Nebraska Defensive Tackle Ndamukong Suh

Cornhuskers Star Rates High in Early NFL Draft Forecasts

Sep 24, 2009

Even if they can't spell it or pronounce it, people are beginning to recognize the name of University of Nebraska football player Ndamukong Suh.

Suh has already been well-known in Nebraska for a while – at least since the 6-foot-4, 300-pound defensive tackle turned in a monster junior campaign for the Cornhuskers in 2008.

In 13 games, Suh recorded a team-high 76 tackles, including 19.5 for losses. He had 7.5 sacks, seven quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and two blocked kicks. And he had two interceptions, both of which he returned for touchdowns.

Those statistics are OK for a linebacker, but for an interior lineman, they’re practically unheard-of in today's day and age.

In fact, Suh became the first lineman to lead Nebraska in tackles since 1973, and he was the top tackler among Big 12 Conference lineman by a wide margin. He was also used as fullback in short-yardage situations, and even caught a touchdown pass.

Despite that, he gained limited recognition after the season. There were no All-America honors, and he wasn’t even voted to the all-Big 12 Conference first team by the conference coaches.

Yet Suh did gain notice of NFL scouts. He was projected by some as a potential first-round draft pick after his junior campaign, but he chose to stay for his senior year. No he’s being tabbed as a definite first-round pick – some think he could go No. 1.

A strong start to his 2009 season certainly hasn't hurt his reputation. He's averaging 6.7 tackles a game and is on a pace to surpass his totals from last season.

Suh Praised for Athleticism, Determination

The Sporting News projected Suh as the No. 1 pick in its early NFL mock draft, and Pete Fiutak of College Football News.com ranked him first on his list of 250 prospects entering the season. NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks ranked Suh second behind Oklahoma State offensive tackle Russell Okung.

“Suh is a disruptive interior player with exceptional strength, power and athleticism,” Barnes wrote. “He is not only a dominant run defender, but also is an excellent pass rusher with natural instincts.”

ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Suh fifth on his “Big Board” entering the season. But Kiper moved him up to third in his Sept. 24 rankings, behind Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford and Tennessee safety Eric Berry.

Kiper described Suh as “explosive, relentless and consistent.” “It's a case where a guy is just relentlessly active, regardless of whether he's double-teamed or chasing down a quarterback,” Kiper wrote. “He affects the play. I’ve said it before: Suh could be at the top of this when all is said and done.’’

Suh Is Not Traditional Defense Tackle

When battling opposing blockers, Suh tends to stand higher than most defensive tackles. Instead of staying low and bulling forward, he’ll often rely on his long arms and his quickness to shed blockers. That’s a trait that makes observers believe he’ll be better suited to play defensive end in the NFL.

There’s also debate over whether Suh is actually the best defensive tackle in his conference. Oklahoma has a good one in junior Gerald McCoy, one of the five players who beat out Suh for a first-team defensive line position on the coaches’ all-Big 12 team last year. Like Suh, McCoy is a highly rated NFL draft prospect.

Suh, who’s had knee problems during his career, is a late bloomer and did not really emerge as a force until his junior season. As a sophomore, he played in 12 games, starting 11, and had 34 tackles. He did not start as a freshman, but played in all 14 games and finished with 19 tackles.

His development is much credited to second-year Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini and his brother Carl, the Cornhuskers’ defensive coordinator and defensive line coach. But Suh’s determination has been counted as a major factor as well.

“He’s different. There’s no question,’’ Carl Pelini told the Omaha World-Herald. “You can go your whole career and not have a player like him.”

Suh Continues to Deliver in 2009

Five games into the 2009 season, Suh has registered a team-high 32 tackles. His totals include seven tackles for losses, three sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. He’s also broken up seven passes.

Although Nebraska lost its showdown at Virginia Tech 16-15 on Sept 19, Suh had a team-leading eight tackles and deflected four passes.

Suh drew more raves during Nebraska's 27-12 win at Missouri on Oct. 8, making six tackles, forcing a fumble, breaking up a pass, recording a sack and coming up with an interception.

Where Does Suh Come From?

Suh is from Portland, Ore., and he is Nebraska’s first scholarship signee from that state. A Parade All-American at Grant High, Suh chose Nebraska over Cal.

His mother is from Jamaica and his father is from Cameroon. His name is pronounced En-dom-ah-ken Soo. Ndamukong means “House of Spears” in the Ngema tribe of Cameroon.

NFL mock draft 2010: Big 12 makes big early splash; Sporting News, June 30, 2010

OSU’s Okung top prospect, Texas’ McCoy top QB for next year’s draft; NFL.com

2010 NFL Draft – Top 250 Prospects; College Football News.com, Aug. 26, 2009

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