Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

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	Defensive end Everson Griffen is Pac-10 blogger Ted Miller's 30th best player in the conference going into this season.

Your first question: Why 30?

Because too many good guys would get left out if I did 25.

Your second: What are the criteria?

Good question. This was much harder to do than it seemed it would be when I hatched the idea while making blackened catfish last night (which was yummy).

Call it a mix of three things: 1. NFL prospects; 2. Production. 3. Potential. 

Speaking of NFL prospects and potential — though not as much of No. 2 — we bring you…

No. 30

Everson Griffen, DE, USC: A hyped 2007 recruit who made a lot of plays as a true freshman, Griffen lost his starting job last year — albeit to a potential NFL first-round pick this spring in Clay Matthews. Due to extraordinary physical talent, Griffen has as much upside as any Pac-10 player. If he gets his mind right this year, he could — should? — win Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year and play himself into position to be a No. 1 draft pick as a junior. As it is, we rank him 30th — instead of, say, top-5 — because he needs to play with more consistent effort and focus.