We're taking a look at a player from each Pac-12 team who could step into the spotlight in 2014.
Spotlight: DE Brennan Scarlett, 6-4, 260, R-Jr.
2013 summary: Scarlett missed the 2013 season due to a hand injury.
The skinny: Scarlett is one of those guys you hear a lot about in terms of potential but haven't really seen him strut his stuff when the lights are on. The most significant part of that isn't his fault. He was expected to be a breakout player in 2013, but a nagging hand injury that got infected killed his season, though that odd bit of bad luck was par for the course for an injury-ravaged unit that ended up becoming pretty much the worst defense in Cal history. If healthy, this former A-list recruit can flat play, whether he's a defensive end or outside linebacker. He started nine games as a true sophomore in 2012 and had 40 tackles, six tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, three QB hurries and two forced fumbles. He's smart, athletic and has a good motor. Further, the Bears defense is going to need leadership under new coordinator Art Kaufman. Scarlett leads a list of several key defensive players coming back -- or trying to -- from injury, including safety Avery Sebastian and defensive lineman Mustafa Jalil. Scarlett is expected to be full-go this spring, and if he can remain that way in the fall, his presence alone will make the Bears defense dramatically better.
Previous spotlights
