Jordan Perez, Linebacker, Stanford
In a conference where offense reigns supreme (Pac-12), this native of Carlsbad, California is proving that defense can still be relevant on the pass-happy west coast. Perez already has 60 career tackles, one career sack, and two career pass deflections in a Cardinal uniform. As a senior, he will add to those numbers as Stanford seeks their first Pac-12 title since 2015. Perez is in a unique position as 14th ranked Stanford is one of just nine Football Bowl Subdivision schools – out of 130 – who utilize the 3-4 defensive scheme which is highly popular in the National Football League. As such Perez and his Cardinal teammates will be looking to spoil the hopes of teams like Southern California, UCLA, Washington, Notre Dame, Oregon and arch-rival California – no small feat.