This is the fourth in a series looking at the best position tandems in the Pac-12, taking into account both college production and pro potential. Today it is the best pair of offensive linemen in the Pac-12.
The best: Stanford
The duo: David Yankey and Andrus Peat
The reasoning: Taking the whole pairing thing a bit literally, Peat and Yankey should form perhaps the most dominant left side in college football. Yankey could have also been accompanied on this list by right guard Kevin Danser or right tackle Cameron Fleming, a testament to the strength of the Cardinal offensive line.
After earning consensus All-America recognition last season as the starting left tackle, Yankey is back at guard for his fourth year on The Farm. Even at 313 pounds, Yankey is one of the most effective linemen you will ever see on the move, getting his massive frame out in space on screens and pulling in the run game like a much lighter player. Most importantly, Yankey's nasty approach sets the tone for Stanford's physical offense, as head coach David Shaw is quick to point out.
Peat was part of the rotation at left tackle as a true freshman, averaging about 20 snaps per game. He has an elite set of tools, standing at 6-foot-7 and 312 pounds, which showed during the spring and earned him the starting nod. Combine his size, recent track record of player development with the Stanford front five and the fact that coaches were willing to move the Morris Trophy-winning (an award voted on by Pac-12 defensive linemen) Yankey inside to clear a spot for him, it is easy to project Peat as the top blind-side protector in the game down the road.
Next up in this series: Linebackers.
Follow Dan Greenspan on Twitter @DanGreenspan.
