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Top 50 2017 Pac-12 football players - 11-20: Cody O’Connell a returning All-American

We continue our countdown of the Pac-12’s top players coming into 2017.

Washington v Washington State Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images

41-50 31-40 21-30

11. Cody O’Connell Sr. G Washington State

The 6’8 370-pound guard was an Outland Trophy finalist in 2016. He grades out as one of the best linemen in the entire nation.

12. Josh Rosen Jr. QB UCLA

Rosen could be the biggest star in the Pac-12, but he hasn’t shown it yet. This is honestly very generous for him. Let’s see what he does this year.

13. Kenny Young Sr. LB UCLA

Young is one of the conference’s best returning tacklers and play-making linebackers. He should have even more production with Jayon Brown graduated.

14. Ronald Jones Jr. RB USC

Jones cracked 1,000 yards and scored 13 touchdowns in 2016 and it seems like he is just getting started. He could have a huge 2017 as USC’s lone feature back with Justin Davis graduated.

15. Scott Quessenberry Sr. C UCLA

The lone bright spot on UCLA’s offensive line last year. He was first-team All-Pac-12 in 2016 and should be again in 2017.

16. Jaleel Wadood Sr. S UCLA

He had nearly 150 tackles, six for-loss, two picks and eight pass break ups the past two seasons. The best veteran defensive back in the conference.

17. Vita Vea Jr. DT Washington

Get ready for a scary season from the 6’5 340 Vea. He was great in 2016, but has the potential to have a first-team All-American season in 2017.

18. Royce Freeman Sr. RB Oregon

I’m shocked Freeman is back and I’m sure the rest of the Pac-12 is disappointed. He could get right back to testing the 2,000-yard and 20-touchdown marks.

19. Greg Gaines Jr. DT Washington

Gaines doesn’t have the flash of Vea, but might be the nastiest player in the Pac-12. He is a bulldog against the run.

20. Jeromy Irwin Sr. T Colorado

An All-Pac-12 selection who was a big reason the Buffs made a huge leap in 2016. He should be first-team All-Pac-12 in 2017.