NU defensive line aims to be a strength this season

Perceived as a weakness last season during Nebraska's disastrous defensive showing, the Cornhuskers' defensive line is determined to lead the way to redemption.

Nebraska returns its entire starting defensive line from last season. The group includes senior defensive ends Zach Potter and Barry Turner along with nose guard Ndamukong Suh and defensive tackle Ty Steinkuhler.

"I think we can be looked on as leaders," Potter said. "I think all four of us up front have tried to take on a leadership role. If we can lead up front, then it goes back to the linebackers and secondary and hopefully we can play together as a really good defense."

That would be a welcome sight for Nebraska fans after what happened in 2007. The Huskers finished ranked 112th in total defense (476.8 yards per game), 114th in scoring defense (37.9 points per game), 116th in rushing defense (232.2 yards per game) and 117th in turnover margin (minus-1.42).

"We had a bad year last year, but we put that behind us now," Potter said. "We try to forget that as much as you can -- aside from the experience we gained last year."

Among the most staggering defensive stats was that the Huskers ranked last in the Big 12 Conference with 13 sacks in 12 games. Potter said it's obvious that Nebraska needs to get more pressure on the quarterback this season -- something he's confident NU can do.

Much of that confidence, Potter said, stems from Bo Pelini taking over as head coach. Pelini, who gained instant credibility at Nebraska for leading a defensive turnaround with the Huskers in 2003, guided LSU to a No. 3 ranking in total defense each of the last three years, including last year's national championship squad.

"The scheme last year was geared toward getting sacks, but it was more difficult," Potter said. "This year with the blitz packages coach Pelini is bringing in, it opens up a lot more players on a lot more different situations.

"I know me and Barry personally worked on pass rushing stuff together this summer, working with bags and sleds and stuff."

Suh said he also likes Pelini's defensive scheme.

"Going through two different types of defenses, I mean they're similar in certain ways but they're different in other ways," Suh said. "I like it a lot. It's a fun defense to run."

Potter said he and his fellow defensive players got a taste of Pelini's system during spring practices. Now, he's looking forward to learning more.

"I think we're really looking forward to getting deeper into the playbook this year and seeing the whole system that he brings," Potter said.

Potter said he has complete trust that the new defensive coaching staff can help the Huskers improve.

"Once spring ball started you got to see how they coached the game," Potter said. "You develop a relationship on and off the field. I think once you have that relationship on and off the field you gain trust in them.

"We've got a lot of trust in our coaches, and they got trust in us to get the job done as well."



Position breakdown: Defensive Line

KEY LOSSES: DT Kevin Dixon (kicked off team for violation of team rules).

KEY RETURNEES: DE Zach Potter, Sr.; DE Barry Turner, Sr.; NT Ndamukong Suh, Jr.; DT Ty Steinkuhler, Sr.

OTHERS TO WATCH: DE Clayton Sievers, Sr.; DE Pierre Allen, So.; NT Shukree Barfield, Sr.; DT Baker Steinkuhler, Fr.

WORTH NOTING: Potter (11 starts), Suh (11), Turner (11) and Steinkuhler (eight) combined to start 41 games last season. … Reserve defensive tackle Terrence Moore is questionable for Saturday's season opener against Western Michigan with a knee injury. … Nebraska defensive coordinator Carl Pelini said that while injuries to Ty Steinkuhler in camp and the dismissal of key backup Kevin Dixon have changed plans, it has given the Huskers a chance to develop some depth in the interior of the defensive line.