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Top Pac-12 players returning from injury in 2018: Washington to get back a number of contributors

Who are the best players who missed significant time coming back healthy to the Pac-12 in 2018?

NCAA Football: Washington at Arizona State Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Trey Adams Sr. T Washington - Adams was on pace to be a top five pick in the 2018 NFL Draft before he injured his knee last October. He might not be ready for the first few weeks, but he will be an All-American candidate once he’s ready as a 6’8 330-pound left tackle with NFL athleticism.

Marquise Blair Sr. S Utah - The Utes lost the big-hitting Blair down the stretch in 2017 and their secondary took a hit. Getting him back healthy will help bolster a Ute DB group that should be one of the best in the conference.

Xavier Crawford Jr. CB Oregon State - Crawford looked like he was ready to turn into a star as a freshman as a 6’1 195 force at corner, but got hurt in September of last year and never came back. He might be the best player on the Beaver roster, if healthy, in 2018.

Porter Gustin Sr. DE USC - Gustin is a major NFL talent with crazy edge rushing ability for a 6’5 265 guy who is versatile enough to play OLB. He had three sacks in the first three games of the season last year before basically being shut down. He should easily crack double digits if he plays a full season in 2018 and might be the conference’s best pass rusher.

Justin Herbert Jr. QB Oregon - The Ducks were an offensive mess without Herbert in 2017 and a good team when he was healthy. He has the potential to be the best QB in the conference if healthy in 2018 and his presence makes the Ducks a darkhorse conference title contender. He has that much potential.

Alijah Holder Sr. CB Stanford - The 6’2 Holder has All-Pac-12 potential, but has trouble staying healthy. He could be a shutdown #1 CB for the Cardinal if he stays on the field in 2018.

Chico McClatcher Jr. WR Washington - Washington’s passing game suffered when their number two receiver went down early last year. He’s a speedy deep threat that is also dangerous on fly sweeps.

Jordan Miller Sr. CB Washington - Another tall cornerback with major NFL potential, Miller forms a scary duo with the next guy on this list. He got taken out in the same game as Adams and the Husky pass defense never recovered. Their secondary should be lights out if he’s back.

Byron Murphy So. CB Washington - Murphy came back late in the season, but missed a big chunk of 2017. He has the makings of the next Husky cornerback to go very high in the draft if he stays on the field.

Peyton Pelleur Sr. LB Washington State - The Cougars lost their best defensive player right out the gate last year, but get him back on a medical redshirt. He’s a big linebacker who doesn’t miss tackles that should be a senior leader for their defense.

Demetris Robertson So. WR Cal - Robertson quietly had 50 catches for 700 plus yards and seven TDs in 2016, but missed almost all of 2017. He is poised to turn into one of the Pac-12’s best receivers in 2018.

Caleb Wilson Jr. TE UCLA - Wilson was on a record-breaking tight end stat pace before he got hurt in 2017. He has first round NFL Draft potential and All-American capabilities as a pass-catching specialist tight end.