Pac-12 Football: Top 10 players heading into spring games

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Nov 25, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars offensive lineman Cody O’Connell (76) gets set for a play against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Huskies won 45-17. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

For most schools, the star of the team is rarely an offensive linemen. But Washington State’s resurgence in 2016 was largely dependent on the protection and run-blocking provided by its front five.

The key cog on that line, Cody O’Connell, became just the second Washington State player to earn unanimous All-American honors last year, and he’ll need to play at least as well this year if the Cougars are going to contend for the Pac-12 North.

O’Connell is back for one more year to help anchor a unit in transition. With Eduardo Middleton graduating after last season from the right guard position, O’Connell will be the star of an interior line that will look to continue its stellar work from 2016.

If Mike Leach’s team has any hope of taking the next step to win the Pac-12 North, he will need O’Connell to lead the way to allow the running game to provide balance to Luke Falk and the prolific passing attack.

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