Barry Blows Up
6 comments so far
August 9, 2007 by
Many Husker fans have had high expectations for Barry Turner as he takes over for Jay Moore at defensive end. He’d already shown a knack for pass-rushing and his speed reminded many of Grant Wistrom or Jared Tomich from the glory days. But it was easy to be concerned about his size (250 lbs. a year ago versus Jay Moore’s 285), particularly when it came to stopping the run (remember Demoine Adams?).
But Barry put much of those concerns to rest by coming into fall camp at 270 lbs. To put that in perspective, that’s ten pounds heavier than Chris Kelsay was as a senior. Kelsay, as you may remember was drafted in the second round of the NFL draft by Buffalo. You don’t go that high unless you’ve got some nice measurables.
Turner is now the prototypical size for a defensive end. With his size and speed, he could conceivably play either the base or open end. That gives Nebraska a number of options. NU will not be forced to rely on Zach Potter as the base end or they can keep Ty Steinkuhler at defensive tackle if they like. Youngsters like Pierre Allen and Ben Martin don’t have to be ready to play just yet. And if they like what they see from some of the smaller ends like David Harvey, Andy Poulosky, or Clayton Sievers they can let them play the smaller end spot without taking Turner off the field. That’s not to say they should move Turner, it’s just nice to know that they could if they had to.
Considering how big a question mark the defensive line has been this off-season, it really is an encouraging sign.
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darren Aug 09 07
Not to overstate things too much, but I think Barry is one of the big keys to NU's entire defensive scheme. Not only does he need to be able to be an every down player in the current scheme, but the use of the 3-4 (which, it appears is no longer just idle chatter but very real) hinges on the DE/OLB players being amazing "hybid" athletes who can play with their hand on the ground or play "in space" off of the line of scrimmage.
We've seen Octavien give it a try in the Spring game. I imagine Turner is the man on the other side. Time to step up, young player.
Husker Mike Aug 09 07
I'm not so sure that 285 is the prototypical size for a defensive end. Keep in mind that the Rams decided to move Adam Carriker inside to nose tackle from defensive end. It certainly appears that Cosgrove prefers a bigger defensive end, though, so for him, 285 might be prototypical.
I'm a little concerned that Barry may have bulked up too much, so we'll have to see if this impact's his pass rushing.
Darren Aug 09 07
Steve - I forgot to answer your question (even if it was rhetorical).
Yes, I remember Demoine Adams...I remember him literally getting blocked off of the field against OSU in 2002, as Tatem Bell had a career day against NU.
Thanks for reminding me of that image. Here is hoping those dark days are behind us.
Tyler Aug 09 07
I could see Turner being utilized in a Shawn Merriman-type role, coming off the edge in a 3-4 or a 4-3. I really don't think it matters what scheme we run, Turner will excel in it. The depth of the d-line concerns me, but Turner and Suh will be wreaking havoc all over the field no matter what.
Steve Aug 09 07
Husker Mike,
It was 270 lbs. (Turner's current weight) that I called prototypical. Carriker was listed at 295 lbs. last Fall which does sound a lot like a defensive tackle. He seemed to get a lot more done with power than speed. While I think he would have been an ideal end in a 3-4, playing inside in a 4-3 doesn't strike me as all that crazy for him.
I don't think 270 is too big or too small. it strikes me as just right.
Greg Morrow Aug 09 07
Yeah, Steve. Why did you have to play the Demoine Adams card? :-)
A fairly touted kid coming out of Arkansas, if I recall. But, he couldn't gain any weight! Was he even 230, as a senior? He was the unquestioned starter too, opposite of Kelsey.
This team has so much more depth now, compared to '02. Adams might have been moved to linebacker, if he was on the roster today.
The big guys on "D" are strong and quick.
The 'backers have good size and are "rangy".
The "small guys" are fast and except for Cortney, they're all around 200 lbs.
Except for an occasional "over the top" talent, this is about as good as you can ask for.