunities to shine in 2015 as UCLA breaks in a new QB.

WR Nelson Spruce Sr. Colorado

The Pac-12's leading returning receiver had more than 100 receptions, 1,100 yards and caught 12 touchdowns in 2014 (At times, it seemed like he was the entire Colorado offense). He is one of the most reliable players in the conference coming back and could see an even bigger boost in his numbers if he can step it up when he plays against good competition.

WR Cayleb Jones Jr. Arizona

The former Texas transfer exploded for the Wildcats as a sophomore with more than 1,000 yards receiving. As Anu Solomon's favorite topic, expect him to put up even bigger numbers than he did in 2014 as a big, versatile receiver.

TE Stephen Anderson Sr. Cal

Okay, Anderson seems more like a receiver, but Cal officially lists him as a tight end now so I am putting him here. He had more than 40 catches, 600 yards and caught five touchdowns in 2014 and looks poised to put up the best numbers of any Pac-12 tight end again in 2015.

OL Max Tuerk Sr. USC

Tuerk has been a mainstay for the Trojans for years now and this will be the year he takes center stage and turns into an All-American. I think Johnstone or Seumalo could be better than him if fully healthy, but of guaranteed healthy linemen, he is the best in the Pac-12.

OL Kyle Murphy Sr. Stanford

What? Another big monster Stanford offensive lineman that could be an All-American? I am so shocked... Murphy is a mauler that is next in line to be a great Stanford offensive tackle.

OL Jake Brendel Sr. UCLA

Brendel is a big part of why Perkins has turned into a star at running back. He has been the driving force of turning around the UCLA offensive line and forming it into one of the conference's best units.

OL Tyler Johnstone Sr. Oregon

Johnstone missed all of 2014, but could be the conference's best lineman if he can come back healthy. He is a big rangy tackle that is excellent on the edge, making him perfect for the Oregon offense.

OL Isaac Seumalo Jr. Oregon State

Another unfortunate injury story, Seumalo also missed all of 2014 with an injury and still is questionable heading into 2015. If he can get healthy, he could easily be the conference's best offensive lineman.

Defense

DL DeForest Buckner Sr. Oregon

Buckner easily could have went to the NFL after his junior season, but is back to become the Pac-12's unquestioned top defensive lineman heading into the season.

DL Kenny Clark Jr. UCLA

Clark emerged as a major gamechanger up front for the Bruins in 2014 and still has room to grow into an All-American. He can dominate with his size and strength in the run game and get into the backfield with his athleticism.

DL Hunter Dimick Jr. Utah

Dimick was overshadowed by Nate Orchard, but he was still a force for the Utes up front with double-digit sacks and tackles for loss. He should become the Utes' star on defense with Orchard gone to the NFL.

DL Eddie Vanderdoes Jr. UCLA

Vanderdoes is a beast for UCLA in run defense and I think this is the season he fulfills his huge potential and becomes a first-team All-Pac-12 choice for the Bruins. He is versatile and athletic enough to also turn into a little bit of a pass rusher and if he does that... watch out.

LB Scooby Wright Jr. Arizona

Wright has already cemented himself as one of the greatest Pac-12 linebackers of all-time. He has the chance this year to become a college football legend.

LB Myles Jack Jr. UCLA

Jack had some of his thunder stolen by Wright and playing less offense in 2014, but he is still a star. I think this is the year he becomes a star based solely on his defensive play.

LB Su'a Cravens Jr. USC

Linebacker or safety it doesn't matter, Cravens is a star that will be the leader of the USC defense. He is the rare kind of talent that could be an All-American at two different defensive positions.

DB Ishmael Adams Jr. UCLA

Not a great year for defensive backs in the conference, but Adams is the best of the bunch. He is fast, strong, aggressive and want to make plays once he gets his hands on the ball, everything you want in a cornerback.

DB Fabian Moreau Sr. UCLA

Moreau is Adams bash brother at cornerback and an equally impressive player for the Bruins in the back end. He also has great size and it helps make him a factor in run defense.

DB Adoree Jackson So. USC

Jackson is a star in the making who might be the conference's best defensive back by the end of the season. He is also likely going to be a top flight receiver for the Trojans on offense.

DB Sidney Jones So. Washington

You might expect to see Budda Baker here, but I actually like Jones more. He is a aggressive, rangy athlete that looks to be the next lock-down cornerback for the Huskies.

Special Teams

K Andy Phillips Jr. Utah

Phillips is a legit All-American candidate that should finish his career as one of the Pac-12's best kickers of all-time if he keeps up his level of play.

P Tom Hackett Sr. Utah

Hackett is first team on almost every All-American team out during the preseason.

R Adoree Jackson So. USC

Jackson is poised to be an amazing three-way threat for the Trojans.

