Defensive line for me is obviously one of the scariest positions heading into next season. having graduated all of our front 4 will leave us with some green on that defensive front next year.
At D-tackle I am not that worried I think NU is in good shape and between
Suh
Barfield
B Johnson
Steinkuhler
Jensen
Roark
Dixon
4 of these guys will be solid enough to play.
But defensive end is really what scares me the most. The obvious two for starters are Potter at base and Turner at open. Potter despite making a lot of noise on special teams blocking field goals, has really not done much with his regular defensive play only making 2 tackles all last year. Without question spring ball and fall training camp will be extremely important for him. His potential is through the roof.
Another option at base is moving Steinkuhler there. This is what i think will ultimately happen. Steinkuhler looked pretty good all last year. He has got the frame, although a few extra inches could benefit him (a few extra inches could benefit all of us).
Another name you hear tossed around at base end is incoming JC recruit Joseph Townsend, who is the younger brother of former Husker Larry. He would be a very likely candidate to start but he has an academic LOAD he has got to get taken care of before he ever gets to Lincoln. Having met Joe, he is a fantastic kid and has that certain charisma about him that will make him a team leader once he is here. He also is aware of how serious his homework is and I think that he has a better chance of getting it taken care of than not. But even in gettinn it done I do not think that the NCAA clearinghouse will be on the ball enough to get him in the hunt for the starting early enough. If he is cleared early enough though, look out!
on the open side it is likely barry turner. In this poster's eyes he is the best all around athlete on the team. 6-3 250lbs and can run a 4.53 electronic. did I mention he can catch too? Turner is an athletic freak, no question. But last year I seemed to see him getting pushed off a lot of blocks, getting pushed down field 5 yards by the tackle before getting away from the big ugly and making the tackle.
How will Pierre Allen fair? I have heard he is nothing short of a physical specimen at 6-5 255 and cat like speed and reflexes.
Don't forget about Clayton Sievers. The coaches loved this kid before he went down to injury last year. He was playing open end, SAM LB and TE at once one point last year.
I can't wait for spring ball.