This is the third piece in our position-by-position look at the best tandems in the Big Ten this season. Today it's best offensive line duo.
The best: Michigan
The duo: OTs Taylor Lewan and Michael Schofield
The reasoning: Lewan (6-foot-8, 315 pounds) surprised more than a few observers by returning for his senior season. He was seen as a potential first-round pick in 2013 and seems a lock to go in the top 10 in 2014; he generally is considered the No. 2 senior tackle in the nation, behind Texas A&M's Luke Matthews. Lewan can physically overwhelm opponents and is downright nasty at times. He has quick feet and is a good pass blocker; he basically held his own against South Carolina DE Jadeveon Clowney in the Outback Bowl. Lewan also is athletic enough to get downfield and wipe out a defensive back on running plays. He will be a four-year starter at left tackle for the Wolverines. Lewan didn't play offensive tackle until he was a senior in high school in the Phoenix area; before that, he was a defensive end.
While not in Lewan's class, Schofield (6-7, 304) can play, too; he should contend for All-Big Ten honors this fall. Schofield started at guard as a sophomore in 2011, then moved to right tackle last season. He sometimes had lapses in concentration last season, perhaps an offshoot of changing positions. Schofield, a senior, is fundamentally sound and plays with a mean streak. While he is better as a run blocker than as a pass protector, he is nimble for his size and understands the intricacies of pass blocking.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.
