The end of the season means it’s time for our countdown of the top 25 players in the Pac-12 for 2015. We’ll roll out five a day each day this week, capping it with the top five players on Friday.
You can see our preseason rankings here:
No. 16: Devontae Booker, RB, Utah
He didn't deliver the absolutely monster season that some expected, and he did miss the end of the year with a knee injury, but Booker was potent again versus defenses that frequently stacked the box against him. He finished his senior season with 1,261 rushing yards -- the third-highest total in the Pac-12 despite playing only 10 games -- on 4.7 per carry. No offense in the country used its running back more than Utah used Booker.
No. 17: Paul Perkins, RB, UCLA
He was the Pac-12's rushing champion in 2014, but Perkins' productivity declined in 2015 with the Bruins' quarterback change from Brett Hundley to Josh Rosen. But he still finished with 1,343 rush yards on 5.7 per carry -- third place in the Pac-12 -- behind a versatile running style that combined quickness with a fair share of power. Perkins owned the second-longest touchdown run of the Pac-12's top backs: His 82-yard scamper was surpassed only by Myles Gaskin's 86-yard score.
No. 18: Joe Dahl, OL, Washington State
At 6-foot-4, 303 pounds, Dahl is big and versatile. He can play either guard or tackle, and that adaptability turned heads this season. For one, the Cougars' ground game took major strides -- they more than doubled their rushing total -- and Dahl was a key part of the blocking effort. He refined his pass protection during a full career working in Mike Leach's Air Raid, and that earned Dahl an invitation to the upcoming Senior Bowl.
No. 19: Sidney Jones, CB, Washington
The Huskies' secondary was the foundation of their league-best defense this season. Jones, meanwhile, was one of this unit's pillars. The sophomore led the Pac-12 with 14 pass breakups. He also added four interceptions and three forced fumbles, making him arguably the Pac-12's most effective turnover generator. Jones scored two defensive touchdowns this season and is expected to be an anchor of a promising 2016 Washington squad.
No. 20: Adoree' Jackson, CB/WR, USC
In addition to his 690 all-purpose yards, Jackson played a solid cornerback role for the Trojans in 2015, breaking up eight passes and returning a pick for a score. He also led the conference in punt return average while being one of only two players to return a pair of punts for touchdowns. Jackson's versatility was again his calling card, and it continues to extend beyond the football field: He's taking spring practice off to gun for the 2016 Summer Olympics in track and field.