2. The DC overhaul

Far less easy to assess than the quarterback competitions, but only slightly less significant, is the massive turnover at defensive coordinator.

Arizona hired Johnny Nansen, who spent the previous two years on UCLA’s staff.

The Bruins replaced Jerry Azzinaro, the source of deep fan frustration, with Bill McGovern.

Arizona State elevated Donnie Henderson to the post after Antonio Pierce escaped to the NFL.

New USC coach Lincoln Riley brought along his defensive guru from Oklahoma, Alex Grinch.

New Oregon coach Dan Lanning hired Tosh Lupoi, a veteran of several Pac-12 teams and one-time coordinator for Nick Saban.

In Seattle, Kalen DeBoer brought his defensive staff from Fresno State, including co-coordinator William Inge.

Oregon State promoted Trent Bray to the full-time coordinator prior to the LA Bowl, so he’s not completely new to the task.

And Washington State has hired Brian Ward to run the defense that head coach Jake Dickert oversaw last season.

All in all, just four teams (Stanford, Cal, Utah and Colorado) are starting 2022 with the same defensive coordinators they employed at the beginning of 2021.

The speed with which they install and ingrain their systems will be vital, and challenging. Starting defenses throughout the conference are

Our final area of keen interest this month is not restricted by position, system or side of the ball.

It’s a broad search for talent ... for Day One draft talent.

In its latest ranking of 2023 NFL Draft prospects, Pro Football Focus includes just three Pac-12 players in the top 32 slots: Stanford’s McKee (No. 17), USC receiver Jordan Addison (No. 25) and Oregon linebacker Noah Sewell (No. 30).

The situation will change many times over before April, but the Pac-12 seemingly has a paucity of elite players across all units.

Who’s the next Laviska Shenault or Rachaad White?

If breakout stars are to emerge, the first clues should appear this month.