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Top 50 2016 Pac-12 football players - 31-40: Solomon Thomas and Elijah Qualls emerging defensive linemen

We continue our countdown of the top players in the Pac-12 in 2016.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

41-50

40. Jaleel Wadood Jr. S UCLA - Another second-team all-conference defensive back, Wadood made a whole lot plays for the Bruins in 2015, especially at the end of the season. He could crack 100 tackles in 2016 while also being a great pass defender.

39. Tim White Sr. WR Arizona State - White is known as a dangerous return man, but he is also one of the best returning receivers in the conference. He had 663 yards receiving and caught eight touchdowns in 2015.

38. Daniel Ekuale Jr. DT Washington State - Teamed with Destiny Vaeao to revolutionize the Cougar front. He is one of those players who controls things up front and should progress as he takes over full-time for Vaeao.

37. Peyton Pelleur Jr. LB Washington State - A tackling machine who was a big part of the improved Cougar defense,he had more than 100 tackles in 2015 and more than 10 tackles for-loss. Looks to be the heart and soul of the Cougar D in 2016.

36. Tashon Smallwood Jr. DT Arizona State - The man who holds it down up front for the Sun Devil D, Smallwood has 43 tackles in 2015, a huge number for a defensive lineman and regularly made plays behind the line.

35. Hunter Dimick Sr. DE Utah - Dimick was injured for almost all of 2015 so he wasn't able to follow up his 10-sack 2014 campaign. He has a great  shot at being a first-team All-Pac-12 defensive lineman if he is healthy.

34. Elijah Qualls Jr. DE Washington - Qualls was on his way to being a first-team All-Pac-12 player before he got banged up and missed some time in 2015. He moves from tackle to end in 2016 where his ability to make plays in the backfield will really help.

33. Isaac Asiata Sr. G Utah - Asiata was an honorable mention all-conference selection as part of a powerful Utah offensive line in 2015. He is an experienced, veteran who should be one of the best offensive linemen in the conference in 2016.

32. Chris Borrayo Sr. G Cal - A two-time honorable mention all-conference selection, Borrayo is the best lineman on a team that ran for a lot of yards in 2015. He is one of the best interior offensive linemen in the conference this year.

31. Solomon Thomas Jr. DT Stanford - Emerged as one of the best players on Stanford's defense in 2015. He had more than 10 tackles for-loss and has unlimited potential as an athletic, versatile defender up front.