Key Huskers: # 8 Baker Steinkuhler

[NUance]

Key Huskers: # 8 Baker SteinkuhlerRobin Washut HuskerOnline.com Staff Writer

Steinkuhler's strengths

After coming in as Nebraska's most highly-touted recruit of the 2008 class, defensive tackle Baker Steinkuhler took a big step towards living up to that hype last season in his first year as a starter. While Jared Crick got the bulk of the attention on the interior line, Steinkuhler quietly had a solid sophomore season, ranking ninth on the team in tackles and third with 3.5 sacks.

Steinkuhler's biggest impact arguably was felt against the run, as he posted five games with at least five tackles, included a career-high eight stops against Texas. The Lincoln native started all 13 regular-season games, and with his experience back along side Crick, defensive tackle will be the overall strength of the Blackshirts in 2011.

Most memorable play or moment

His eight-tackle performance against Texas was certainly impressive, but it came in one of the worst losses of the season. That's why Steinkuhler's sack of Washington quarterback Jake Locker in Nebraska's win over the Huskies in the third game of the year is a much more memorable moment.

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Even though Baker didn't rack up huge stats he quietly had a solid season last year. That's just how the DT spot is. A DT can disrupt the play and redirect the ball carrier without making the tackle. Steinkuhler will shine this season since the B1G teams tend to run more.

 

[Hunter94]

he was solid, he did not dominate and in some games was not particularly noticable.

let's see how he measures up this year.

 

[knapplc]

I know the coaches were pretty pleased with Baker last year, despite what many fans (including me) have said about his apparent disappearance in games last year. Overall I get the impression the coaching staff thinks Baker is doing what they want him to do.

We don't need Baker to suddenly turn into Suh, just like we don't need Crick to turn into Suh. It would be nice, but reality says that if we can have a Crick/Crick tandem with both guys performing like Crick did in 2009, that'll be plenty. I think they both have that potential.

The lucky thing is, if for some reason Baker doesn't put it together, the coaches are confident in the depth we have at DT, with Terrance "T-Mo" Moore and the young guys all ready to step up. We could have solid DT play for four quarters all year long with the depth we have, and overall the D-Line could be a fearsome unit - presuming everyone plays to their alleged potential.

 

[The Dude]

I think I expected more out of him because teams were paying so much attention to Crick. For about half the season he was non-existent. I hope he turns it on and has a monster year.