Our countdown of the Pac-12's top 25 preseason players in 2013 continues.
A lot of good players, as it happens every year, won't make the preseason list. It is in their hands to make the postseason list.
You can review our 2012 postseason top 25 here.
19. Morgan Breslin, OLB, USC
2012 numbers: Posted 62 tackles, tied for second in the league in sacks (13) and tied for fifth nationally in sacks per game. He also posted 19.5 tackles for a loss -- which was fourth in the Pac-12. Added four pass deflections, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
2012 postseason ranking: Unranked.
Making the case for Breslin: The Diablo Valley Junior College transfer made a huge impact in 2012, tallying the most sacks and tackles for a loss at USC since Kenechi Udeze in 2003. He was the school's defensive lineman of the year and was a second-team all-league selection and an All-America honorable mention by several publications. We're expecting him to be even better in 2013. With the Trojans shifting to an odd front (52 or 34, depending on who you ask on what day) under new coordinator Clancy Pendergast, Breslin's pass-rushing skills should only be accentuated as he moves to outside linebacker. In this new hybrid role, the 6-2, 250-pounder will be asked to do more in coverage. But it should also open up more opportunities to crash the backfield. In a league loaded with premier pass-rushers, Breslin should be considered one of the best in the conference.
20. Colt Lyerla, TE, Oregon
21. Carl Bradford, LB, Arizona State
22. Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State
23. Hroniss Grasu, C, Oregon
24. Marion Grice, RB, Arizona State
25. Ben Gardner, DE, Stanford
