This 2022 college football season is set to feature many high-power passing offenses that will be the face of the sport. The USC Trojans are an example of a team that will feature an elite passing offense with a incoming quarterback and wide receiver tandem. The defenses of the Pac-12 will need elite playmakers to have a chance of slowing down some elite passing offenses. Three teams last season were ranked within the top 25 in pass defense. The Pac-12 usually has pro-ready defensive backs from several schools. These defensive backs are also some of the most dynamic playmakers in the conference. Here are the top four returning defensive backs from the Pac-12 going into the 2022 College Football season.
Top Returning Defensive Backs in the 2022 in PAC-12
4. S/CB Jaydon Grant (Oregon State)
One of the most defensive backs in the Pac-12 is Oregon State senior nickel Jaydon Grant. Grant has been with the Oregon State Beavers since the 2016 college football season. He has played 45 games while starting in 28. Grant has accumulated 159 total tackles, 93 solo tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, 13 pass breakups, and six interceptions. Last season, he accounted for 71 total tackles, 32 solo tackles, six pass breakups, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. Grant is a former walk-on who found his purpose by playing football after one year of playing in high school. He is a leader on and off the field and a reliable and smart defender. Athlon Sports named Grant a preseason second-team all-conference.
3. CB Clark Phillips III (Utah)
After a good first year with Utah as a freshman in 2020, cornerback Clark Phillips III had a big breakout season in 2021. Phillips was a key player in the Utes’ defense that finished 35th in the nation in scoring defense (22.6 points allowed per game). This past season, Phillips accounted for 61 total tackles, 45 solo tackles, a team-high 13 pass breakups, and two interceptions. Phillips possesses solid footwork and the great instincts to make a play for the ball by reading the route and the quarterback’s eyes. Phillips was named a second-team All-Conference in his second season in College Football. He is also a preseason first-team All-Conference selection by Athlon Sports. Phillips is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by Charlie Campbell of Walter Football and Oliver Hodgkinson of Pro Football Network.
2. S Daniel Scott (California)
Last season was the breakout season for Daniel Scott as he became a full-time starter. Scott led the team in total tackles (82) and solo tackles (60). He also accounted for three interceptions, two pass breakups, 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and one forced fumble. Scott is a reliable tackler who doesn’t miss on open-field tackles. He makes key reads while in a two-safety formation and can play slot cornerback. He is a dangerous playmaker in zone coverage while at safety and slot cornerback. Finally, Scott is highly efficient in blitzing schemes making him even more versatile. Scott is not a far-fetched label to be named the best defensive player for the Golden Bears. Scott is a first-team preseason All-Conference selection for Athlon Sports.
1. CB Kyu Blu Kelly (Stanford)
Kyu Blu Kelly has been an impact player since arriving at Stanford, and he has gotten better each season. Kelly has accumulated 112 total tackles, 85 solo tackles, three interceptions, and 17 pass breakups in his three seasons at Stanford. This past season, he accounted for 58 total tackles, 42 solo tackles, and 11 pass breakups. Kelly is everything most teams want in a cornerback. He is hard to lose in man coverage as he can match the opposing receiver’s speed and movement. Kelly is not afraid of contact as a tackler and contending for the ball. He contends for the pass breakup without drawing interference penalties. According to Sports Illustrated, The Draft Network, and Fox Sports, Kelly is currently projected to be selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He was a second-team All-Conference selection last season.
