In a world of what-have-you-done-for-me-lately expectations, one can never afford to rest on past accomplishments. So with that said, just a week removed from the conclusion of the college season we’re already looking forward to the future.

In what was a strong year of freshman class players, we’re already wondering who will make that extra leap for their sophomore season.

Our journey begins in the Pac-10 Conference, where we have five players to watch for 2010.

Amobi Okugo

Amobi Okugo, UCLA: It’s only right that we start with the conference’s Freshman of the Year. Okugo, also named TDS Rookie of the Season, started every game in the midfield for the Bruins while helping contribute to a strong defensive unit. He proved that he has the physicality to excel at the college level and his next mission, if he so chooses to accept it, will be to make the transition from solid to truly exceptional.

Steve Birnbaum, California: Entered the year with all the experience he could ever use while competing for national teams and playing in the Milk Cup. Played some valuable minutes for the Bears and earned some starting time as well. He’ll have some stars to grow with at the Cal program and should help to ensure they don’t fade down the stretch the way they did last season.

Jose Altamirano, San Diego State: Small but crafty, Altamirano proved that he’s a dangerous playmaker at any level. He started in half of his games and earned some valuable minutes. He’s a player who could make a big leap in Year Two.

Dersu Abolfathi Stanford: We had him rated as the nation’s top recruit last season and he didn’t disappoint. He was an instant impact player, cracking minutes on the top program and proving that his combination of size, skill and moxie will all come to fruition. It’s just a matter of time.

Adam Jahn, Stanford: Watching Jahn routinely rip up defenses during U.S. U18 camps it was easy to see that his transition to college would be an easy one. To be honest, he’s looked like a college player for the last two years. His big, athletic and knows how to put the ball in the net. He was third on the Stanford team in points last year and of all the freshman in the Pac-10, he may very well be the closest to a finished product.