Jack Follman's Expanded 2020 All-Pac-12 Selections

Posted on December 28, 2020


  By Jack Follman, SuperWest Sports

Every year, I compile an expanded All-Pac-12 with commentary for the first two teams and a bonus of a Third Team and an Honorable Mention team. This year’s edition features several surprises, along with some names most expected to see.

—Offensive Player of the Year—

Jermar Jefferson, Oregon State Running Back

Jermar Jefferson| Leon Neuschwander for The Oregonian / OregonLive

The Beavers didn’t win the Conference or anything, but Jefferson was simply the most-unstoppable player in the conference in a year where a lot of offensive players—especially quarterbacks—underwhelmed. He reminded me a lot of Bryce Love in 2017, where Pac-12 defenses simply had no answer and he could break big runs on almost every play.

Had Oregon, USC, or Washington had him on their teams they may have been playoff contenders. Sadly, he missed some time or he would have probably put up impressive numbers for a whole season in a half season.

Also Considered: Jarek Broussard RB Colorado, Travis Dye RB Oregon, Demetric Felton RB UCLA

—Defensive Player of the Year—

Talanoa Hufanga, USC Safety

Talanoa Hufanga vs. WSU | Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

It was close between Hufanga and ZTF from Washington for me. I gave Hufanga the edge because he played in more games, and consequently had so many more big moments where he had to step up.

With more than 60 tackles, four interceptions, and three sacks, he was an all-over-the-place problem for Pac-12 offenses all season. His presence easily could have made the difference between USC winning the South or going 1-5.

Also Considered: Nate Landman LB Colorado, Elijah Molden S Washington, Zion Tupuola-Fetui DE Washington

—Special Teams Player of the Year—

Jadon Redding, Utah

There were no great choices this year. Redding won Special Teams Player of the Week twice, and was 8-8 for field goals and 17-17 for extra points.

Also Considered: Michael Turk P Arizona State

—Coach of the Year—

Karl Dorrell, Colorado

Karl Dorrell | David Zalubowski/AP via thedenverchannel.com

A lot of good choices here. I’ll go with Dorrell because he took over what was supposed to be the second-worst or worst team in the Conference and got them to the brink of a South title and the Alamo Bowl.

Also Considered: Mario Cristobal Oregon, Jimmy Lake Washington, David Shaw Stanford

—Freshman of the Year—

Ty Jordan, Utah Running Back

Ty Jordan vs Colorado. | David Zabulowski/Associated Press

Jordan, whose tragic death will reverberate through the Conference for years to come, exploded as the season went on, running for more than 100 yards in his last three games and scoring six touchdowns.

He looked like yet another great Utah running back, recording a blistering 7.2 yards per-carry. His contributions and presence will be missed. May he rest in peace.

Also Considered: Dylan Morris QB Washington, Noah Sewell LB Oregon

First-Team Offense

Davis Mills, Senior Quarterback, Stanford

It was not a big year for Pac-12 quarterbacks, and I’m going to go with the QBs that I think were the most efficient and helped their team win games over who had the biggest stats. Mills was excellent for the Cardinal and led them to a 4-1 record in games he played in with just one three-point loss while throwing seven touchdowns to three picks, which all came in the final game of the season.

Jermar Jefferson, Junior Running Back, Oregon State

Jefferson had one of the most purely unstoppable seasons a Pac-12 player has ever had when he was on the field, particularly in his first three games, when he ran for nearly 600 yards at more than eight yards per carry and scored four touchdowns.

Jarek Broussard, Sophomore Running Back, Colorado

Speaking of unstoppable, Broussard was right there with Jefferson in 2020. He ran for more than 800 yards in just five games while running for 7.4 yards per carry, and his 300-plus against Arizona was an epic performance, as was his three touchdowns against UCLA.

Simi Fehoko, Junior Wide Receiver, Stanford

Fehoko outproduced just about every Pac-12 receiver against UCLA alone, with 16 receptions for 230 yards and three touchdowns. He was big in other games as well, particularly against Oregon State and Washington.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Junior Wide Receiver, USC

St. Brown’s four-touchdown quarter against Washington State was one of the most-amazing quarter performances in Pac-12 history. He was good the rest of the season too, finishing with 478 yards and seven touchdowns.

Cade Otton, Junior Tight End, Washington

It was a very tough call between Otton and UCLA’s Dulcich but I went with Otton because his stats were likely lower because of playing fewer games, and because he’s an elite blocker.

Alijah Vera-Tucker, Junior Offensive Lineman, USC

Vera-Tucker opted back in and it was a great move for him as he had an elite season at left tackle, and now has established himself as a likely First-Round pick. He probably has the highest NFL stock of any Pac-12 player who played this season.

Abraham Lucas, Junior Offensive Lineman, Washington State

Another season as one of the best pass blockers in the nation. He showed he could excel in Nick Rolovich’s new scheme as well.

