6. Rykeem Yates
Year: Senior
Position: Defensive tackle
Height/weight: 6-2/280
Hometown: Fresno, Calif.
2014 statistics: 10 games, 37 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, three passes defended
Why he’s important: The Wolf Pack’s defensive line is stocked with studs, but Yates could be the best of the bunch. He had a stretch in the middle of last season when he was unstoppable. If he can play at his peak for an entire season, he’ll put up huge numbers.