Second Team

Offense

QB Cody Kessler Sr. USC

Most have Kessler first team, but I like Goff a tiny bit more as a pure player. Still, Kessler is a legitimate Heisman candidate who could cement himself with the other great USC quarterbacks if he has another great year.

RB Royce Freeman So. Oregon

Freeman ran for more than 1,300 and scored 18 touchdowns as a freshman and is poised to do even more this year. He could top even Jonathan Stewart and LaMichael James as Oregon's greatest running back by the time his career is over.

RB Nick Wilson So. Arizona

Wilson will give Freeman a run for his money as the conference's best sophomore running back and future superstar. He should rush for more than 1,500 yards in 2015 and could scratch 20 touchdowns.

WR Jordan Payton Sr. UCLA

Payton emerged as a major playmaker in 2014 and should get over the 1,000-yard mark and possibly 10-touchdown mark in 2015. He should be a go-to target for Josh Rosen with his size and strength.

WR Bryon Marshall Sr. Oregon

Marshall made an amazing transition from running back to receiver last year, with more than 1,000 yards receiving. He is an amazing dual-threat receiver who can also rack up a lot of yards rushing due to his background as an 1,000-yard back.

TE Austin Hooper Jr. Stanford

Hooper is the next great Stanford tight end and could be poised for a major breakout season after a very good season in 2014.

OL Nick Kelly Sr. Arizona State

One of many great centers in the Pac-12 this year and the leader of an underrated Arizona State offensive line.

OL Christian Westerman Sr. Arizona State

The former Texas transfer has been an underrated presence on the ASU offensive line and might be the best guard in the conference.

OL Alex Redmond Jr. UCLA

Another great guard, Redmond has been a stud since he showed up at UCLA and is an explosive and mobile asset in the run game.

OL Vi Teofilo Sr. Arizona State

Another monster on the interior of the Sun Devil offensive line, he is a big part of why the Sun Devils have such a great run game.

OL Caleb Benenoch Jr. UCLA

Another young UCLA lineman that is coming of age and turning into a star.

Defense

DL Lowell Lotulelei So. Utah

Star's younger brother is an All-American in the making as one of the best young linemen in the country.

DL Alex Balducci Sr. Oregon

An underappreciated presence, Balducci isn't flashy, but is fantastic at standing up against the run.

DL Antwaun Woods Sr. USC

Woods is fire hydrant type defensive tackle who stands firm in the middle and stuffs the run and should become the Trojans' best defensive lineman with Leonard Williams off to the NFL.

DL Reggie Gilbert Sr. Arizona

Gilbert got another year of eligibility and his pass rushing, experience and strength on the edge will be huge for the Wildcats.

LB Jared Norris Sr. Utah

Norris is the conference's best linebacker after the star trio of Wright/Jack/Cravens. He would usually be good enough to be first team almost any year if it weren't for the depth of talent this year at linebacker.

LB Blake Martinez Sr. Stanford

The next in the line of great Stanford linebackers, Martinez is big, polished, disciplined and a leader.

LB Kevin Anderson Sr. Stanford

Anderson is right there with Martinez as a veteran linebacker in the Stanford defense that can bring the pain and rarely make mistakes.

DB Budda Baker So. Washington

Baker isn't very big, but he is athletic as safeties come and it makes him one of the best cover safeties in the conference.

DB Kevon Seymour Sr. USC

Seymour isn't the firecracker that Adoree Jackson is, but he is a just plain really good corner.

DB Jordan Simone Sr. Arizona State

There are always those safeties that are always around the ball and rack up a ton of tackles and never let plays get behind them, Simone is the Pac-12's version of that player this year.

DB Jaleel Wadood So. UCLA

Wadood made such a big impact as a freshman that he pushed some other really talented safeties out of the way to earn a starting spot and should get even better as he matures.

Special Teams

K Zane Gonzalez Jr. Arizona State

Gonzalez is a great kicker who is perpetually overshadowed by Andy Phillips.

P Drew Riggleman Sr. Arizona

Riggleman was second team All-Pac-12 as a junior.

R Trevor Davis Sr. Cal

Davis showed just how dangerous of a kick returner he is against Washington State in 2014 when he returned back-to-back kickoffs for touchdowns.

Offense

QB Mike Bercovici Sr. Arizona State

All the pieces are there for Bercovici to be one of the best one-and-done type starter QBs in the Pac-12.

RB Daniel Lasco Sr. Cal

Lasco quietly ran for more tan 1,000 yards in 2014 and will continue to be an excellent ground option to compliment Cal's aerial attack in 2015.

RB Thomas Tyner Jr. Oregon

The fact that Oregon has a big back with the outrageous speed that Tyner does as their second option is ridiculous. He could be a first-team back if he is healthy and gets enough carries.

