Pac-12 breakdown: Top needs in the 2018 class

The Pac-12 is already off to a fast start with commitments across the conference but there is a long way to go until National Signing Day. Here is a look at each program in the Pac-12 and what position is needed most in this recruiting class.

MORE: Big Ten breakdown | SEC breakdown | ACC breakdown

Class of 2018 rankings: Rivals250 | Team | State | Position

Biggest need: Offensive line

The Latest: It is clear after spring practice that the offensive line is going to need a tremendous rebuilding effort, especially after the Wildcats did not sign any players at those positions in the 2017 class other than Edgar Burrola, who will blueshirt. The good news is that there are two prime targets in Tucson that Arizona is going after in three-star Matteo Mele and David Watson. Those aren’t the only two. Big-time offensive guard Chris Murray just visited, and three-star Will Craig also seems like an early priority.

Biggest need: Wide receiver

The Latest: Offensive tackle, cornerback and an inside linebacker will be other priorities for the Sun Devils in this recruiting class as they look to get back on track, but wide receiver will be a major focus as well. Four-star receiver Solomon Enis is the top player in the state and is definitely a top priority. Etiwanda, Calif., speedster Geordon Porter has a lot of interest in the Sun Devils. Then there is junior college tight end Dominick Anderson, who is at Yuma (Ariz.) Arizona Western C.C. Proximity could aid Arizona State in his recruitment.

Biggest need: Linebacker

The Latest: The transition to a 3-4 defense under first-year coach Justin Wilcox means linebackers will become a more serious focus starting with the 2018 recruiting class. Cal is going to need more edge rushers and inside linebackers, since three from that position are gone after next season. Depth was a major issue under former coach Sonny Dykes, especially in the front seven. Four-star Cameron Latu would be a huge pickup, as would Salua Masina and Jack Lamb. Hawaii three-star Kana’i Mauga was a star this spring and would fit well in the Golden Bears’ new scheme.

Biggest need: Running backs

The Latest: The Buffaloes will be graduating three scholarship running backs after the 2017 season, including Phillip Lindsay, who ran for over 1,000 yards in 2016 and scored 17 total touchdowns. Junior Kyle Evans went down with a hip injury during spring ball, so that leaves Beau Bisharat and incoming freshman Alex Fontenot as the only scholarship running backs. Colorado will need to add a couple of talented players at the position, and it already has one in Max Borghi, an in-state prospect who has a tremendous highlight film and can be used in various ways. Tazhawn Henry has Colorado among his top schools and will be one to watch.

Biggest need: Running backs

The Latest: Royce Freeman delivered good news to the Oregon faithful when he announced he will return next season, but then he’s off to the NFL and Kani Benoit will be gone as well. That leaves a tremendous hole in the backfield, and that’s why Durham (N.C.) Hillside all-purpose back Jamal Currie-Elliott is such a priority even though Tennessee remains a huge contender as well. Also, only two tight ends will be on the roster after this season. Because of that Salem (Ore.) Sprague’s Teagan Quitoriano has become a top target.

Biggest need: Defensive linemen

The Latest: After the Beavers struggled to find a pass rush in 2016, they brought in a four-star defensive tackle in Craig Evans from the junior college ranks to help get to the quarterback. Evans has said he plans to be a "one-and-done" prospect. If that happens, Oregon State will be down to just two scholarship defensive tackles in Kalani Vakameilalo and Elu Aydon. Oregon State has an early commitment from Isaac Hodgins, but the Beavers still need to add additional defensive linemen for their 3-4 scheme. Jonathan Lolohea is an intriguing junior college prospect that they've offered. Their biggest target on the board is four-star defensive tackle Tuli Letuligasenoa, who visited OSU for its spring game.

Biggest need: Linebackers

The Latest: Stanford can sign as many as four linebackers in this class as the Cardinal coaching staff juggles players coming and going on LDS missions and focus on loading up at that position. Loa Kaufusi is coming back from a mission and will effectively be a part of the 2018 class, and 2016 five-star signee Curtis Robinson has major potential, but Levani Damuni, a 2017 signee, is going on his mission. Stanford has smartly already offered a bunch of 2018 linebackers including Solomon Tuliaupupu, Tobe Umerah, Dax Hollifield, Brandon Kaho and others, so it will be a priority in this class.

Biggest need: Offensive line

The Latest: Rebuilding the offensive line continues to be a priority for UCLA in this recruiting class, and it has been a problem the Bruins need to address. That’s why an interior lineman such as four-star Justin Dedich has become such a big-time target in this class, and UCLA has been generous with offers across the offensive line. More than a dozen offensive line offers have gone out already according to the Rivals.com database, as UCLA looks to bring in some important commitments.

Biggest need: Cornerback

The Latest: The Trojans have only one experienced corner returning in Iman Marshall, and he will be a junior, so he is eligible for the NFL Draft after this season. If Marshall doesn't return for his final season the other USC corners are largely untested and unproven, so USC needs to bring in talented cornerbacks who are ready to compete. Four-star Isaac Taylor-Stuart tops the list, and fellow four-star Olaijah Griffin isn’t far behind.

Biggest need: Wide receiver

The Latest: The best news Utah could have received when recruiting wide receivers is that four-star quarterback Jack Tuttle committed to the Utes early. It never hurts to have one of the nation’s best locked up and then go after top receivers, and that includes Tuttle’s friend – three-star receiver Kyle Phillips. Utah has offered a bunch of receivers in this class, many in the West region, as the Utes try to load up at that position.

Biggest need: Quarterback

The Latest: Finding a replacement for Jake Browning is going to be important for the Huskies, and the good news is that Washington has already wrapped up two quarterback commitments in this class. Four-star Jacob Sirmon is a pocket passer with a cannon for an arm. Four-star Colson Yankoff, a former Oregon pledge, can toss it around as well and is a more athletic option. Cal is pursuing Sirmon heavily, but it would be a stunner if he flips at this point with the Huskies doing so well.

Biggest need: Defensive tackle

The Latest: Washington State landed a bunch of talented defensive ends in the 2017 class but not one defensive tackle, so that’s going to be the focus in this cycle. Four-star Tuli Letuligasenoa would be a tremendous addition, but that might be shooting for the stars. A bunch of players including Tommy Togiai, JUCO standout Caleb Tremblay and others could fit the bill as well.