Athlon Sports’ 2022 All-Pac-12 teams include 9 Sun Devils, 7 Wildcats

The college football season kicks off in just more than two months, and with that, Athlon Sports’ Steve Lassan released his selections for the Pac-12 All-Conference teams.

Lassan has nine Arizona State Sun Devils and seven Arizona Wildcats making his four all-conference teams.

First Team offense

Wide receiver Jacob Cowing, Arizona: Arizona landed former UTEP wide receiver Cowling from the transfer portal. In 13 games for UTEP last year, Cowling hauled in 69 catches, good for 1,354 yards and seven touchdowns.

First Team specialists

Punt returner D.J. Taylor, Arizona State: Taylor was named to the same spot last season. In 15 games played a season ago, he averaged 13.6 yards per return for the Sun Devils.

Punter Kyle Ostendorp, Arizona: Ostendorp appeared in 12 games last year for the Wildcats, averaging 49.3 yards per punt, including 17 punts that landed inside the 20-yard line.

Second Team offense

Running back Xazavian Valladay, Arizona State: Valladay is a transfer from Wyoming who averaged 5.6 yards per carry and rushed for 1,070 yards with six touchdowns. With the Sun Devils already losing Rachaad White (NFL Draft) and DeaMonte Trayanum (transfer portal), Valladay will be given a great opportunity to contribute in 2022.

Offensive lineman LaDarius Henderson, Arizona State: Last season as a junior Henderson appeared in 13 games totaling 823 snaps. Henderson allowed just eight QB hurries, one QB hit and one sack while playing left guard.

Second Team defense

Linebacker Merlin Robertson, Arizona State: Robertson appeared in 12 games for the Sun Devils last season, recording 64 total tackles as well as reeling in three interceptions.

Defensive lineman Kyon Barrs, Arizona: Barrs played 10 games for the Wildcats last season, earning All-Pac-12 Second Team honors. He totaled 33 tackles, eight tackles for loss as well as a team-leading five sacks.

Second Team specialists

Kick returner D.J. Taylor, Arizona State: While Taylor was named as a First Team punt returner, he comes in as a Second Team kick returner this season for the Sun Devils. Taylor returned 24 kicks last year, averaging 22 yards per return including a long of 60 yards.

Third Team offense

Offensive lineman Ben Scott, Arizona State

Third Team defense

Linebacker Kyle Soelle, Arizona State

Cornerback Christian Roland-Wallace, Arizona

Fourth Team offense

Offensive lineman Jordan Morgan, Arizona

Fourth Team defense

Safety Khoury Bethley, Arizona State

Safety Christian Young, Arizona

Defensive lineman Jalen Harris, Arizona