Top 5 Pac-10 Players for 2009

Jahvid Best - Running Back - California Golden Bears - Here was one of the most underappreciated running backs in last year's season. This guy is the starting running back for the California Golden Bears, and is a front-runner for the Heisman Trophy this year. Earlier in his career, he was shadowed by Justin Forsett but Forsett is long gone and Best has been the featured back for the Bears ever since. With the Cal Bears improving, there is no reason that Jahvid Best shouldn't have a breakout season with much national recognition.

Jake Locker - Quarterback - Washington Huskies - With the bringing in of Steve Sarkisian, Jake Locker should have a much more focused season than under Tyrone Willingham. Locker fell completely off the national radar last year because of both the failure of the Huskies' season and because he was injured for most of the year. WIth Ronnie Fouch at quarterback last season, there was no hope for the lowly Huskies. But now that Jake Locker is back, there is no question for the improvement of the Washington Huskies.

JacQuizz Rodgers - Running Back - Oregon State Beavers - Rodgers swept the nation last year with his Pac-10 Freshman of the Year season. He carried the Oregon State football team on his shoulders and shocked the world with their upset of the Trojans last year. Rodgers should be even more explosive this season, especially since his shoulder injury will be completely healed. This man should not be counted out from becoming an All-American this year, as his potential can only skyrocket.

Jeremiah Masoli - Quarterback - Oregon Ducks - The Ducks were a complete mess last season in the quarterback position. Masoli was actually the 5th string quarterback for Oregon last year, but with injurys galore, Masoli's time to shine came up. He led these Ducks to a great victory against the Boise State Broncos last year and he will only do better this year.

Joe McKnight - Running Back - USC Trojans - Surprisingly enough, Joe McKnight has been severely overshadowed by the rest of the Pac-10. Right now, he is the third best running back in the Pacific 10 Conference. Because the offense will be more centered around him this season, with an absence of a proven quarterback, McKnight should be primed to be one of the premier running backs in the country and has an extremely bright future with the Trojans.

All statistics and information used were obtained from ESPN.com