2018 Pac-12 breakout stars: Washington’s Byron Murphy and Stanford’s Foster Sarell ones to watch

Arizona - Michael Eletise So. G - The Wildcats pulled the big guard away from big time schools and he should slide in as a starter this year. He has the potential to one of the best offensive linemen they have had in a while in Tucson.

Arizona State - Jay Jay Wilson Sr. LB - Wilson recently transitioned from tight end and looks ready to lead the way for the linebacker group right away. He’s versatile, athletic, and should be able to rush the passer.

Cal - Demitris Robertson So. WR - Robertson had a good freshman year with Davis Webb throwing him the ball, but missed almost all of 2017 due to injury. He could quickly turn into one of the Pac-12’s best receivers if he comes back healthy.

Colorado - Beau Bisharat Jr. RB - The former blue chip recruit has been behind the great Phillip Lindsay, but his time should be now. He hasn’t done much yet, but the 6’2 215 pure athlete seems poised for a break out.

Oregon - Demmodore Lenoir So. CB - One of the top-rated corners to ever sign with Oregon was good as a freshman and should progress towards All-Pac-12 status as a sophomore.

Oregon State - Artavis Pierce Jr. RB - Pierce had a better freshman season than his sophomore season, but should be able to bounce back with a new coach and Ryan Nall off to the NFL. He’s already rushed for almost 900 yards in his career and could get close to totalling that amount in 2018.

Stanford - Foster Sarell So. G - Sarell wasn’t a starter as a true freshman because the Cardinal were stacked at guard, but he should step into a starter role in 2018. He is on the same level as Walker Little who was one of the best freshman offensive linemen in the nation in 2017 as their starter at left tackle.

UCLA - Dorian Thompson-Robinson Fr. QB - I’m going way out on a limb and saying DTR wins the job as a true freshman. I had sophomore QB Devon Modster here, but he didn’t have a good spring and I think there is a good chance Chip Kelly wants to start fresh with his guy. Michigan transfer Wilton Speight could be the guy, but I think DTR is more dangerous, and a better long-term option.

USC - Stephen Carr So. RB - Carr just scratched the surface of what he can do as a true freshman running behind Ronald Jones. He could be better than Jones was already as a sophomore, and that’s saying a lot.

Utah - Leki Fotu Jr. DT - The Utes seem to grow great defensive linemen on trees these days and Fotu might be the next in line at DT. He’s 6’5 325 and developing into a tough run stopper up front.

Washington - Byron Murphy So. CB - Murphy missed a lot of time in 2017 due to injury or he might already be a star. He might be the conference’s best CB coming into the season and he should prove it as long as he stays healthy and become Washington’s next NFL CB.

Washington State - Damontavean Martin So. WR - The rangy 6’3 receiver was great as a freshman with 366 yards receiving and six TDs. He should be even better as a sophomore as WSU’s number one receiver.