We've already looked at the top five quarterbacks, cornerbacks, running backs, linebackers and tight ends in the Pac-12. We continue our series with a look at the top five safeties.
1. T.J. McDonald, USC
2011 stats: 67 tackles (2.5 for loss), team-high three INTs, fumble recovery.
The Thorpe Award and Lott Trophy candidate earned All-America honors from two outlets last season and is the unquestioned leader of the Trojans defense. Hard-hitting with strong coverage skills, he had a pair of first quarter interceptions against Arizona (the first ended QB Nick Foles' streak of 210 passes without a pick) and added six tackles and a deflection in perhaps his best game of the season.
2. John Boyett, Oregon
2011 stats: 108 tackles (69 solo, 3.5 for loss), INT
Some conference pundits feel Boyett should get the nod over McDonald as the Pac-12’s best safety. He certainly has an ability to raise his game in big circumstances, posting a career-high and game-high 17 tackles, including 13 solo stops and ½ a sack in a Rose Bowl win over Wisconsin. Play-making ability and good instincts make Boyett a lock for the next level.
3. Marquis Flowers, Arizona
2011 stats: 68 tackles (53 solo, three for loss), three deflections, INT, sack, forced fumble.
Flowers' height (6-3) and length allow him to compete for balls with the conference’s big receivers but he’s stout enough (210) to challenge at the line of scrimmage. He has excellent range and speed (4.4 40 according to Rivals). The Wildcats need him to take a big step forward this season if they are to improve a pass defense that ranked dead last in the conference (298.9 yards per game) last season.
4. Brian Blechen, Utah
2011 stats: 78 tackles (44 solo, eight for loss), three INTs, two sacks.
Blechen switched from linebacker to strong safety after four games and found a home. He was a key to a Utah defense that ranked third overall and fourth against the pass in the Pac-12. That’s a key stat because Utah is a darkhorse to unseat USC from the top of the South Division. To do that, the Utes will have to corral USC’s dynamic passing game with QB Matt Barkley and receivers Robert Woods and Marqise Lee.
2011 stats: 69 tackles (52 solo), INT, two deflections, forced fumble.
Injuries to his sternum and wrist limited his activity in the spring, but Polk will have to adapt to the loss of strong safety Anthony Perkins and fill the leadership void.
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