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Preseason All-Pac-12: Expectations couldn't be higher for QB Sam Darnold

With the 2017 season set to begin in earnest today, here's a look at a collection of some of the best players in the Pac-12. There are a few familiar faces from ESPN.com's 2016 All-Pac-12 team, and several others primed for true breakout seasons.

Offense

QB Sam Darnold, USC: With all the talent and all the hype, it's amusing to consider that Saturday will mark the first time in Darnold's college career that he will open the season as a starting quarterback. He's fond of saying expectations are highest inside the program, but on the outside, he is the Heisman Trophy favorite and is expected to be the No.