Jack Follman’s All-Time DLs from Current Pac-12 Schools

The defensive linemen feature some of the best at their positions in the history of college football

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Posted on May 13, 2022


  By Jack Follman, SportsPac12

We now move over to the defensive side of the ball in our countdown of the greatest players in Pac-12 history at different positions.

The defensive line unit (defensive tackles and defensive ends) features some of the best players at their positions in the history of college football.

On this list, you’ll find some of the best sack-masters, run-stuffers, and combinations of the two in the history of the conference and college football.

Steve Emtman | Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic

1. Steve Emtman, Washington

Emtman put together one of the greatest seasons ever by a defensive player in 1991, winning a national title, being a serious Heisman candidate as a DT, and winning countless trophies.

He is in the debate for greatest college football defensive lineman of all-time.

2. Terrell Suggs, Arizona State

Suggs is the best pass rusher in college football history and such a talent that I don’t know if he will ever be eclipsed.

He took home countless trophies in 2002 and holds the single-season sack record.

3. Tedy Bruschi, Arizona

Bruschi had an incredible career in Tucson. His sack and stat numbers are unreal for a player who played his position.

His Morris Trophy, Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award, and multiple All-American and All-Conference honors tell the story.

4. Rob Waldrop, Arizona

He may not be a household name, but Waldrop was an unbelievable player for the Wildcats in the 90s. He won an Outland Trophy and a Nagurski Award as the best defensive player in the nation.

Will Sutton | Christian Petersen/Getty Images

5. Will Sutton, Arizona State

One of the most historically underrated players in conference history. He won an incredible two-straight Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year awards while also earning All-American honors both years.

6. Haloti Ngata, Oregon

Ngata is a no-brainer here and maybe the best run-defender in the history of the conference. He had an all-timer year in 2005, winning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and the Morris Trophy while taking home All-American honors.

7. DeForest Buckner, Oregon

Buckner was just unfair on the defensive line in 2015 as he won Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and the Morris Trophy.

He was also instrumental in Oregon making it to the CFP championship game in 2014.

8. Stephen Paea, Oregon State

Winning two Morris Trophies is a big endorsement for the ultra-strong Paea. He was one of the most-powerful players we’ve ever seen in the Conference.

9. Willie McGinnest, USC

You know the name for good reason. He was a multi-year All-American and All-Conference guy who put up tons of stats on the defensive line as a star for the Trojans.

10. Mike Patterson, USC

A multi-year star for the Trojans as they won national championships, he was dominant at the line of scrimmage. He racked up All-American and all-conference honors throughout his career.

11. Darrell Russell, USC
12. Leonard Williams, USC
13. Kenechi Udeze, USC
14. Shaun Cody, USC
15. Rien Long, Washington State
16. Ron Holmes, Washington
17. Vita Vea, Washington
18. Reggie Rogers, Washington
19. Sedrick Ellis, USC
20. Lawrence Jackson, USC
21. Dave Ball, UCLA
22. Andre Carter, Cal
23. Star Lotuelelei, Utah
24. Greg Gaines, Washington
25. Nate Orchard, Utah