Our countdown of the Pac-12's top 25 players in 2012 continues.

Most of this looks back, but, of course, there also is a good dose of projecting forward. A lot of good players, as it happens every year, won't make the preseason list. It is in their hands to make the postseason list.

You can review our 2011 postseason top 25 here.

11. Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon

2011 numbers: Recorded 7.5 sacks on the year to go with 13 tackles for a loss and 42 total tackles.

2011 postseason ranking: No. 20

Making the case for Jordan: Despite missing two games, Jordan led the Ducks and ranked fifth in the Pac-12 in sacks and seventh in tackles for a loss. A first-team All-Pac-12 performer in 2011, Jordan could become a breakout star in 2011, perhaps even getting All-American consideration. He's long -- 6-foot-7 -- and, at 241 pounds, he's lean, but he's surprisingly powerful and an exceptional athlete who started off at Oregon as a tight end. He's been named to watch lists for Bednarik Award (defense), Rotary Lombardi Award (lineman), Bronko Nagurski Trophy (defense) and Ted Hendricks Award (defensive end).

No. 12: Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford

No. 13: Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon

No. 13: Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon

No 14: Nickell Robey, CB, USC

No. 15: John White IV, RB, Utah

No. 16: John Boyett, S, Oregon

No. 17: Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State

No. 18: Khaled Holmes, C, USC

No. 19: Cameron Marshall, RB, Arizona State

No. 20: Dion Bailey, LB, USC

No. 21: Shayne Skov, LB, Stanford

No. 22: Curtis McNeal, RB, USC

No. 23: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington

No. 24: Isi Sofele, RB, California

No. 25: Jeff Tuel, QB, Washington State