This is the third of our position-by-position look at the best tandems in the ACC this season. Today it's the best OL duo.
The best: Florida State
The duo: OT Cameron Erving and OG Tre' Jackson
The reasoning: Erving is one of the more athletic offensive tackles in the nation. He was signed as a defensive tackle out of high school, redshirted as a true freshman in 2010, then served as a backup defensive tackle in 2011. But a shortage of offensive linemen led to him being moved to offensive tackle during spring practice in 2012 and he impressed coaches, to the point where he started every game at left tackle last fall. Known as a run-stuffing defensive tackle, he did a solid job of blocking in space as a first-time offensive tackle. Erving (6-feet-6, 320 pounds) added 10 pounds during the offseason. He still can improve his technique and recognition, but he showed athleticism and aggressiveness last season and has a big upside. His footwork for a first-time tackle was impressive, and he should be the best player on a line that returns four starters.
Jackson, meanwhile, barely played as a true freshman in 2011 before he was thrown into the breach and made a starter for the Champs Sports Bowl against Notre Dame. He performed well, then did so again in the spring of 2012. He started all 14 games last season and especially stood out as a physical run blocker, perhaps not surprising considering some schools wanted him as a defensive tackle out of high school in Jesup, Ga. Jackson (6-4, 330) has added about 10 pounds since last season. One thing he must do this fall is show more consistency as a pass protector.
Next up in this series: Defensive line duo on Friday.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.
