Adding Depth to Defensive Tackle Spot
It has been confirmed in a couple of places that Craig Roark is moving from offensive line (center/gaurd) to defensive tackle or nose tackle this spring. Ty Steinkuhlerwill also move from defensive end to tackle. I'm very glad to see this because it gives NU six prospects (Ola, Cryer, Suh, Johnson, Roark, Steinkuhler) to battle for a 4-man rotation. And a JC player like Johnson is never gaurenteed to qualify or match their hype. So, you need to look to players already IN the program to start with.
And it adds depth. With your "big people" depth is more a factor than anything. Witness 2 years ago when NU only had 3 down tackles on defense, and then two after injuries. Titus Adams and LeKevin Smith got ground up despite their talent, taking way too many repetitions and plays. Last year, with 4 legit players, everyone could play less repetitions, stay fresh, and make much bigger plays when they were in the game. While losing Adams and Smith hurts because of their talent, the potential to have a 4 or 5 man rotation gives me hope for our defensive interior.
Roark isn't some scrub. He was and Army All-American as a high-school player 2 years ago, and coveted by OU and others. There was discussion of which side of the ball he would play on when he was recruited. It will take some time for him to acclimate to the defensive side, though. Steinkuhler obviously has name Nebraskans recognize. And though he wasn't as highly touted a prospect as Roark, he was All-State in NE and can be a solid contributor. So far, Steinkuhler appears to be staying put at DT, and allows Suh to focus on playing the nose tackle spot. We'll see how Steinkuhler (and others) respond when Johnson enters the fray this summer.
And, it is nice that they feel good enough about the offensive line's prospective depth to make this move. I think they orginally envisioned Roark as a center. But, with Kurt Mann back this year, Greg Austin filling in this spring, Jacob Hickman emerging for 2007, and the recruitment of Ricky Henry this year, I guess they don't NEED him at that spot.
It's amazing what a bit of total quality depth of football players in general can do for a football team! Sure, NU has a few issues this fall at some positions (safety particularly). But, there are people in the program to potentially address those needs. That wasn't exactly the case when Bill Callahan first arrive, in my opinion.
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