Depth Chart Watch 2012 (Right Tackle)

For the next 12 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

Tyler Moore will get his shot to start in 2012. Moore was one of Nebraska’s top recruits from the 2011 class and has shown leadership and commitment to the team by helping the Huskers recruit in 2011. He saw the field quite a bit during the 2011 season, even starting in place of Marcel Jones at right tackle. Moore has tremendous upside and could be moved to left tackle to protect Taylor Martinez’s blind side, but for now Moore is viewed as a right tackle for 2012.

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. Also keep an eye on Jake Cotton, who started 2011 as a tackle before moving inside to guard. He could easily make the switch back to tackle to provide quality depth.

Incoming Freshman 

Zach Sterup, a 6-foot-8, 275 pound former basketball player from Hastings, has a chance to play in his redshirt freshman season. His size alone shows the immense potential Sterup has. Some recruiting services listed him as one of the top-30 offensive tackles in the 2011 class. As long as he can grasp the offense and add some strength in the off-season, his natural ability should be enough to get him on the field in 2012.

Depth Chart Prediction

1. Tyler Moore

2. Brent Qvale

3. Jake Cotton

By Chris Peters

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

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