The Pac-12 has always been viewed as a passing league. So when thoughts turn to defense, the first question everyone asks is: Do you have a shut-down cornerback?

Some do, some don’t.

Ranking players at their positions always stirs a heated debate but we decided to pick the five guys most suited to playing on an island anyway, then sit back and wait for the opinions to fly.

Here is our first five:

1. Nickell Robey, USC: It helps playing alongside All-American safety T.J McDonald, but Robey has started all 24 games of his college career since arriving in 2010 as a heralded four-star recruit out of Florida's Frostproof High School.

The 5-foot-8, 165-pound junior has 111 tackles and six interceptions in his first two years. His height could hurt him when it comes time for the NFL Draft, but he’s aggressive and willing to battle with the big receivers he often faces in the Pac-12. 

2.Jordan Poyer, Oregon State: Poyer is a terrific all-around athlete and will be playing in the NFL after he completes his senior season. He’ll also be able to get into bars without any fuss.

He was a second-team all-conference selection last season with 57 tackles, four interceptions and a Pac-12-high 12 pass breakups. He is on the watch list for the Lott Trophy and Bednarik Award.

3. Desmond Trufant, Washington: Trufant is the younger brother of Seahawks cornerback Marcus Trufant. He’s been a starter since his freshman season, amassing 159 tackles and five interceptions. 

Physically gifted at 6 feet, 185 pounds, Trufant has the speed and tools that NFL scouts are seeking on draft day but he needs to show more consistency to solidify an early-round selection.

4. Aaron Hester, UCLA: Hester ranked fourth on the team in tackles in 2011 with 57, including a career-best 11 at Oregon State. He has the height (6-1) to compete with the conference’s bigger receivers and the confidence to hang with anyone.

Hester was reprimanded by the conference for arguing a pass interference call against Arizona State late in a tight game last season, but he was correct in his assessment. He had perfect coverage –- something the Bruins are hoping will be the norm this season.

5. Marc Anthony, Cal: Anthony posted a career-high and team-leading 12 pass breakups to rank tied for seventh on the school's all-time single-season list last season.

Part of what should be a formidable Cal defense, Anthony is a third-team preseason All-Pac-12 choice of Phil Steele and a candidate for the Jim Thorpe Award and the Jack Tatum Trophy, given annually to the nation's top defensive back.