The 2007 Defensive Line

7 comments so far May 24, 2007 by Steve Hanway

Nebraska’s sure to have a new look at quarterback in 2007. For better or worse, Sam Keller will not look like Zac Taylor. Likewise, the 2007 defensive line will look substantially different than the 2006 unit, for a number of reasons.

A New Coach
Buddy Wyatt doesn’t come into Nebraska with quite the resume that John Blake did. Nevertheless, he’s had an impressive run thus far. One benefit for returning players is that in addition to anything valuable they’ve gained under Blake, they’ll likely be exposed to things that Blake never shared. While turnover and turmoil prevailed at Nebraska over the early part of the decade, a number of former players that have successfully transitioned to the NFL have mentioned that being exposed to new systems was helpful in their development. For better or worse, it’s not likely to be more of the same.

New Faces
In addition to the reserves that will likely earn starting roles like Ndamukong Suh and Barry Turner, the Huskers recruited seven defensive lineman (three of them junior college players) in their most recent class. Among them was Shukree Barfield who participated in Spring football along with 2006 recruit, defensive tackle Brandon “Beast” Johnson. In all likelihood the two-deep will include Suh, Barfield, Johnson, Steinkuhler, and Turner. Beyond those four Zach Potter, Pierre Allen, Andy Poulosky, Clayton Sievers and David Harvey are among returning players contending for playing time. Seth Jensen is another name if he can get healthy, as is Craig Roark. Beyond all those names, Steve Octavien may also line up as a defensive end at times. So there will be no shortage of bodies. The question will be whether they can find eight guys that can collectively play at a level equal or greater to what we saw in 2006.

Less Responsibility
In many ways, the front seven had to carry the defense in 2006. In 2007, they will be backed by a very solid linebacking corps and an improved secondary. That means their positive contributions might be magnified (e.g. more interceptions) and their mistakes might be less apparent (more help behind them to clean up). For a young group less is more. Less to learn, less to know, and less to worry about. Hopefully, these guys will have the luxury of playing within themselves and having that be enough.

Outlook
Only injury will stop Suh from being a quality starter. Beyond that, the sky’s the limit. Assuming Turner comes back to peak form, he’s also going to be a quality starter. I’d be surprised if Barfield is not at least “serviceable” and I think the same can be said of Brandon Johnson and Ty Steinkuhler. There are enough bodies after that, where you have to figure there will be at least one more adequate rotation player. On the upside, they could well find another standout or two. We’ll start to learn about this group no sooner than week 2, when the Huskers head to Winston-Salem. They’ll need a solid effort to beat the defending ACC champs. Without it, the game could be much too close or worse (I won't even say it). No part of the team as a unit will do more to determine the fortunes of the 2007 Huskers than the defensive line. And right now, no part of the team is more up in the air as to how good it will be.

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