Last preseason, we talked continuously about the quarterback talent in the Pac-12. Perhaps this preseason, the narrative should be about the running backs.

Four running backs (including Arizona State’s D.J. Foster who will play receiver and some running back this year) are among the five best candidates for Offensive Player of the Year in the Pac-12 heading into 2015.

Perhaps more impressive is that two of those running backs are heading into their true sophomore seasons at their respective schools. That’s a testament to how well the league has recruited in recent cycles.

Here’s the top five.

1- Cody Kessler, QB, USC

Kessler returns for his senior season, hoping to lead the Trojans to the Pac-12 title and the College Football Playoff. The Bakersfield, Calif., product threw for 3,826 yards and 39 touchdowns with only five interceptions a season ago. If Kessler repeats his showing this season, he’s the odds-on favorite to be the Offensive Player of the Year in the league. There is even Heisman Trophy talk here. Online sports book Bovada has him with 12-1 preseason odds to capture college football’s most distinguished individual award.

2- D.J. Foster, WR/RB, Arizona State

Foster is one of the most versatile offensive threats in college football and the senior, who will likely see more time at receiver than running back this season, is a dynamic weapon for the Sun Devils’ high-octane offense. In three seasons in Tempe, Foster has 2,077 rushing yards, has caught 163 passes for 1,874 yards and has 28 total touchdowns. The numbers should continue to be impressive in 2015.

3- Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon

Freeman had a great freshman year in 2014, rushing for 1,365 yards and 18 touchdowns and this season, the 5-foot-11, 235-pounder should again put up big numbers in the Ducks’ offensive attack. Freeman is one of the most talented running backs in college football and with more of the weight on the shoulders of the Oregon backs, given the departure of quarterback Marcus Mariota, he should provide ample fireworks to be in contention.

4- Nick Wilson, RB, Arizona

Like Freeman, Wilson also enjoyed a breakout freshman year in 2014 with the Wildcats, helping Arizona win the Pac-12 South title. Wilson, from Fresno, Calif., had 1,365 yards and 16 touchdowns and should continue to pile up the numbers in Tucson. The 5-foot-10, 199-pound Wilson has excellent feet and vision and an NFL future if he continues his progression at UofA.

5- Paul Perkins, RB, UCLA

Perkins had a monster 2014 with 1,575 rushing yards and nine touchdowns and with the Bruins breaking in a new quarterback this season, he will be counted on to continue to be a focal point of the UCLA offense. He’s also has the second-best preseason odds of any Pac-12 player to capture the Heisman with 18-1, according to Bovada.

