Reign of Troy All Pac-10 Offense: First Team

With finals winding down, it is time to recognize the players around the Pac-10 who performed to an elite level and were the best in the conference. In some cases, the difference between making the first and second team was very slim. In most cases, the list resembles the official list as recognized by the Pac-10.

First Team

QB Andrew Luck, So., Stanford

The redshirt sophomore carved up defenses with precision and turned in a brilliant season despite losing a major part of his offense. He led the Cardinal to one of their best seasons ever and improved his draft stock.

RB LaMichael James, So., Oregon

The speedster averaged six yards per carry and led the league in rushing by nearly 450 yards despite missing the opening game of the season. In person, his speed and ability to elude tacklers are unbelievable.

RB Chris Polk, So., Washington

The sophomore averaged over 100 yards per game and was a major reason the Huskies went bowling. Jake Locker ended up on his back and under pressure a lot because the offensive line wasn’t great. Despite the blocking deficiencies, Polk still managed to finish second in the league in rushing.

FB Owen Marecic, Sr., Stanford

In addition to playing linebacker, the senior set up blocks for Stepfan Taylor and was the main reason the running game was even functional. The iron man scored a touchdown on offense at Notre Dame and then returned an interception to the house on the very next play from scrimmage.

WR Jeff Maehl, Sr., Oregon

Whenever Darron Thomas needed a target, Jeff Maehl found a seam and made some acrobatic catches in key situations. Maehl caught twelve touchdown passes and managed a touch under 14 yards per reception.

WR Juron Criner, Jr., Arizona

Criner was the most effect weapon in a pass happy attack at Arizona. He logged nearly 1200 yards and 10 touchdowns. Much like Maehl, Criner was a clutch receiver that Nick Foles could count on.

TE David Paulson, Jr., Oregon

Despite turning in just 21 receptions, Paulson was effective in that he averaged 17 yards per catch. In addition, he played a key part in springing runners to the outside in that spread option attack.

OL Tyron Smith, Jr., USC

OL Jonathan Martin, Jr., Stanford

OL Jordan Holmes, Sr., Oregon

OL David DeCastro, Jr., Stanford

OL Chase Beeler, Sr., Stanford

K Nate Whitaker, Sr., Stanford

For amusement purposes, here were the site’s preseason All Pac-10 selections for the first team offense published on July 15:

"QB Andrew Luck – Stanford RB LaMichael James – Oregon FB Stanley Havili – USC WR James Rodgers – Oregon State WR Chris Owusu – Stanford TE Kavario Middleton – Washington LT Bo Thran – Oregon LG Conan Amituanai – Arizona C Kristopher O’Dowd – USC RG David DeCastro – Stanford RT B.J. Guerra – Washington State K Kai Forbath – UCLA"