No. 7. Zack Martin, LT
2011 numbers: The 6-foot-4, 304-pound Martin started all 13 games last season for a unit that allowed just 17 sacks. He was named the team's best offensive lineman for the second straight season.
Making the case for Martin: When Brian Kelly is asked what he knows about his team going into this season, he says he knows his team will win the battle in the trenches, and that's a good feeling. His left tackle is a big reason for that, as Martin returns after 26 straight starts on the line. The redshirt junior will anchor a unit that brings back three starters from the same position as last season, four in all, and is under a new coach in the well-traveled Harry Hiestand. Like center Braxston Cave, Martin is also on the watch list for the Outland Trophy.
No. 8 Theo Riddick, RB/WR
No. 9 Braxston Cave, C
No. 10 George Atkinson III, RB
No. 11 Kapron Lewis-Moore, DE
No. 12 Everett Golson, QB
No. 13 Andrew Hendrix, QB
No. 14 Tommy Rees, QB
No. 15 DaVaris Daniels, WR
No. 16 Prince Shembo, OLB
No. 17 Zeke Motta, S
No. 18 Chris Watt, LG
No. 19 T.J. Jones, WR
No. 20 John Goodman, WR
No. 21 Bennett Jackson, CB
No. 22 Robby Toma, WR
No. 23 Ishaq Williams, OLB
No. 24 Dan Fox, ILB
No. 25 Gunner Kiel, QB