WR D.J. Foster Sr. Arizona State

The All-Pac-12 running back slides over to receiver and should do quite well after being one of the nation's best receiving backs for three years.

WR River Cracraft Jr. Washington State

Cracraft gets a ton of targets in Mike Leach's offense and he makes the most of them as a consistent catching machine.

TE Joshua Perkins Sr. Washington

Perkins is another smaller tight end that is primary a receiver. He is a major asset for the Huskies in the red zone.

OL Chris Borrayo Jr. Cal

Borrayo is a big part of why Cal's offensive line had a renaissance in 2014. He is a versatile guard that is excellent in run blocking and pass protection.

OL Scott Quessenberry Jr. UCLA

Quessenberry faces a lot of competition on the UCLA offensive line, but as a 214 All-Pac-12 selection, he should make the most of his time in 2015.

OL Toa Lobendahn So. USC

Lobendahn immediately burst onto the scene as a true freshman in 2014 and became a star.

OL Viane Talamaivo So. USC

The other freshman stud on the line for the Trojans is a massive, massive force that could eventually form an All-American duo with Lobendahn.

OL Chad Wheeler Jr. USC

Wheeler was turning into an All-Pac-12 player before he went down with an injury mid-season. He has endless potential if he comes back healthy.

Defense

DL Delvon Simmons Sr. USC

The former Texas Tech transfer is a key part of a very deep USC defensive line and makes a lot of plays as he had 44 tackles in 2014.

DL Claude Pelon Sr. USC

Pelon moved to the outside in the spring and looks to be a major factor for the Trojans in 2015 after making a lot of plays in the backfield as a back-up in 2014.

DL Kenny Bigelow So. USC

Bigelow has the potential to be a Leonard Williams-level player if he can get healthy after missing all of 2014. He is a big versatile athlete with endless potential.

DL Brennan Scarlett Sr. Stanford

It really has to hurt Cal that their best defensive lineman will be suiting up for their hated rival for his final season. Scarlett is injury prone, but is a good pass rusher when healthy.

LB D.J. Calhoun So. Arizona State

The best young linebacker in the league, Calhoun was a big reason why Arizona State was able to win with a young defense last year as a pure playmaker that loves to get into the backfield.

LB Joe Walker Sr. Oregon

Walker is your typical unheralded Oregon linebacker that doesn't make mistakes, never leaves plays on the table and makes a lot of tackles.

LB Michael Barton Jr. Cal

Barton is a rare bright spot on a bad Cal defense. He is a complete linebacker who can rack up tackles.

DB Kweishi Brown Sr. Arizona State

Brown brings a lot of physicality to the cornerback position and can also make plays on the ball well when challenged.

DB Reggie Daniels Jr. Oregon

The only returning starter in the Duck secondary is a steady presence who was excellent in run support and rarely missing tackles in 2014.

DB Tahaan Goodman Jr. UCLA

Goodman has been a bit lost in the shuffle with so many talented players in the Bruin defensive backfield, but I think 2015 is the year he breaks out as a full-time starter.

DB Lloyd Carrington Sr. Arizona State

A really underrated corner, Carrington is a tough playmaker who is perfect for Todd Graham's defense with his physicality and aggressiveness.

Special Teams

K Cameron Van Winkle Jr. Washington

Van Winkle was super reliable for the Huskies as a sophomore.

P Matt Haack Jr. Arizona State

Haack has great numbers a sophomore.

R Charles Nelson So. Oregon

Nelson looks like he could be the next great Duck return man with his ridiculous speed.

Fourth Team

Offense

QB Anu Solomon So. Arizona

RB Storm Woods Sr. Oregon State

RB Dwayne Washington Jr. Washington

WR Juju Smith So. USC

WR Kenny Lawler Jr. Cal

TE Kody Kohl Jr. Arizona State

OL Tyrell Crosby So. Oregon

OL Joe Dahl Sr. Washington State

OL Dexter Charles Sr. Washington

OL Conor McDermott Jr. UCLA

OL Steven Moore Jr. Cal

Defense

DL Tashon Smallwood So. Arizona State

DL Jason Fanaika Sr. Utah

DL Edmond Boateng Jr. Arizona State

DL Darryl Paulo Sr. Washington State

LB Jeremiah Allison Sr. Washington State

LB Deon Hollins Jr. UCLA

LB Lamar Dawson Sr. USC

DB William Parks Sr. Arizona

DB Larry Scott Sr. Oregon State

DB Leon McQuay III Jr. USC

DB John Plattenburg So. USC

Special Teams

K Ka'imi Fairbairn Sr. UCLA

P Korey Durkee Sr. Washington

R Ishmael Adams Jr. UCLA