This is the sixth and final entry in a series looking at the best position tandems in the Big 12, taking into account both college production and pro potential. Today it is the best pair of defensive backs in the Big 12.
The best: TCU
The duo: Jason Verrett and Chris Hackett
The reasoning: Size vs. production is the never-ending debate in football. There are ridiculously great athletes that can't play a lick and there are undersized or unconventional bodies that know how to make things happen on the field. Verrett, listed at 5 feet 10 and 176 pounds is most certainly the latter.
Verrett led the Big 12 with six interceptions and broke up 22 passes last season, earning All-Big 12 and All-America recognition. He just knows how to play the ball, be it on defense or special teams, where he blocked an overtime field goal against West Virginia.
What NFL scouts and executives will have to struggle with is whether Verrett can continue to be so productive against bigger wide receivers at the next level. How Verrett fares in the season opener against LSU, which is always cranking out dominant pass catchers, could provide the best answer yet.
Unlike Verrett, Hackett has the physical attributes and production to match. He started 10 games last season, totaling 61 tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. At 6 feet 2 and 195 pounds, the redshirt sophomore is capable of filling the roles required of a modern safety -- covering receivers and tight ends, playing deep support and the run. Knowing TCU head coach Gary Patterson's tremendous defensive pedigree, Hackett should only get better.
Follow Dan Greenspan on Twitter @DanGreenspan.
