This list wasn't as easy as it might seem. As fellow FanHouse contributor Jeff Adams clearly stated in his Big 12 write-up, the word "underrated" is a spot that can go in many directions. Is it a good player in a lousy situation, one who gets little ink because of the program he's part of? Maybe a strong player who is simply the victim of a small media market? As Jeff pointed out, there isn't a single, true definition. That said, here's the FanHouse view on the top five Pac-10 players who are recognized as deserving of some preseason buzz, even if they normally fly under the radar:
| 1. Josh Barrett, FS, Arizona State |
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Not too shabby for a 6-3, 231 lb. safety who has the size that many linebackers would love to possess. With new defensive coordinator Craig Bray on the scene, Barrett could have an even bigger season this year. Bray has coached with Dennis Erickson at a couple of stops, including defensive coordinator at Oregon State from 2000 - 2002, and both Bray and Erickson love to play an aggressive, attacking style. It'll be tough for Barrett to get more attention with safeties like Taylor Mays and Kevin Ellison of USC or UCLA's combo of Chris Horton and Dennis Keyes, but Barrett could break into the conversation as the best overall safety in the conference. A package of size and quickness, Barrett is the most underrated defensive player returning to the Pac-10 in 2007. |
A player who doesn't get a lot of publicitiy, Barrett has proven himself to be an outstanding senior leader on ASU's defense. Barrett led the Sun Devils in tackles last year, logging 82 to lead by a wide margin. But what's even more impressive is that Barrett also led the team in tackles for loss and interceptions, and was second in pass-breakups. 
