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Michigan right tackle Michael Schofield has spent most of his career out of the spotlight, but that doesn't mean he hasn't taken care of business. Here, he pancakes Ohio State defensive back Travis Howard during a game last season. (Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com)

CHICAGO -- Michigan right tackle Michael Schofield could be an all-Big Ten player this season.

But don't tell Taylor Lewan that. He'll cut you off right there.

"Nah," the left tackle said, correcting the reporter. "He should be all-Big Ten."

OK, then. And he might have a point.

Schofield is a 6-foot-7, 303-pound senior who first broke into the lineup two seasons ago at left guard. He moved last season to right tackle, his natural position, and was a strong, consistent force.

Lewan and Schofield combine for 58 career starts, and could form perhaps the best 1-2 tackle combo in the Big Ten this season.

"He's extremely strong, he plays extremely tough," Lewan said of Schofield. "There's no reason Mike shouldn't be an all-Big Ten guy."

But for as good as Schofield has been, he's often overlooked because he plays opposite Lewan, an All-American talent with an All-American personality. He loves the spotlight, and the spotlight loves him.

Lewan is the guy who tattoos a mustache on his finger, then holds it above his lip and says, 'Miss, let's be serious, I just want to dance.' He's the guy who not only buys a pet pig, but names him Dr. Hamlet III because "I just wanted him to have a Ph.D."

These are funny stories, and there are loads of them. Come to think of it, we know a lot about Lewan.

What do we know about Schofield?

"He's just a normal guy," Lewan said. "Mike can cook this buffalo chicken dip that is out of this world. It's a game-changer -- it really is. That's your soundbite right there."

Lewan makes national headlines for buying a tandem bicycle and "carpooling" around campus. Schofield makes dip.

Lewan's MGoBlue profile spends 95 words enumerating his long list of honors from last season. Schofield's entire bio from last year: "Started 13 games at right tackle."

Six words.

These guys are opposites -- but it works for both. Lewan is the natural voice of the line, and Schofield is the guy who does the dirty work.

He lives in Lewan's shadow, and it works well for him. He has said he prefers it.

But it's not really working for Lewan anymore, and he wants people to know just how good Schofield is.

"This is his third year starting, and he's not on any preseason lists at all? And not on any preseason Big Ten lists?" Lewan said. "I think he can be a great player. I think he can play in the NFL and do all those things.

"And as a senior, he should be an all-Big Ten guy, no problem."

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