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

No. 20: Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon

2012 numbers: Jordan recorded 44 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss and five sacks. He also forced three fumbles.

Preseason ranking: No. 11

Making the case for Jordan: Jordan battled through some injuries to earn first-team All-Pac-12 honors for a second consecutive season, playing for a defense that ranked 25th in the nation in scoring (21.62 points per game). The long, lean 6-foot-7, 243 pounder was the most dangerous member of a deep and talented defensive line, the first guy opposing offensive coordinators had to account for on every play. He is expected to be a first-round NFL draft pick this spring, perhaps even getting picked in the top-half of the first round. ESPN NFL draft guru Mel Kiper ranks him 16th overall -- Kiper has him going 10th to the Tennessee Titans in his latest mock draft -- while Scouts Inc., rates him 14th.

No. 21: Scott Crichton, DE, Oregon State

No. 22: Ed Reyonlds, S, Stanford

No. 23: Michael Clay, LB, Oregon

No. 24: Taylor Kelly, QB, Arizona State

No. 25: Reggie Dunn, KR, Utah