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A player who doesn't get a lot of publicitiy, Barrett has proven himself to be an outstanding senior leader on ASU's defense. Barrett led the Sun Devils in tackles last year, logging 82 to lead by a wide margin. But what's even more impressive is that Barrett also led the team in tackles for loss and interceptions, and was second in pass-breakups.

Not too shabby for a 6-3, 231 lb. safety who has the size that many linebackers would love to possess. With new defensive coordinator Craig Bray on the scene, Barrett could have an even bigger season this year. Bray has coached with Dennis Erickson at a couple of stops, including defensive coordinator at Oregon State from 2000 - 2002, and both Bray and Erickson love to play an aggressive, attacking style.

It'll be tough for Barrett to get more attention with safeties like Taylor Mays and Kevin Ellison of USC or UCLA's combo of Chris Horton and Dennis Keyes, but Barrett could break into the conversation as the best overall safety in the conference. A package of size and quickness, Barrett is the most underrated defensive player returning to the Pac-10 in 2007.

The unsung leader on Oregon State's underrated, aggressive, physical defense, LaRocque is as steady and dependable as it gets. While teammate Derrick Doggett gets some of the preseason all-conference honors, LaRocque is the one that not only was the team's leading tackler last year, he also happens to be the leading returning tackler coming back in the entire Pac-10 this year with 98 total stops from the weakside linebacker spot.

Not a huge guy for a linebacker at 6-2, 215, and not exactly the fastest either, LaRocque is still quick enough to be effective in pass coverage yet physical enough to rally to the football and get his hands dirty against the run. He might get overshadowed by his teammates, and he might not have the best tools of his fellow linebackers, but he also might be the best linebacker on the team.

It's been a quick ride up the elevator for Brandon Gibson. As a true sophomore last year, he started the season as the #4 WR behind established players like Jason Hill, Michael Bumpus and Chris Jordan. But lo and behold, at the end of the year when it was all said and done? Gibson actually led the team in receiving yards and was second only to Bumpus in total receptions.

Gibson has impressed coaches since the day he arrived, breaking into the WR rotation in 2005 as a true frosh and reminding many of WSU great Jason Hill in terms of size and quickness, and now he's worked his way to the threshold of a big season. He's a tough match-up for any corner in the league, physical enough to gain valuable yards after the catch, but he's also shown a great ability to get open deep down the field as a legit big-play wideout.

In a conference loaded with outstanding WR's in guys like Sammie Stroughter, Jaison Williams, DeSean Jackson, Lavelle Hawkins, or any of USC's deep stable of talent, Gibson will likely continue to fly under the radar. But given a full season as a starter and the top option in the WSU passing game, Gibson should emerge as a 1,000-yard+ wide receiver for the Cougars in 2007.

In a conference with big names at running back like Jonathan Stewart, Yvenson Bernard, Ryan Torian, Justin Forsett or USC's impressive group led by Chauncey Washington, UCLA's Chris Markey often isn't on the short list of all-conference candidates. But Markey is not one to be overlooked, turning in an outstanding 2006 season with 1,107 yards rushing, and even led the team in total catches with 35.

A stout, physical back who runs hard at 5-11, 205, Markey is a key senior for the UCLA offense this year. He's the kind of player that never seems to take a direct hit. You know, the kind of back that gets low and is tough to get underneath and lift off his feet? That's the way Markey plays. His all-around abilities on offense should help take the pressure off young QB's Ben Olson or Patrick Cowan.

With Karl Dorrell's preference for offensive balance, Markey should get plenty of touches this year and a repeat of at least 1,000 yards rushing and 35 balls through the air should be expected. Maybe all-conference honors will follow?

Washington's defense isn't one you think of when discussing the top units in the Pac-10. After all, they did finish #7 in the Pac-10 in total defense and a whopping 381.6 total yards per game in 2006. But it's a new year, and there's every reason to believe that Washington will be greatly improved defensively. A big part of that optimism is the defensive line, led by senior Greyson Gunheim.

Not a real flashy player, Gunheim just gets it done at defensive end, leading the team with six sacks last season despite some nagging injuries and a bit of lost confidence during the middle of the year. Gunheim's in the long, lean category at 6-5, 265, and has had some trouble keeping up his weight up over the long grind of a season where he never seems to leave the field. He's been a full-time player since his true frosh season in 2004, and now that he's healthy, he's looked as good ever during the spring and has carried that momentum into fall camp. He's set to have a big senior year for a revitalized Washington defense.

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