10 players to watch in the Pac-12

As spring practice gets underway, keep an eye on these 10 players in the Pac-12.

10 players to watch in the Pac-12

Sam Darnold, USC QB

Robert Beck

Darnold has assumed the mantle of the QB to watch in L.A. after passing for 3,086 yards with 31 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2016.

Cody O'Connell, Washington State OG

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The All-America honoree is one of the top returning linemen in the entire country. He help the Cougars develop an effective rushing attack last season.

Jake Browning, Washington QB

Kevin D. Liles

Browning built on his promising freshman season to lead the Huskies to the Pac-12 title and the College Football Playoff last season. He threw for 3,430 yards with 43 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Royce Freeman, Oregon RB

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The upside of a dismal 4–8 season for the Ducks was that it helped convince Freeman to return to Eugene for another year. The back is averaging 5.9 yards per carry in his career.

Josh Rosen, UCLA QB

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Rosen arrived at UCLA with great hype, and while he hasn't disappointed, neither has he transformed the program. After a shoulder injury cut short his 2016 season, he'll look to get back on track in what will likely be his final year with the Bruins.

Phillip Lindsay, Colorado RB

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Lindsay's surprising success was key to the Buffaloes' stunning breakthrough last season as he powered the offense with 1,252 yards and 17 total touchdowns.

Quenton Meeks, Stanford CB

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Meeks steps into a leadership role on the Cardinal defense after developing into a shutdown cornerback.

Iman Marshall, USC CB

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Adoree' Jackson may have made more highlights, but Marshall was arguably the better cover corner for the Trojans. He steps into the limelight this year.

Azeem Victor, Washington LB

John W. McDonough

A leg injury ended Victor's season in early November, yet he still earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors. He'll be ready to go for the Huskies' spring practices.

Mitch Wishnowsky, Utah P

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A Utah punter has won the Ray Guy Award for three straight seasons, including Wishnowsky's win last year. He'd like to make it four in a row in 2017.