The Football Writers Association of America named UCLA center Jake Brendel to its Freshman All-America team this today. He is the first Bruin to make the list since Alterraun Verner did so as a true freshman after the 2006 season. Besides Xavier Su’a-Filo, Brendel’s starting job is probably the only one on the offensive line that stays pretty safe.

USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams and Oregon offensive lineman Tyler Johnstone were also named from the Pac-12.

Former nominees who played in the conference this year are: S John Boyett (Oregon), WR Marquess Wilson (WSU), WR Robert Woods (USC), DE Junior Onyeali (ASU), QB Sean Mannion (Oregon State), WR Marqise Lee (USC), De’Anthony Thomas (Oregon), LB Dion Bailey (USC). Decent seasons for most of that list besides Wilson, who quit the team, and Mannion, who got benched. Boyett also lost his season to knee surgery.