Our countdown of the Pac-12’s Top 25 players from the 2013 season continues.

You can review our 2013 preseason Top 25 here.

No. 15: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon

Teams rarely looked to challenge Oregon cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu. Scott Olmo/USA TODAY Sports

2013 numbers: Ekpre-Olomu was second on the Ducks with 84 tackles. He also had five tackles for a loss to go with three interceptions and nine passes defended. He also forced a fumble.

Preseason ranking: No. 8

Making the case for Ekpre-Olomu: This is always the dilemma when it comes to A-list defensive backs. Though his tackles were up from 63 last season, he had fewer passes defended, fewer interceptions and fewer forced fumbles. It’s not for lack of talent. And I don't think many would criticize him for having a bad season. Rather his reputation as a lockdown corner precedes him, and as a result, teams weren't throwing in his direction as much. A first-team All-American per ESPN, he was also a second-team All-American by several other publications and the Walter Camp Foundation. He already was slated as one of the top defensive back prospects in college football. Now that he’s returning to Oregon for another season, he’s going to get that much better, that much sharper and that much more polished. Expect him to be on pretty much every preseason All-America list and the postseason ones as well. His return gives Oregon’s secondary instant credibility.

The countdown: