Ndamukong Suh, DT

Suh was the most dominant player in college football last season. It is amazing just how far the Husker down lineman has come in two years, considering injuries and some difficulty getting acclimated to college football early in his career.

Suh's rise to prominence coincided with the arrival of head coach Bo Pelini in Lincoln. The talented nose guard was no longer handcuffed on the football field as he often was by the previous coaching regime. With a coach firmly in his corner, the junior began his rise in 2008. That year, he became the first Nebraska down lineman since 1973 to lead the team in tackles.

Suh was even better as a senior. The unanimous All-American first-team selection captured virtually ever national award a defender could imagine -- the Lombardi Award, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Big Twelve Conference Player of the Year Award and Bill Willis Award.

The 2009 Heisman Trophy and Walter Camp National Player of the Year finalist had a senior season that truly defines his raw athletic skills combining with his incredible field instincts. He became the first defensive player to capture the Associated Press College Player of the Year Award since its inception in 1998. He was the first defensive tackle invited to the Heisman Trophy ceremonies since Warren Sapp in 1994, which was quite appropriate, as "old time" football men favorably compare the Husker to the former Miami Hurricanes' standout.

Suh was the eighth Nebraska player to capture the Outland Trophy and the first since Aaron Taylor in 1997. He also became the fifth Husker to win the Lombardi Award and the first since 1997. Nebraska's five Lombardi awards are the second-most by one school in the 40-year history of the award, trailing only Ohio State, which has six Lombardi Award winners.

Suh became the fourth Husker to sweep the Lombardi and Outland in the same season, joining Rich Glover (1972), Dave Rimington (1982) and Dean Steinkuhler (1983). Overall, he is just the 12th player to capture the Outland and Lombardi in the same season, with the only other player to do so since 1996 being Louisiana State defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey in 2007, who coincidentally, was also coached by Pelini.

Suh made a clean sweep of the National Defensive Player of the Year awards by winning the Chuck Bednarik Award and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. He is the first Husker to receive both of those awards, and he became just the fifth player to sweep those two awards, most recently Miami (Fla.) linebacker Dan Morgan in 2000.

On the way to becoming one of the most honored defensive players in college football history in 2009, Suh led a dominating Nebraska defense and his play resulted in accolades on the team, conference and national level. After Nebraska finished 112th in total defense (476.83 yards per game) and 116th in rushing defense (232.17 yards per game) during his sophomore campaign, an "unleashed" Suh guided the Huskers to 55th in total defense (349.85 yards per game) and 21st in rushing (116.46 yards per game) in Pelini's first year at the helm in 2008.

When Suh decided to bypass entering the 2009 NFL Draft as an underclassmen, Nebraska returned to national prominence, literally strapping the defense to the "manster in the middle" of the line. The senior saw constant double- and triple-team blocking, but would go on to be the first defensive lineman in school history to lead the team in tackles in consecutive seasons.

Suh's 85 tackles in 2009 were the most by a Nebraska defensive lineman since 1974. He would lead the team in sacks, tackles for loss and quarterback pressures for the second consecutive year. Following their leader, the unit improved to seventh in the nation in total defense (272.0 yards per game), ninth in rush defense (93.14 yards per game) and lead the major college ranks in scoring defense (10.43 points per game).

He led all Big Twelve Conference defenders with 26 quarterback pressures and paced major college interior linemen with 12 sacks and 12 stops behind the line of scrimmage. Suh's 10 pass deflections ranked second on the team and his 11 passes defended made him the only defensive lineman in the country to be ranked in the Top 100 on the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision charts in 2009.

Suh was a two-way star at Grant High School, where he earned Parade All-American honors and was voted the 2004 Portland Interscholastic League Defensive Player of the Year and the state Class 4A Defensive Player of the Year. As a senior, he recorded 65 tackles, including 10 sacks and recovered four fumbles. He also starred on the offensive line, helping the Generals to a 9-3 record and a berth in the state quarterfinals.

Suh earned first-team All-League honors on both offense and defense, and in addition to his defensive accolades was a first-team All-State pick on offense by at least one media outlet. He also earned first-team All-Portland Interscholastic League honors on both offense and defense as a junior and was an honorable-mention All-State pick as a junior.

Suh was listed as the top prospect in the state of Oregon by Rivals.com and among the top ten defensive tackle prospects in the country. He played in the U.S. Army All-American Game, where he lined up on the offensive line. He also played basketball and was a track standout for Grant High, earning honorable-mention All-League honors in basketball as a junior and senior.

In track, Suh was the district shot put champion in 2004, and won the OSAA Class 4A shot put title in 2005 with a school-record throw of 61-4. Thanks to his all-around athletic accomplishments, he was a finalist for the Portland Tribune's Athlete of the Year.

Suh enrolled at Nebraska in 2005, becoming the first scholarship player from the state of Oregon to play for the Huskers. He was one of a school-record 13 true freshmen to see action that season. He played in the first two games and had an assisted tackle vs. Wake Forest before missing the remainder of the season after undergoing knee surgery, receiving a medical redshirt.

Suh played in all 14 games, mostly as a backup to nose tackle Ola Dagunduro in 2006, earning Freshman All-Big Twelve Conference honors from The Sporting News. He also saw time on special teams as a blocker on the place-kicking unit, earning his first career start vs. Oklahoma, when the Huskers opened that game using their goal-line defense. He tied for third on the team with 3.5 sacks, finished fifth with eight stops for loss and recorded 19 tackles (12 solos) while also picking off a pass.

Suh played in all 12 games, including 11 starts at nose tackle in 2007. He was suspended for the first quarter of the Oklahoma State clash for what the coaches labeled an "internal issue." He posted 34 tackles (22 solos) with a sack and four quarterback pressures. All six of his tackles for loss came in a four-game stretch early in the season.

