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

Bob Stoops has taken notice of Robinson's versatility as well, utilizing the senior in the Sooners' active screen game to pull for tunnel screens, as well as getting out in front and leading running backs and receivers downhill for six.

This season Robinson is going to have to battle the pressure of being the nation's top lineman and the beckoning of the NFL if the Sooners are going to win their first BCS bowl game of his career.  By continuing to polish his footwork and hand skills, Robinson can help Stoops and OU silence the critics.

Another of Duke Robinson's issues will be his weight control. The senior is more agile and affective when south of 330, and with partner Loadholt circling 350, the Sooners' staff have their hands full controlling the left side of their offensive line.

The Verdict

Both candidates are quality offensive linemen.  Stanchek is the best college tackle running the spread scheme, while Robinson is the embodiment of what a guard is supposed to be.

Duke is a monster of a man who displays real bravado and an extremely palpable pride in getting dirty on the line of scrimmage.  Like Stanchek, he obviously enjoys running down the field and making the last block to spring a teammate.

In the new world of college football, the spread offense is a deadly weapon that Ryan Stanchek helps execute to perfection.  His ability to play through the whimsical movements of Pat White in order to protect his team's star only serve to increase his overall value.

BUT

Duke Robinson is the best lineman for 2008.  He's an in your face mauler who not only stops linemen in their tracks, but sends them back to where they came from. 

Sure, his 97 knock downs in 2007 were fewer than Stanchek's, but the bulk of Duke's KDs came against interior defenders, not 180-pound defensive backs.  Robinson not only possesses the talent and technique to get to his spots, he's also got that little extra oomph that Stanchek is missing.

Bob Stoops, and more importantly Sam Bradford, have got a monster of man protecting the Sooners' pride—and behind Robinson, don't be surprised if the Sooner Schooner rides out of Miami with a national title.

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