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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SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 16: Defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike #95 of the Washington Huskies lines up against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Husky Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

Breakout star: Levi Onwuzurike, Washington

Under Chris Petersen and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, the Washington Huskies have had a line of succession at many positions in their defensive unit. Notably, the defensive line has seemingly produced a tree that has sprouted consistent NFL talent.

It is time to examine that tree and the next breakout star of the Pac-12 Conference. From Danny Shelton to Vita Vea to Greg Gaines and now Levi Onwuzurike.

Onwuzurike is yet another big-bodied defensive lineman that will be expected to hold down the fort and dominate in the trenches for the Huskies. He has seen plenty of snaps as he heads into his junior season and the transition should be seamless.

Each of his predecessors before him has made it to the NFL, two of which were first-round picks. The Huskies’ ability to produce top-flight defensive lineman is one of the reasons they’ve been so dominant in the Pac-12.

They get the ball rolling on defense. Onwuzurike had five sacks and 50 total sacks in his first two seasons on campus. The results so far have been promising.

When looking for breakout stars, it’s always a good idea to examine which position trees have been most successful. For Washington, the defensive line has proved as bountiful as their secondary.

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