[Husker] Guess Who's Coming To Defense?

[Steve Stone]

After the game against the Buffs, I was glancing through the roster 
to see whom the Huskers lose due to graduation and who returns. The 
following thoughts about next year's defense are based on the current 
published roster without taking into account possible recruits, 
transfers in, transfers out, or walk-ons.

Steinkuhler, Potter, Wortman, Glenn, and Murillo graduate, but the 
return of Barry Turner could make a crucial difference to next 
season's DL. If we consider Barry Turner an even swap for Zach 
Potter, only one position in the DL is up for grabs, assuming that 
Suh stays for his senior year as stated. Terence Moore, Baker 
Steinkuhler, and Jared Crick seem to be leading contenders to fill Ty 
Steinkuhler's vacated position, but Quentin Toailoa might surprise. 
Competition for DE backups should be should come from Nick Covey, 
Cameron Meredith, Josh Williams, and William Yancy, among others.

The defensive backfield seems most in need of augmentation, largely 
because this year so many young players had to be used before they 
were fully ready. Hagg, Amukamra, and Thorell return at cornerback 
while Asante, Culbet,  O'Hanlon, and Thenarse come back at safety. 
Matthew May might stay at a defensive back or revert to linebacker. 
Listed "defensive backs" include Alfonso Dennard who saw action this 
year while touted freshmen John Levorson, and Courtney Osborne step 
up from the scout team. I believe freshman Mason Wald played this 
year before being injured, but he should be recovered by 2009.

Somehow the Husker linebacking corps survived 2008 despite multiple 
injuries and Glenn's suspension. Dillard and Blake shouyld have the 
early edge, but an array of reserves and freshmen should crowd all 
three linebacker positions - - a refreshing change. Matt Holt, who 
played this year as a true freshman walk-on, will be competing with 
Colton Koehler, Will Compton, Sean Fischer, Latravis Washington, and 
Thomas Grove Since no news leaks out from the scout team, we fans 
have precious little word on scholarship freshman linebackers Alonzo 
Whaley, and Micah Kreikemeier.

Steve Stone