Top 50 2019 Pac-12 players 31-40: Arizona State’s Merlin Robertson a star in the making

40. Frederick Mauigoa Sr. C Washington State - The Cougars have gotten a lot of attention at tackle lately, but Mauigoa is right up their with Cody O’Connell as one of their best recent interior offensive linemen. A steady force in the middle of their line.

39. Shane Lemeiux Sr. G Oregon - Lemeiux is a four-year starter with great athleticism for an interior lineman. He’s balanced and a team leader poised to help the Ducks turn the corner again as a program.

38. Jake Hanson Sr. C Oregon - Hanson might be the most-talented of any of the Oregon offensive linemen and have the most NFL potential. He keys their run game and is one of the best centers in the conference.

37. Jaylinn Hawkins Sr. S Cal - Hawkins blew up along with the rest of Cal’s secondary in 2018, picking off six passes, three of which came in the Cheez-It Bowl. He has elite speed and range for a safety and also has more than 100 tackles in his career.

36. Nate Landman Jr. LB Colorado - He emerged as a standout linebacker as a sophomore and earned All-Pac-12 honors. He had more than 100 tackles, 15 for-loss, with four sacks and two ints in 2018.

35. Levi Onwuzurike Jr. DT Washington - The ultra-athletic defensive tackle came into his own as a sophomore an an upfield player next to Greg Gaines. He finished with more than 30 tackles, 6.5 for-loss and three sacks and is one of the most-disruptive interior defenders in the Pac-12.

34. John Penisini Sr. DT Utah - The Utes are stacked on the defensive line and Penisini should continue to be a force in 2019. He had nearly 40 tackles, seven for-loss and two sacks in 2018.

33. Mustafa Johnson Jr. DE Colorado - An All-Pac-12 selection in 2018, the JC transfer was a monster for the Buffs last season. He had more than 50 tackles, 15.5 for-loss and 7.5 sacks. He was quietly one of the best all around defensive linemen in the conference.

32. Luc Bequette Sr. DE Cal - One of the reasons Cal’s defense was so good in 2018. He was a revelation as a junior with nearly 50 tackles, 6.5 for-loss and five sacks. He’s also super versatile and can play all along the line.

31. Merlin Robertson So. LB Arizona State - Robertson is one of those young talents I could see being a Top 10 player by the end of the season, he was that good as a freshman. He’s a rare, NFL talent and future star at linebacker for the Sun Devils who had 77 tackles, 8.5 for-loss, five sacks and an INT for the Sun Devils last year.