Marcus Mariota gets most the headlines, but the Oregon quarterback isn't the only elite signal caller in the Pac-12.
There's UCLA's Brett Hundley, a preseason Heisman candidate, Oregon State's Sean Mannion, Washington State's Connor Halliday, Stanford's Kevin Hogan and Arizona State's Taylor Kelly, to name a few.
That's too many QBs to make our Pac-12 superlatives, but some did. Here's the SN list.
Fastest receiver
Nelson Agholor, USC
Yes, they do grow breakaway threats on trees at USC.
Best hands
Austin Hill, WR, Arizona
The Wildcats missed his big (6-3) receiving range when an ACL tear kept him out last season.
Best passing QB
Marcus Mariota, Oregon
Throwing for 31 touchdowns and four interceptions last season—despite a knee injury—says something.
Best running QB
Brett Hundley, UCLA
Always a dangerous rushing threat, Hundley is also improving in the pocket.
Most elusive RB
Thomas Tyner, Oregon
He set the school record for a true freshman with 711 rushing yards in 2013.
Best instincts
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
This ballhawking Duck is smart and alert.
Best athlete
Myles Jack, LB/RB, UCLA
Freak athlete was the Pac-12’s top freshman on both offense and defense last season.
Best under pressure
Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Maybe it’s just the laid-back Hawaiian in him, but Mariota is difficult to rattle.
Top NFL prospect
Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
Might have been a top-10 NFL draft pick had he left this year.
Top impact frosh
D.J. Calhoun, LB, Arizona State
Graduating early from high school paid off when he quickly rose up the spring depth chart in Tempe.
Hardest hitter
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
Ekpre-Olomu is extremely physical for a cornerback.
Biggest overachiever
Addison Gillam, LB, Colorado
Lightly recruited linebacker became a standout freshman in part because of his intense drive.
Best interview
Connor Halliday, Washington State
Quarterback’s candor through the Cougars’ transition has been refreshing.
Best coach as strategist
Mike Riley, Oregon State
Doesn’t need four- or five-star recruits to scare opponents.
Best coach as recruiter
Jim Mora, UCLA
Steve Sarkisian stole some thunder on Signing Day this year but better talent is the foundation of UCLA’s resurgence.
Hottest seat
Kyle Whittingham, Utah
After two straight 5-7 seasons, things are getting a little toasty for the 2008 national Coach of the Year.
Best venue
Autzen Stadium, Oregon
There’s passionate fans, unnerving acoustics . . . and a pretty good football team.
Player most likely to succeed (outside of football)
Will Oliver, K, Colorado
He may rep his teammates someday as an agent or marketer, having posted a 3.67 GPA in CU’s School of Business last year.