Depth Chart Watch 2012 (Left Tackle)

For the next 16 days HuskerCorner.com will be bringing you an in-depth look at each position for the 2012 season. We will break down  who we think is the front runner for the starting position, the player on the front runner’s heels  for the starting spot and a freshman who could make a splash.

Nebraska’s offensive line used to be known as the pipeline. For years, Husker coaches have been trying to reach a level of dominance in the trenches like Nebraska experienced in the 90’s and in past decades. Nebraska has the young talent to produce another stellar offensive line, but just needs to develop that talent to reach that point.

The Front Runner

Jeremiah Sirles enters camp as Nebraska’s most experienced offensive tackle. While Sirles has never been much of a dazzler and may be a better fit at right tackle in the long term, he’s the best Nebraska has at this point. Sirles started most of the 2009 season as a redshirt freshman at tackle before being replaced by Yoshi Hardrick in 2011. Sirles appears to be the man to beat in spring practice.

The Number One Contender 

Brent Qvale is sort of a jack-of-all trades on the offensive line that can be plugged in at guard or tackle. Coaches tried moving Qvale between right tackle and right guard in 2011 to try and get him on the field, but it ultimately didn’t work. As long as he hasn’t run out of chances with the coaching staff, he could figure in as Nebraska’s top backup. Tyler Moore, who will likely start at right tackle, could easily supplant Sirles at left tackle in a move that would swap the two, moving Sirles to the left.

Incoming Freshman 

Paul Thurston, a four star prospect by numerous scouting sites, which also have Thurston ranked in the top 150 prospects in the 2012 class, enters Nebraska with a chance to crack the rotation right away. Thurston will likely play a role similar to what Moore did in 2011, being Nebraska’s top backup at tackle. He will have to compete with Qvale to crack the rotation, but all signs point to Thurston forgoing a redshirt to get on the field right away, though it’s difficult to say with the young talent Nebraska has on its interior line — coaches may move a player to the outside and choose to redshirt Thurston.

Depth Chart Prediction

1. Jeremiah Sirles

2. Brent Qvale

3. Paul Thurston

By Chris Peters

Contact the writer at ChrisHuskerCorner@gmail.com or on Twitter @_ChrisPeters

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