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Pac-12 football 2018 season preview: Breakout stars, biggest games, predictions

By Charles Rahrig V

PALO ALTO, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Bryce Love #20 of the Stanford Cardinal runs with the ball against the California Golden Bears at Stanford Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
PALO ALTO, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Bryce Love #20 of the Stanford Cardinal runs with the ball against the California Golden Bears at Stanford Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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TEMPE, AZ – OCTOBER 14: Washington Huskies defensive back Taylor Rapp (21) warms up before the college football game between the Washington Huskies and the Arizona State Sun Devils on October 14, 2017 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona.(Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ – OCTOBER 14: Washington Huskies defensive back Taylor Rapp (21) warms up before the college football game between the Washington Huskies and the Arizona State Sun Devils on October 14, 2017 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona.(Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year: Taylor Rapp, S – Washington

When the 2016 Washington Huskies made a run to the College Football Playoff and put together an incredible season, it was on the strength of their secondary. Budda Baker, Sidney Jones and Kenny King helped make up a monstrous trio.

Taylor Rapp was just a freshman on that team but has slowly been developing into one of the best safeties in the nation. In 2018, Rapp has a chance for a hallmark season in his junior season of play.

It’s too soon to start talking about whether or not he’ll leave for the next level after this season, but Rapp’s going to be the focal point of the secondary. He’s a definite All-American candidate and should be in contention for awards as well.

It helps that Rapp plays with talented secondary players next to him much like that 2016 secondary. Tevis Bartlett and Byron Murphy should also have huge seasons for Washington as well.

Rapp’s experienced and knows how to make an impact in big moments. The Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year award could be finding a home in Seattle this season if the Huskies’ secondary is as advertised.