Jack Follman’s 2021 Top 50 Pac-12 Football Players: 10-1

This could be a year where we see a new generation of Pac-12 superstars emerge

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Posted on June 24, 2021


  By Jack Follman, SuperWest Sports

We’ve reached the end of our countdown of the Pac-12’s Top 50 players going into 2021.

It’s a really deep year for players, though I don’t think there are clear stars who have proven they stand above the rest of the top dozen or so.

Case in point, the two clear Number One and Number Two players haven’t really even put it together yet.

So, hopefully, this is a year where we see a new generation of Pac-12 superstars emerge.

You’ll find a a breakdown of the Top 50 players by program at the bottom of the page, along with links to all the other groups.

10. Edefuan Ulofoshio, Junior Linebacker, Washington

Edefuan Ulofoshio | Scott Eklund/UW Athletics

The former walk-on has exploded into being one of the Pac-12’s best defensive players, and one of the highest-rated players in the nation at linebacker in 2020.

He tackles, defends the pass, rushes the passer, and creates turnovers while being a defensive leader.

9. Cade Otton, Senior Tight End, Washington

Cade Otton | Dean Rutz / The Seattle Times

Otton had a huge 2020 in just four games as one of the most-productive pass catchers in the conference.

He’s also one of the best blocking tight ends in the nation.

8. Jaxson Kirkland, Senior Tackle, Washington

Jaxson Kirkland | Michael Workman/Icon Sportswire

Kirkland moved to left tackle in 2020 after starting at guard for three years and looked good.

He should look even better in 2021, and is starting to get projected as a First Round NFL Draft pick.

7. Abraham Lucas, Senior Tackle, Washington State

Lucas has been one of the nation’s best pass blockers for years now.

He’s a multi-year All-Pac-12 type player, and the best offensive lineman in the conference in 2021 in my opinion.

An elite talent.

6. Drake London, Junior Wide Receiver, USC

USC’s Drake London runs after a catch against Stanford last year. | usctrojans.com

London has been very good thus far in his career, and I think this is the year he truly takes off as the next great USC receiver.

He’s huge, fast, smooth and proven—and one of the best overall talents at any position in the Conference this year.

5. Max Borghi, Junior Running Back, Washington State

I can’t wait to see what Borghi will do in a full season in Nick Rolovich’s offense.

He’s the best all-purpose back in the Pac-12 since Christian McCaffrey, and I think he’s going to torch the Conference with his speed and agility rushing and receiving in 2021.

4. Trent McDuffie, Junior Cornerback, Washington

The next great Husky DB has proven himself as an elite cover man the past two seasons, starting since practically day one.

He’s fast, strong, and has great instincts.

He could take his game to an even higher level in his third full season.

3. Devin Lloyd, Senior Linebacker, Utah

Lloyd has been a bully at linebacker for multiple years now. and is quietly the most-proven defensive stud in the Pac-12.

I expect him to have a First-Team All-American type season in 2021 and finally emerge as a household name in college football.

He’s a complete linebacker who will continue to thrive in Utah’s perpetually-elite defense.

2. Kedon Slovis, Junior Quarterback, USC

Kedon Slovis | John McGillen/USC Athletics

I have to put a disclaimer here noting I—and most people—are giving Slovis a ton of credit after an underwhelming 2020.

I think he may have been quietly hurt in 2020, and I expect him to take that next step to becoming a truly elite QB in 2021, and one of the best players in the Pac-12 at any position.

I love what he can do as a passer, especially if he can do it in big games.

1. Kayvon Thibodeaux, Junior Defensive End, Oregon

Like Slovis, I expect a lot of progression from Thibodeaux going into 2021.

And the crazy thing is, we still really haven’t seen him play a full season, as he wasn’t an every down player as a true freshman in 2019.

If we see the guy who is a relentless pass rusher with crazy edge speed like we’ve seen him when he’s played USC the past two years, he’s everything he’s projected to be—Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and a First-Team All-American with somewhere around 15 sacks.