Pac-10

Players to Watch

Top performers from unranked teams in the conference

OREGON STATE
YVENSON BERNARD, RB

Hardly anyone outside Corvallis seemed to notice, but Bernard rushed for 1,321 yards last season as a sophomore, more than any other Pac-10 back returning this fall. He could be even better this year, running behind a line that returns intact.

WASHINGTON STATE
MKRISTO BRUCE, DE

A speed rusher who spends a lot of time in opposing backfields, Bruce had 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss last season. At 260 pounds, this senior can be overpowered, but he more than compensates with his knack for the big play.

STANFORD
TRENT EDWARDS, QB

He has had an uneven career, but in his second year in coach Walt Harris's system, and with the return of wideout Evan Moore, a 6'7" leaper who missed almost all of last year with a dislocated hip, Edwards could have a breakout senior season.

WASHINGTON
ISAIAH STANBACK, QB

Highly regarded recruit Jake Locker is waiting in the wings, but Stanback, an outstanding athlete who was chosen by the Baltimore Orioles in this year's baseball draft, has the experience and scrambling ability to energize the offense.