When listing the most explosive players in the Pacific-12 Conference, Oregon running back De'Anthony Thomas and USC wide receiver Marqise Lee would be among the first names that come to mind. Turns out UCLA outside linebacker Anthony Barr is right there with them, according to former Philadelphia Eagles scout John Middlekauff.
Barr ran the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds during the Bruins' junior timing day in the spring, which would tied for the fastest time in his position group at the NFL Scouting Combine in February and .13 ahead of former Oregon linebacker Dion Jordan, who was drafted No. 3 overall by the Miami Dolphins.
After recording 13.5 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss in his first season on defense, Barr comes in third in Daniel Jeremiah's initial Talented Top 50 rankings. With Barr's unnatural speed and improving skills at the position, Barr should challenge South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney as the top pass rusher in college football and could end up as the top pick in the 2014 NFL Draft next May.
Follow Dan Greenspan on Twitter @DanGreenspan.
