We've already looked at the top five quarterbacks, cornerbacks, running backs, linebackers, tight ends and safeties in the Pac-12. We continue our series with a look at the top defensive linemen.
1. Star Lotulelei, Utah
Utah Utes2011 stats: 43 tackles (16 solo, 9 for loss), 1½ sacks, forced fumble. Lotulelei's value is his ability to occupy more than one blocker, allowing linebackers and safeties to come up and make the plays that grab the headlines. At 6-3, 320 pounds, he has the body to get the job done, but Lotulelei’s mind and work habits are finally right after he failed out of BYU and was forced to attend Snow College.
2. Aaron Tipoti, California
2011 stats: 25 tackles (13 solo, 3 for loss), ½ sack, forced fumble. Tipoti will make the move from nose tackle to end this season, but it’s not as daunting as you think. He wasn’t a classic nose tackle any way at 6-2, 274. Defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast likes what he can bring from the edge and so do the pundits. Phil Steele has him slated for the Pac-12’s first team this season.
3. Dion Jordan, Oregon
2011 stats: 42 tackles (25 solo, 13 for loss), 7½ sacks, forced fumble.
Jordan uttered one of our favorite all-time quotes while a prep player at Chandler High in Arizona. Asked about a key sack, Jordan said: “The line parted and a light shone down on the quarterback. It was as if God wanted me to sack him.” Jordan is the classic Oregon defender: raw speed and a motor equipped with an extra year. Can you say breakout year?
4. Ben Gardner, Stanford
2011 stats: 35 tackles (23 solo, 10 for loss), 4½ sacks, forced fumble.
Gardner lost the mullet before last season’s Fiesta Bowl, but there was no accompanying loss of strength. He was a key cog in the dominant front seven and he will be even bigger this season, given the losses Stanford sustained. Gardner’s speed is only average but he’s an excellent run defender who relies on smarts and good technique.
5. Wes Horton, USC
2011 stats: 22 tackles (13 solo, 4.5 for loss) 4 sacks, forced fumble
Horton was part of an end rotation last season and started seven games. Consistency from Horton will be vital now that it appears the Trojans have lost end Devon Kennard for the season with a torn pectoral muscle.
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