Staff Roundtable: Who is the Best Player in the Pac-12 Conference?
By Brian Spaen
This week, we are loaded with four big preseason questions: who the best player in the Pac-12 is, which new head coach will have the most success, how important the preseason polls are, and a sleeper team that Oregon should take note of this season.
First, the group is split between Oregon star De’Anthony Thomas and USC’s quarterback Matt Barkley as the conference’s best overall player.
Who is the best player in the Pac-12 conference?
Brian: De’Anthony Thomas, running back of Oregon. Every week, he will be the best athlete on the field, and that includes Matt Barkley, Heisman candidate for USC. Thomas was the x-factor in a huge victory over Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl that finally gave the Ducks a BCS victory. He will also make the transition easier for Oregon’s new quarterback (Marcus Mariota), contributing to the offense by ground or air.
Raymond: Matt Barkley, quarterback of USC. There is no more important position in all of sports than the QB. Barkley is going to be a favorite to win the Heisman trophy and already has the pressure of USC being the top ranked team going into the season by the AP.
Mike: De’Anthony Thomas. For me this kid was fun to watch as a freshman who seemed to do something each time he touched the ball. Sure Matt Barkley, Robert Wood or another are good options but Thomas is the choice for me and it won’t hurt that the Ducks will be in the conference/national conversation.
Ricky: Matt Barkley. For me I see it this way – there is a reason why Matt Barkley is at the top of the Heisman Trophy list to start the season and that is because he has the talent to do so. I feel that Barkley is playing for more than just the Heisman and the chance to get the #1 pick in the NFL Draft. He’s playing for redemption. He and the Trojans have a fire in their eyes coming off their bowl ban and it is scary.
Each week, the staff at Autzen Zoo will react on the previous day’s games in Pac-12 football and other news that happens in the conference. Our current staff includes lead editor Brian Spaen, along with staff writers Mike Vamosi, Raymond Mencke, Jr., and Ricky Widmer.