By Jack Follman, SuperWest Sports
May 17, 2022
Since the Pac-12 has always had a track record for innovative passing offenses and legendary quarterbacks who can throw the ball around, it’s no surprise the conference also has a track record of legendary defensive backs.
Some of the best ballhawks in college football history have played in the Pac-12 along with some heavy hitters.
Let’s get into the best DBs to ever play in the conference and we’ll start with some household names. This group is another one that isn’t quite dominated by USC Trojans the way some of them are.
As always, these rankings are based solely on college accomplishments, without considering their NFL accomplishments.
1. Kenny Easley, UCLA
Easley was a three-time All-American and was a Heisman candidate in 1980 as a DB, which says a lot.He was the first player to ever be All-Conference for four years and ended his career with 19 interceptions and over 300 tackles.
2. Chris McAllister, Arizona
One of the greatest lockdown corners to ever play the game. He was First-Team All-Conference all three years at Arizona and ended his career with 18 interceptions.
3. Ronnie Lott, USC
The legendary DB was legendary at USC for three years. He earned All-American honors, won a national championship, and was especially great in 1980 when he picked off eight passes at a time when teams passed way less.
4. Taylor Mays, USC
Mays’ NFL struggles make people forget what a legend he was at USC. He was instantly one of the best DBs in the country as a freshman and racked up endless All-American and all-conference honors throughout his four years at USC.
5. Troy Polamalu, USC
Polamalu was one of the leaders instrumental in turning USC around from a flailing former power to the best program in the nation.
6. Mark Carrier, USC
Carrier was a two-time All-American and a Thorpe Award winner in 1989. He won the award for good reason in ’89 as he made more than 100 tackles and pulled down seven interceptions.
7. Mel Renfro, Oregon
One of the greatest NFL DBs of all-time, Renfro excelled at Oregon before going pro. A two-way star who earned multiple All-American honors, and became a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
8. Mike Haynes, Arizona State
A College Football Hall of Famer who was a two-time All-American before going on to make the NFL Hall of Fame. One of the greatest Sun Devils at any position.
9. Deon Figures, Colorado
He was instrumental in Colorado winning a national title in 1990 and his career highlight was 1992, when he won the Thorpe and Jack Tatum Awards and took home All-American honors.
10. Chuck Cecil, Arizona
Cecil was a Pro Bowl safety in the NFL and before that was an all-time Wildcat great. He long held the conference record for interceptions with 21 and had an incredible season in 1987 where he won Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.11. Lawyer Milloy, Washington
12. Darryl Lewis, Arizona
13. Mike Richardson, Arizona State
14. Budda Baker, Washington
15. Adoree’ Jackson, USC
16. Antoine Cason, Arizona
17. Deltha O’Neal, Cal
18. Daymeion Hughes, Cal
19. Jordan Poyer, Oregon State
20. Eric Weddle, Utah
21. Talanoa Hufanga, USC
22. Tim McDonald, USC
23. Marcus Trufant, Washington State
24. Mitch Meeuwsen, Oregon State
25. Lamont Thompson, Washington State
—In Case You Missed Them—
Jack Follman’s All-Time QBs from Current Pac-12 Schools
Jack Follman’s All-Time RBs from Current Pac-12 Schools
Jack Follman’s All-Time WRs from Current Pac-12 Schools
Jack Follman’s All-Time TEs from Current Pac-12 Schools
Jack Follman’s All-Time OLs from Current Pac-12 Schools
Jack Follman’s All-Time DLs from Current Pac-12 Schools
Jack Follman’s All-Time LBs from Current Pac-12 Schools
-
Jack Follman’s 10 Thoughts on 2023 Week 1 in the Pac-12
> The Conference was at its best with every member team winning—most of them handily - September 5, 2023 -
Jack Follman’s 2023 Pac-12 Season Predictions: Weeks 9-13
> Scores for every game with commentary on top contests, plus projected standings and title game - August 17, 2023 -
Jack Follman’s 2023 Pac-12 Season Predictions: Weeks 5-8
> Early picks with scores for every game and commentary for top contests & projected standings - August 16, 2023