Position Breakdowns: Defensive Tackle
5 comments so far
May 5, 2008 by
Outlook: Nebraska’s interior defensive line received a lot of criticism in 2007. But with both starters playing hurt and little in ready reserve, a subpar year should probably have been expected. This season, the group looks to enter the season healthier and deeper than a year ago. There’s also a chance that superior conditioning and coaching could transform the defensive interior into a team strength. The emerging depth at the position may well have contributed to four-star recruit Seth Jensen’s decision to leave.
Incumbents: Assuming all goes well with his recovery, Ndamukong Suh should be the top nose man and at his best he’s very good. Ty Steinkuhler is likely to line up alongside Suh, and can hopefully shake the injuries he played through in 2007.
Rising Stars: Terrence Moore redshirted a year ago but stood out in the spring game amassing 5 tackles including a sack. Whether he cracks the two-deep in 2008 or not he’s one to watch in the years to come.
In-The-Mix: Shukree Barfield is likely to be the #2 nose-man behind Suh. Kevin Dixon made four starts in place of Steinkuhler in 2007 and is sure to be featured heavily in the rotation.
Enigma: Jared Crick was moved from defensive end to defensive tackle. It could be that the coaches plan to use him now or it might be that with three seniors at the top of the depth chart, they’re grooming him to contribute in 2009.
Odd Man Out?: Injuries forced Ben Martin into early duty as a freshman. He gained valuable experience which may help him get back on the field in 2008. But it’s easy to think he might see less playing time than a year ago if the players ahead of him stay healthy and if new additions like Moore and Crick steal time.
On The Horizon: Quentin Toailoa was the lone tackle recruit in the class of 2008. He’ll likely redshirt but could easily find himself playing in 2009. Scout.com’s Scott Kennedy selected Toailoa as one of the three-star recruits you could build a national championship team with.
» Enjoy this article?
Send it to your friend or subscribe to our free newsletter!
Related Stories: Defensive Line
Post a comment
Bill in Iowa May 05 08
This year, this position, could be the strength of the Defense. Suh and Ty are two seniors who could be great if they stay healthy! Their is also some depth with Moore, Barfield and Dixon. What intrigues me is next year at this position. Three seniors exit...what will happen? I am thinking about Stienkuhler the 3rd. Should he be groomed at this position this year, to get him ready to play next year, or will he contribute more on the o-line?
Paul May 05 08
Suh is a junior next season - he got a medical redshirt.
Greg Morrow May 05 08
A year ago, I told a guy on another blog, "Dude, don't worry, they'll be fine."
To watch guys getting blown off the ball, blown out of the hole, then blown down field against SC, like rag dolls...like kites. Theoretically, Callahan might've saved his job by firing his long time friend and colleague, Coz, right then and there, right on the spot.
So, same crew, albeit a year more mature, leaner, stronger and hopefully more "explosive," with matching confidence with their knowledge in the new system. To play "man up" and just pop n push should be a welcome change. Really need the "Kong" to be at 100%. A must.
ray233 May 06 08
Yeah....I love Suh. I think he's got an awesome frame and great potential. My wife never pronounces his name right, so we just refer to him as "Donkey Kong Soup".
JJBLING May 06 08
I'm pretty sure the competition would have had little to do with Seth Jensen leaving, com'on the kids to young to leave for that reason, besides look at our depth at the position for next year not to promising... If your a kid looking for playing time, why would you sit out and go somewhere else, when you have a good chance at significant playing time in the coming years... Either the kid just wasn't that good, or he decided football wasn't for him, or had other reasons besides playing time..