By Rob Moseley

Editor, GoDucks.com

As the Oregon defense fought through growing pains over the course of the 2015 regular season, there was always a dependable rock setting the tone on the defensive line.

Pac-12 head coaches acknowledged as much Tuesday, bestowing the conference's Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year Award upon UO senior defensive end DeForest Buckner. He's the second conference player of the year in UO history, following in the footsteps of defensive tackle Haloti Ngata in 2005.

Buckner, widely regarded as a potential top-10 pick in the 2016 NFL draft, was second in the Pac-12 during the regular season with 9.5 sacks, and third with 16 tackles for loss. He enters the postseason with 76 tackles, second on the team behind linebacker Joe Walker (82).

“We're extremely pleased that our conference recognized what we've always believed,” UO defensive coordinator Don Pellum said. “DeFo is a tremendous person, teammate and competitor. He's the best, and we couldn't be happier for him.”

Stanford all-purpose back Christian McCaffrey was named offensive player of the year, and the coach of the year award was shared by Mike Leach of Washington State and David Shaw of Stanford. UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen and USC linebacker Cameron Smith were named freshman of the year on their respective sides of the ball.

The Pac-12's scholar-athlete of the year was Arizona State quarterback Mike Bercovici. Oregon offensive lineman Tyler Johnstone also was a candidate.

Buckner passed up the chance to enter the 2015 NFL draft in order to return to school and finish his degree, which he's in line to do at the conclusion of the fall quarter. He currently stands ninth in UO history with 35 career tackles for loss, and has 17 sacks, one short of making the career top-10 list.

But his impact transcended statistics. Buckner was the emotional leader of the Oregon defense, setting the tone daily with his work ethic in practice and his accountability as the Ducks battled to come of age over the course of the season.

“I'm just honored to have received such a prestigious award, because I know there are several other defensive players within the conference that could have been chosen,” Buckner said. “Being the one selected to receive the award is a blessing. I also know that none of this would have happened if it weren't for the help and guidance of my coaches and teammates, so I'm truly thankful.”