Depth Chart Watch 2012 (Defensive Tackle)

For the next 10 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 had to overcome disaster in 2011 when All-American defensive tackle Jared Crick was lost for the season to a torn pectoral muscle. For much of the remainder of the season, the defensive line was unable to get the same sort of pressure it was forcing with Crick in the lineup. Will another offseason be enough time to figure out Nebraska’s identity without Crick?

The Front Runners

Baker Steinkuhler has been a starter at defensive tackle since Ndamukong Suh left Nebraska. Steinkuhler has shown that he can consistently eat up blocks and provide strong run support. However, Steinkuhler has yet to show tremendous playmaking ability, except in games against low-caliber opponents. While he will likely start the season as Nebraska’s top defensive tackle, he very well may end the season as the second most important defensive tackle on the Blackshirts line.

The Number One Contender 

When Crick went down, Chase Rome stepped up. Rome showed that he can use his size and raw strength to be a force. There were a number of moments when Rome looked like a monster, and a number of others where he looked helpless and confused in the Blackshirts’ scheme. Another offseason of mastering Bo Pelini’s scheme should give Rome the mental tools he needs to accompany his physicality. Look for Rome to have a breakout year, as he could easily end the year as Nebraska’s top defensive tackle

Incoming Freshman 

Todd Peat Jr. redshirted last season, due in large part to the immense depth on Nebraska’s defensive line. With Crick and Terrence Moore now graduated and Justin Jackson moving back to center, Peat finds himself as one of Nebraska’s top two reserve defensive tackles alongside Thad Randle. Peat was a U.S. Army All-American coming out of high school, earning a four-star rating by most recruiting services. Peat had a big frame that could support either an off-nose role or a true 4-3 defensive tackle gap-shooter, depending on what coaches decide to do with him.

Depth Chart Prediction

Starter. Baker Steinkuhler

Starter. Chase Rome

2. Todd Peat Jr.

3. Thad Randle

By Chris Peters

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

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