Duke Robinson and Ryan Stanchek: The Best of College Football's Big Uglies

In the passing game, Stanchek's quickness and body control solidify his ability to protect Pat White.  The Mountaineers' passing game consists almost exclusively of roll outs, bootlegs, and half rolls to the left, and Stanchek's task of holding the edge is the most galvanizing role on the line as the quarterback moves in his direction.

Stanchek is active in the screen and short passing game where his speed and quickness come in handy.  He's got a knack for getting out in front of the ball carrier and making defensive backs pay for taking on his blocks.

While extremely proficient in running the spread offense efficiently, Stanchek and his mates on the line truly earn their keep in coping with the frantic roller coaster ride that is protecting a dual threat quarterback.

For defenses, Pat White's hesitating between passing and running, sideline to sideline movement, and deciding to run than rising up to throw create serious headaches.  The story is the same for offensive lines.

Dealing with shifting fields, possibility of run and pass on the same play, and specialized defenses all create the potential for missed assignments and drive-killing penalties.  Stanchek is able to navigate the minefield of the dual threat quarterback with an unmatchable savvy.

Although solid on the surface, there are several holes in Stanchek's game, most notably his inability to truly move large defenders.  Against linebackers he gets a decent drive in the trenches, but against defensive ends and defensive tackles he's forced to positional block because of his lack of size.

Ryan had 103 knock downs in 2007, but due to his lack of punch off the ball and inability to muscle interior defenders, Stanchek's KDs are largely relegated to second- and third-level defenders.  Knocking down safeties and corners while screen blocking is a given—taking out tackles and ends is impressive.

Duke Robinson (6'5", 335 pounds)

Stanchek got his weight up to 300—Robinson, the Duke of Norman, battles to keep his weight down around 335.  Oklahoma's linemen are the polar opposite of their Mountaineer counterparts.

Duke Robinson is a mauler in the run game: He washes down nose tackles, flattens three techniques, and is a defensive end's worst nightmare when he pulls around the end.  Teaming with Phil Loadholt, Robinson no doubt anchors the best left side in the nation.

Robinson shows tremendous determination in finishing off his first assignment to get to the second level, where he feasts on linebackers he outweighs by a cool hundred pounds.  He's got a relentless motor and is a joy to watch as he brings enthusiasm and a true passion for performing a publicly thankless job.

In the passing game, Duke is a marvel to watch.  He's got a tremendous punch, is capable of stopping defenders in their tracks, moves his feet well, and does a solid job of riding opponents out of the play. 

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