Drew Dalman, Senior Offensive Lineman, Stanford

The Conference’s best center really got better as the season went on, especially as a nasty run blocker in the old-school Stanford style when needed.

Dohnovan West, Sophomore Offensive Lineman, Arizona State

The Conference’s best young lineman is clearly West, who had a huge year up front for the Sun Devils and helped spring their deadly running game all year.

Nate Eldridge, Senior Offensive Lineman, Oregon State

The man in the center for the Beavers was a huge part of why Jermar Jefferson ran for so many yards and touchdowns in 2020.

First-Team Defense

Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Sophomore Defensive Lineman, Washington

ZTF exploded out of nowhere into being one of the best defensive players in the nation. He almost had a sack anytime an opponent dropped back against the Huskies this season, and had seven sacks in four games, forcing three fumbles and recovering two.

Marlon Tuipulotu, Junior Defensive Lineman, USC

Tuipulotu came into his own this season with Jay Tufele opting out. He was a power against the run all year and was also effective in creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Osa Odighizuwa, Senior Defensive Lineman, UCLA

OO took a step forward in 2020 and turned into an elite defender upfront. He was a huge part of why UCLA quietly was pretty good this season.

Kayvon Thibodeaux, Sophomore Defensive Lineman, Oregon

Thibodeaux was pegged as a superstar before the season, but had a very slow start before coming on late, particularly in the Pac-12 Championship Game. He finished with three sacks and showed again he has one of the best get-offs in the nation, regularly affecting passers even if he doesn’t get the sack.

Nate Landman, Senior Linebacker, Colorado

The Buffs veteran put together just another stellar season and was a Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year candidate for me. More than 50 tackles and four sacks. He helped Colorado to a surprise season.

Devin Lloyd, Junior Linebacker, Utah

I think more people saw the talented linebacker show out this season than they did last year. Lloyd was a tough big hitter and rock for the Utes all year.

Edefuan Ulofoshio, Sophomore Linebacker, Washington

The former walk-on is a tackling machine who doesn’t let plays get behind him, and he looked like the leader of the Husky defense as just a sophomore, with 47 tackles in just four games.

Talanoa Hufanga, Junior Defensive Back, USC

Hufanga had an insane season and was my choice for Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. More than 60 tackles, three sacks and four interceptions, it’s crazy to think what he may have done in a full season.

Elijah Molden, Senior Defensive Back, Washington

Just another near-perfect season for the Husky veteran. He just never wasn’t right there in coverage all year, and was strong in the run game too.

Trent McDuffie, Sophomore Defensive Back, Washington

McDuffie looks like the next star Husky defensive back and is the best young DB in the Conference, easily. He has a zip in pass defense that makes him very hard to throw against and looks a lot like recent Husky great CB Byron Murphy.

Chase Lucas, Senior Defensive Back, Arizona State

The underrated Arizona State veteran finally got more love this season as a lockdown defender who had five passes defended. He was a big part of their solid defense all year.

First-Team Special Teams

Jadon Redding, Sophomore Kicker, Utah

Perfect in field goals and extra points. Looks like the next great Utah kicker.

Michael Turk, Junior Punter, Arizona State

Led the Pac-12 in average punt yardage.

Britain Covey, Junior Returner, Utah

The comeback player of the year from injury took a punt back for a touchdown this season.

Second-Team Offense

Dylan Morris, Freshman Quarterback, Washington

I liked what PFF saw in Morris that set him ahead of more prolific QBs by what he was able to do with efficiency while also suffering from a lot of dropped passes.

Demetric Felton, Senior Running Back, UCLA

Felton was right there with Jefferson and Broussard as a prolific back, and he was also great catching the ball too.

Travis Dye, Junior Running Back, Oregon

An argument could be made that Dye was the most-effective player on the team that won the Conference, and I considered voting him as Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year.

Drake London, Sophomore Wide Receiver, USC

Had a big year and seemed to always come through at the most-important times.

Tyler Vaughns, Senior Wide Receiver, USC

The last of the Trojans receiver trio who was lights out all season, and made plenty of big plays.

Greg Dulcich, Senior Tight End, UCLA

Massive season for a tight end and should probably be on the First Team as a second tight end.

Nick Ford, Junior Offensive Lineman, Utah

Stepped up as the season went on, and helped the late Ty Jordan explode as a freshman.

Joshua Gray, Freshman Offensive Lineman, Oregon State

Stepped in at left tackle as a freshman and paved the way for Jermar Jefferson while protecting the QB all year.

Will Sherman, Junior Offensive Lineman, Colorado

A big part of why Jarek Broussard was so great this year.

Henry Bainivalu, Junior Offensive Lineman, Washington

Came out of nowhere to be Washington’s top-graded offensive lineman.

Jaxson Kirkland, Junior Offensive Lineman, Washington

He wasn’t the First-Team All-Pac-12-level player he was expected to be, but was good as he moved from right guard to left tackle.

