Will We See Martin?
3 comments so far
March 26, 2009 by
Probably nothing is more pressing for the Husker football coaches this Spring than to develop and identify a two-deep roster of capable defensive linemen. We know a healthy Ndamukong Suh, Pierre Allen, and Barry Turner will likely start or at least be featured heavily in the defensive line rotation. Add the names Jared Crick and Terrence Moore who seem likely to be regular contributors on the inside and a lot seems known. Cameron Meredith, Will Yancy, and/or Josh Williams will all be in the mix to get snaps at defensive end. But who is that last defensive tackle or nose tackle going to be and could it be Ben Martin?
A lot of names have been thrown around that could end up contributing on the interior. David Harvey may be moved from defensive end. Walk-on Justin Jackson has gotten praise from guys like Matt Slauson. Baker Steinkuhler was a standout recruit in 2008 and will be coming off of his redshirt year. But Ben Martin seems like a bit of a forgotten man, especially given that he's got more game experience than any of the players just mentioned.
Perhaps the reason Martin isn't seen as the answer is that he wasn't the answer in 2007. That year he was pressed into duty when Ty Steinkuhler went down and amassed only three tackles despite playing in half the games. Martin was only a freshman at the time so it should hardly be considered the final word on him. Last season, he saw only mop-up duty against New Mexico State. But that's still more action than Harvey, Jackson, and Steinkuhler have gotten combined.
If not for the lackluster season that Martin (and the entire NU defense) had in 2007, we'd be touting him as a real contender for a two-deep job. Instead, people are quick to overlook him. He did contribute in at least three NU victories in 2007 (Wake Forest, Iowa State, Kansas State), so it's not as though he's such a liability that you can't win with him on the field.
Rather, he's shown he's capable of contributing to a defense that can win games over BCS conference opponents. As such, he's sort of a benchmark player for this defensive line. If he can't get on the field (and assuming injury is not a factor), it means the coaches have found some options that are really worthwhile. If he does get on the field, then maybe the other options aren't so great or maybe he's developed substantially as he's become an upperclassman. It's also an interesting sign that Quentin Toailoa was moved to offense. Perhaps that's an indication that they like the depth inside on defense (and Pelini said as much).
While there's plenty to watch for this Spring, Martin's one I'll be watching closely. If he's a two-deep player you want to see him playing well. If he's not, you hope it's because the competition was too fierce. In any case, he ought not be forgotten whether he plays much or not.
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darren Mar 26 09
Good thoughts, Steve.
It's wild the way some fans view some spot and our depth chart much differently than the coaches. Consider that they just moved Toailoa to offense this spring, saying they "really like the depth" they have at DT.
This comes at a time when everyone is concerned about replacing Ty Steinkuhler and who will back up Suh.
So...maybe they see some the guys you referenced - Martin included - as having enough to man that spot.
JBLING22 Mar 26 09
Also I think we should keep in mind that Toailoa's move might not be so much that D-Line is in great shape for the future but rather the O-line needs a few more bodies.. We have enough D-Lineman that will be able to contribute for the next couple of years, but do we have that on the O-Line.. After this years class is gone., It dwindles and after that year.. then who??? We loose a lot of scholarship o-lineman and maybe this is a way to back up that position more than anything
Greg Morrow Mar 26 09
I try to not disparage guys who just don't quite make it, as a big contributor. Then again, I can afford to have patience and deference.
Regarding Martin, I think he's a tweener who doesn't have a position. Hadn't thought about him, I thought he was a walkon, when I read Steve's article. When he was switched from TE to DT in '07, that may not have been real fair, to do. Such is life.
I actually did think of Toailoa, a week or so, ago. I was wondering why no mention of an obviously big guy like him, then I was reminded of...Brandon Johnson.
I think Pelini's not going to just let guys ride out their scholarships without seeing some effort and growth, pointing towards a starting position. I think that's why Washington was moved too, essentially. (Who didn't expect to see him competing by now, with the top units at either LB or safety?)
But, that's still okay, with me. If it was easy, (you know).
Could be aggression. One reason I like Blake Lawrence and think he'll still win his weakside job, is, I know he's aggressive. He's just insecure enough to care- a lot. I've gotten the impression he knows the defense well enough, to teach it.
So, I think there's a possibility that Pelini, who's well aware of and evaluated every cat on his roster, is ensuring everybody works for their supper and more importantly, is giving them that chance.