Defensive Tackles

T

teamster

Four-Star Recruit
The coaches have stated over the past year that two positions are extremely hard to recruit for, because of rarity. Natural defensive tackles and natural fullbacks. I have no idea how the fullbacks on the roster are projected in the scheme of the future. Is that a dead position at this time and those currently on the roster will be moved to other positions?

I was nervous as a prostitute in church last year about landing future DTs. Looking at the recruit list for 2010 shows few DTs. What gives in the way of 'natural' DTs for the Huskers? What is our chance landing a natural like tSUHnami in this cycle or the next? Or are the top programs going to continue their stranglehold on the naturals and keep Nebraska on the outside for the near future?

 
teamster said:
The coaches have stated over the past year that two positions are extremely hard to recruit for, because of rarity. Natural defensive tackles and natural fullbacks. I have no idea how the fullbacks on the roster are projected in the scheme of the future. Is that a dead position at this time and those currently on the roster will be moved to other positions?

I was nervous as a prostitute in church last year about landing future DTs. Looking at the recruit list for 2010 shows few DTs. What gives in the way of 'natural' DTs for the Huskers? What is our chance landing a natural like tSUHnami in this cycle or the next? Or are the top programs going to continue their stranglehold on the naturals and keep Nebraska on the outside for the near future?
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I believe it about DT's because a great DT needs to be big and strong enough to stuff the run while be fast and agile enough the rush the QB. And finding a player with the right mix of those qualities is very difficult.

But FB is a hard position to recruit for? Not a chance in Hades. A coach can take practically any RB or TE and turn him into a FB.

I'd say that the one other position in college football that's the hardest to recruit and find excellent players is at the TE spot. A great TE needs to have size, 6'3"-6'6" 245-265 pounds, be strong and quick enough to block DE's and then be fast enough to be a threat to get down the seam in the passing game. And, like DT's finding kids with the right mix of size, strength and speed is very difficult.

 
Outstanding DTs are hard to find even at the pro level. Big and fast just don't always go together so easy. This is also the problem with the full package tight ends, but most programs can make due with a tight end by commitee aproach wherein one is a blocking TE and another a receiving TE.

So far as a truely versitile Fullback, he has to be big, fast, able to catch and carry the ball on occassion. We tend to think of these guys as strickly lead blockers, but guys like Rathman, Mackovicka, even Schesenger (mispelled) can add a hugh element to the game.

I don't think the FB is dead at NU by any means. Adding a more physical presence in a league that is moving more toward pure speed can frustrate the hell out of the opponent. Plus, two receivers out of the backfield lends great flexibility to a WCO based system (circa 49ers). The tricky part is finding a guy who can do all these things well.

 
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It seems to me that during the last few recruiting clases (in other words, since Pelini took the reigns), we've been really reaching on our DT prospects for some reason. Don't get me wrong... most of the guys are probably deserving of offers... I'll leave that to the coaches to decide. It just seems like we've been offering a lot of unknown guys and lighter than ideal (Thad Randle comes to mind, but I have a good feeling about him) guys. You'd think with Pelini's outstanding record as a defensive coach and especially with Dorsey, Suh, it'd be easier to reel in some big name kids at DT.

 
Remember that "reach" DT prospect in Randall was named first team all state in Texas over the likes of 4 star Jemarkus McFarland who aurguably was the best DT by most recruiting gurus.

Secondly, as mentioned DT are in large demand so the schools that are kicking a$$ as we speak(ie the OU's, Texas, USC, Florida, etc) can pick from the crop of whom they want. Those schools are the ESPN flavors of the month so these kids know a hell of a lot more about these schools than DONU. This does matter, and hopefully after another year or two of success DONU will be in that group(having Herbstroke be a Pelini homer doesn't hurt in that regard).

I believe that DT's are the hardest position to recruit for. You can easily take a RB/LB convert him to a FB and TE's are becoming glorified heavy receivers in most offensive schemes. You can find these kids pretty easily or create them within your roster. But a DT takes a special mentality and proto-type to be a largely successful DT. I also think a big name DT will be in our future sooner rather than later.

 
I remembered that about Thad, Red Storm, but it's a really good point. It's a testament to how good the kid really is. I think he is a super sleeper prospect to become a stud. Just gotta bulk him up a little to get him closer to an everydown player. Otherwise, I see nothing wrong with bringing him in on 3rd and long as a pass rush specialist DT.

 
dudeguyy said:
I remembered that about Thad, Red Storm, but it's a really good point. It's a testament to how good the kid really is. I think he is a super sleeper prospect to become a stud. Just gotta bulk him up a little to get him closer to an everydown player. Otherwise, I see nothing wrong with bringing him in on 3rd and long as a pass rush specialist DT.
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I think people are looking at DT's and thinking about them impacting play within 1-2 years. What is wrong with developing a player for 2-3 years and prepping them to be contributors in years 3-5? Thad Randle is a great HS player with a ton of potential. He needs about 30lbs and more than likely technique training. So he RS this year, and continues to develop in 2010. By 2011 he could be in the rotation. Crick, Moore, and Steinkuhler look will have 2010 locked down, so I don't see the rush. If Randle progresses nicely, he will be a good player for NU just give him time. Sure recruiting those "special" DT's that are already 300lbs and show ability is tough, but what is wrong with working the developmental approach with players full of potential? Glen Dorsey fits the development profile.

 
If all else fails, a JUCO DT can be a stop-gap. It worked out pretty well last year and should be pretty good this year. As has been mentioned, when Suh goes in the 10 of the draft, we'll start seeing some more big time DT recruit interest.

 
Ohio Pete said:
If all else fails, a JUCO DT can be a stop-gap. It worked out pretty well last year and should be pretty good this year. As has been mentioned, when Suh goes in the 10 of the draft, we'll start seeing some more big time DT recruit interest.
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JUCO-route on d-line wouldn't surprise me, more likely at DE where we only got one last class and it's possible he could grow into a DT.

 
Danimal said:
Ohio Pete said:
If all else fails, a JUCO DT can be a stop-gap. It worked out pretty well last year and should be pretty good this year. As has been mentioned, when Suh goes in the 10 of the draft, we'll start seeing some more big time DT recruit interest.
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JUCO-route on d-line wouldn't surprise me, more likely at DE where we only got one last class and it's possible he could grow into a DT.
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+1

In fact I would go farther, when it comes to looking for D-line guys. I think there should be a whole different standard for recruiting for the D-line. Throw academics and discipline out the window when looking to fill the DT spot. Go for guys like Warren Sapp—natural monsters who can wreak havoc.

Meaner = better. I’m thinking Richie Incognito-esq after someone keys his car on gameday morning. (I think Richie would have been a natural lining up on the other side of the ball.)

 
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