This is the fourth of our position-by-position look at the best tandems in the ACC this season. Today it's the best defensive line duo.
The best: North Carolina
The duo: E Kareem Martin and T Tim Jackson
The reasoning: Martin is underrated nationally, probably because he isn't a big sack guy. The 6-foot-6, 265 pound end will be a three-year starter and is best known for his work against the run. He had four sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss last season; the tackles-for-loss total was second-highest in the ACC. Martin is athletic (he has been clocked at 4.73 seconds in the 40-yard dash) but has just eight sacks in his career and needs to show a bit more as a pass rusher this season. Still, his athleticism and length already impress pro scouts.
Jackson (6-5, 285) arrived at UNC as an end and played that position for two seasons for the Tar Heels, including five starts as a true freshman in 2010. He was moved inside last season and blossomed. He could stand to put on a few pounds, but his athleticism is something that intrigues scouts. He still is learning the nuances of tackle, but he has a big upside because of that athleticism (he has been clocked as fast as 4.82 in the 40) and his versatility. A good student who is the first in his immediate family to attend college, Jackson also is a team leader.
Next up in this series: Best linebackers duo on Saturday.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.
