Pac-12 football 2019 preview: Will a playoff contender emerge?

Pac-12 football 2019 preview: Can Oregon, Utah live up to preseason hype?

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 31: Oregon Ducks Quarterback Justin Herbert (10) looks to pass during the Redbox Bowl between the Michigan State Spartans and the Oregon Ducks at Levi's Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by Cody Glenn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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PASADENA, CA – OCTOBER 26: Utah Utes defensive end Bradlee Anae (6) during a college football game between the Utah Utes and the UCLA Bruins on October 26, 2018 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Defensive Player of the Year: Bradlee Anae, Utah

One of the reason the Utah Utes have been picked by the media as the preseason favorite to win the Pac-12 is because of their depth in the trenches. Bradlee Anae has been a catalyst in defensive production for Utah.

If anyone isn’t familiar with his name yet, they’re going to be this season. Anae finished with eight sacks in 2018 and had seven in 2017. He’s a machine at getting after the quarterback and if his rise in production is any indication, he’s going to be in line for multiple awards at the end of the year.

Anae’s a name that’s going to rise up big boards as well. He’s a large defensive end that moves well and is incredibly explosive. With the nature of offenses in the conference, he’s going to be a major disruption.

Kyle Whittingham’s success at Utah has largely been driven by the environment of physicality that’s been established in the trenches. Utah is primed for a big season and Pac-12 foes are going to have a difficult time scoring.

Anae coming back for his senior season was a huge coup for this defense. He wants to finish his college career strong and the Pat Tillman Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award is a real possibility.

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