Second-Team Defense

Thomas Booker, Junior Defensive Lineman, Stanford

Ultra-talented and helped Stanford’s defense improve in the middle of the season.

Mika Tafua, Junior Defensive Lineman, Utah

Looks like the next great Utah defensive lineman and a First-Teamer next year.

Jermayne Lole, Junior Defensive Lineman, Arizona State

Quietly had another really good season holding down the edge for the Sun Devils.

Mustafa Johnson, Senior Defensive Lineman, Colorado

Bounced back after an underwhelming 2019 after a great 2018. Looks like an NFL DL.

Caleb Johnson, Junior Linebacker, UCLA

Another out-of-nowhere player who exploded as one of the best attacking and punishing linebackers in the conference. Had 5.5 sacks and an interception with more than 40 tackles.

Mitchell Agude, Junior Linebacker, UCLA

Graded out as an exceptional edge defender and looks like a scary hybrid player for the Bruins. More than 20 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles this season.

Avery Roberts, Junior Linebacker, Oregon State

Nearly 70 tackles in just six games.

Camryn Bynum, Senior Defensive Back, Cal

Opted back in and quietly led Cal’s pass defense with an interception and two passes defended. Also great in run defense.

Olaijah Griffin, Junior Defensive Back, USC

Had another very good season as USC’s best cover corner with an interception and three passes defended along with more than 20 tackles.

Quentin Lake, Junior Defensive Back, UCLA

Yet another improved UCLA player. Had more than 30 tackles, four passes defended, and a pick.

Evan Fields, Senior Defensive Back, Arizona State

Put it all together this year with 33 tackles and three forced fumbles.

Second-Team Special Teams

Nicholas Barr-Mira, Freshman Kicker, UCLA

Nearly perfect in field goals and extra points this season.

Oscar Draguicevich, Senior Punter, Washington State

Second in punt average yardage this season.

D.J. Taylor, Freshman Returner, Arizona State

The only Pac-12 player to take a kick back for a touchdown this season.

Third-Team Offense

Kedon Slovis, Sophomore Quarterback, USC
Austin Jones, Sophomore Running Back, Stanford
Ty Jordan, Freshman Running Back, Utah
Kyle Phillips, Sophomore Wide Receiver, UCLA
Travell Harris, Junior Wide Receiver, Washington State
Brant Kuithe, Junior Tight End, Utah
Sataoa Laumea, Freshman Offensive Lineman, Utah
Kellen Diesch, Senior Offensive Lineman, Arizona State
Michael Saffell, Senior Offensive Linman, Cal
Victor Curne, Sophomore Offensive Lineman, Washington
Alex Forsyth, Junior Offensive Lineman. Oregon

Third-Team Defense

Tyler Johnson, Junior Defensive Lineman, Arizona State
Roy Lopez, Senior Defensive Lineman, Arizona
Terrance Lang, Junior Defensive Lineman, Colorado
Brett Johnson, Sophomore Defensive Lineman, Cal
Cameron Goode, Senior Linebacker, Cal
Kuony Deng, Senior Linebacker, Cal
Carson Wells, Junior Linebacker, Colorado
Nahshon Wright, Junior Defensive Back, Oregon State
Jaydon Grant, Junior Defensive Back, Oregon State
Isaiah Pola-Mao, Junior Defensive Back, USC
Jamal Hill, Sophomore Defensive Back, Oregon

Third-Team Special Teams

Evan Price, Sophomore Kicker, Colorado
Ben Griffiths, Sophomore Punter, USC
Jesiah Irish, Sophomore Returner, Oregon State

Honorable Mention Offense

Tyler Shough, Sophomore Quarterback, Oregon
Brittain Brown, Senior Running Back, UCLA
Rachaad White, Junior Running Back, Arizona State
Renard Bell, Senior Wide Receiver, Washington State
Britain Covey, Junior Wide Receiver, Utah
Hunter Kampmoyer, Senior Tight End, Oregon
Nous Keobounnam, Senior Offensive Lineman, Oregon State
Luke Wattenberg, Senior Offensive Lineman, Washington
Ryan Walk, Junior Offensive Lineman, Oregon
Andrew Voorhees, Junior Offensive Lineman, USC
Frank Fillip, Sophomore Offensive Lineman, Colorado

Honorable Mention Defense

Zeandae Johnson, Senior Defensive Lineman, Cal
Thomas Schaffer, Senior Defensive Lineman, Stanford
Isaac Hodgins, Junior Defensive Lineman, Oregon State
Nick Figueroa, Junior Defensive Lineman, USC
Omar Speights, Sophomore Linebacker, Oregon State
Levani Damuni, Sophomore Linebacker, Stanford
Kanai Mauga, Junior Linebacker, USC
Mykael Wright, Sophomore Defensive Back, Oregon
Isaiah Lewis, Junior Defensive Back, Colorado
Malik Antoine, Senior Defensive Back, Stanford
Deommodore Lenoir, Senior Defensive Back, Oregon