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The Pac-12 will feature an array of gifted quarterbacks in 2017, but who will be the top returning offensive linemen in charge of protecting them?

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For the time being, the balance of power in the Pac-12 sits in the North Division. Ditto the situation in the trenches. The league’s top three returning offensive linemen are northerners, aided by a return to health of Oregon LT Tyrell Crosby. And Stanford, perennially home to the conference’s best collection of blockers, is bound to bounce back after uncharacteristically failing to produce an all-star in 2016. True, the South boasts its own standouts, but like the macro team pecking order as a whole, it’s a step behind up front.

Top Returning Pac-12 Offensive Linemen

5. Jeromy Irwin, Colorado

The Buffs realized how much they missed Irwin in 2015, a season shortened by an ACL tear, when he returned last year as a team captain. The 6-foot-5, 295-pound veteran was instrumental to the team’s offensive success, particularly in the running game. He won Colorado’s Offensive Trench Award, while being named to the All-Pac-12 Second Team after leading the program in knockdown and touchdown blocks. Irwin will be a key figure as the Buffs look to remain a South Division contender.

4. Scott Quessenberry, UCLA

A year away from the game served Quessenberry well during his junior season as a Bruin. He sat out 2015 to have both of his shoulders surgically repaired, which helped pave the way for a breakout campaign in 2016. Bigger and stronger than at any point in his career, Quessenberry not only supplanted Jake Brendel at center but he was also named First Team All-Pac-12 at a relatively new position. He’ll once again anchor a line that has a chance to be pretty good this season.

3. Trey Adams, Washington

While Adams was never going to receive the widespread attention of, say, QB Jake Browning or WR John Ross, he was still one of the unsung heroes of last year’s conference championship. Adams came into his own as a sophomore, parlaying his light feet and intensity into First Team All-Pac-12 recognition. The 6-foot-8, 309-pounder is a budding star in pass protection, though there’s still room for growth as a blue-collar, north-south run blocker.

2. Tyrell Crosby, Oregon

A full season with Crosby at left tackle probably wouldn’t have changed the Ducks’ fortunes much in 2016. But not having him over the final two months sure didn’t help the offense. Crosby entered his junior year as one of the nation’s up-and-coming offensive linemen after playing so well in 2015. However, a foot injury shut him down in September. Crosby now returns as the anchor of a front wall that used four freshmen starters last season.

1. Cody O’Connell, Washington State

Few players in America authored a more improbable ascent in 2016 than O’Connell. A reserve two years ago, he mushroomed last season into a unanimous All-American at left guard for the Cougars. At a hulking 6-foot-8 and 354 pounds, O’Connell is able to overpower his man with brute strength, yet he moves with the grace and the agility of a much smaller blocker. The Outland Trophy finalist is poised to shed what remains of his anonymity, especially in NFL scouting circles.

MORE: Top Returning Offensive Linemen For College Football In 2017