Still, it was a trying season. He battled a knee injury that would eventually require surgery after the season, preventing him from participating in 2008 spring drills.

Fully recovered by the start of 2008 fall camp, Suh would begin his rapid rise to the elite of the college football class. His 76 tackles (39 solos) were the most by a Husker lineman since 1992. He posted 7.5 sacks and his 19 tackles for loss were the eighth-best total in school history. His two interception returns for touchdowns set a school record for a defensive tackle.

Suh's play helped Nebraska finish second in the Big Twelve Conference in total defense at 349.8 yards per game, an improvement of 126 yards per game from the 2007 campaign. Suh also helped Nebraska record 35 sacks on the season, 22 more than its 2007 total. He also was used as a fullback for several plays, catching a pass for a 2-yard touchdown vs. Kansas.

The first defensive lineman to be a Heisman Trophy finalist since 1994, Suh recorded a career-best 85 tackles (52 solos) with 12 sacks, 24 stops for loss and 26 pressures in 2009. He would rack up 56 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, the most by any active NCAA player. In addition to picking off the fourth interception for his career, he would also block three kicks as a senior, matching his total from his first four seasons at Nebraska combined.

Pass rush: Top-notch pass rusher with ideal height and length to affect passing lanes and wrap up quarterbacks. Constantly works forward until the ball is out of the quarterback's hand. Uses strong, active hands to jerk his man aside and keep blockers off-balance. Spins off single blocks and is quick enough to get into the pocket. Also able to split double-teams to at least get a hand in the quarterback's face. Recognizes screens quickly -- comes off pass rush to get to the ball or the sideline. Good awareness to get his hands up in passing lane to knock down passes. Has fair hands for the interception, especially given his size. Greatly increased his conditioning and stamina as a senior and seemed capable of playing every down. Difficult for right tackles to handle one-on-one on the edge as a 3-4 defensive end because of his strength and athleticism. Dropped into coverage at times and shows surprising agility and awareness.

Run defense: Very difficult to move and center-guard tandems can be blown up. Excellent backfield awareness. Holds up his man and keeps eyes up to make plays on the ball, even when engaged. Excellent footwork moving down the line on stretch plays, and will get off of blocks or explode through the line to make the tackle. His pads start off too high at tops, losing his anchor. Can protect his feet against the cut block. Hustles to be the second or third man in the pile and finish plays.

Explosion: Good quickness off the snap, especially if the quarterback doesn't change up cadence, but does not have an elite first step. Pops into his man's jersey and recoils if necessary. Quick enough to be a pass-rush threat and maintain the corner as a 3-4 defensive end.

Strength: Strong bull rush to push the pocket, even when double-teamed. Able to rip off his man with upper-body strength and hands, freeing himself to make a play. Greatly improved his strength against the run in 2009. Used as a goal-line fullback because he gets low enough to push the pile.

Tackling: Rare tackling ability and effort for a defensive lineman, leading his team in tackles the last two years. Very athletic for his size; able to change direction, break down and explode into ballcarriers. Wraps well with his long, strong arms; tough to escape his grasp -- even with one arm. Hustles downfield on short throws. Chases down the line.

Intangibles: Intelligent, low-key and mature. Suh became a vocal leader for the Huskers as a senior. Has improved his work habits and on-field toughness during his time in Lincoln. He's respected by teammates and looked up to by the younger players.

NFL Comparison: Richard Seymour, Oakland Raiders

Suh started 39-of-53 games during his five-year career at Nebraska, recording 215 tackles (125 solo) with 24.0 quarterback sacks for minus-187 yards, 57.0 stops for losses of 252 yards and 39 pressures … Caused three fumbles and recovered another … Intercepted four passes for 79 yards in returns that included two touchdowns and also deflected 15 passes … Caught a pass for a 2-yard touchdown and blocked six kicks … His 57.0 tackles behind the line of scrimmage rank second in school history behind Grant Wistrom (58.5, 1994-97) and tied Cory Redding of Texas (1999-2002) for third in Big Twelve Conference annals, topped by linebackers Derrick Johnson of Texas (65.0, 2001-04) and Rocky Calmus of Oklahoma (59.0, 1998-2001) … Those 57 stops for loss lead all active NCAA defensive tackles and rank second overall to defensive end George Selvie of South Florida (69.0, 2006-09) … Suh's 24.0 stops behind the line of scrimmage in 2009 rank second on the school season-record list behind Jim Skow's 25.0 in 1985 and tied Chris Johnson of Kansas State (2000), Jeff Kelly of Kansas State (1997), Kelly Gregg of Oklahoma (1998) and Cory Redding of Texas (2002) for fourth on the Big Twelve season-record list behind Shaun Rogers of Texas(27.0 in 1999), Keith Mitchell of Texas A&M (25.0 in 1996) and Adell Duckett of Texas Tech (24.5 in 2003) … His seven tackles for loss (five solo/two assisted) vs. Texas in the 2009 Big Twelve Championship Game tied the Nebraska single-game record first set by Jim Skow vs. Missouri in 1985 … Ranks fourth in school history with 24.0 quarterback sacks, surpassed by Trev Alberts (29.5, 1990-93), Grant Wistrom (26.5, 1994-97) and Jim Skow (26.0, 1983-85) … It also time him with Brandon Williams of Texas Tech (2006-08), Algie Atkinson of Kansas (1998-2001) and Roylin Bradley of Texas A&M (1997-2000) for fourth on the conference career-record chart … Suh's 12 sacks in 2009 were the second-most ever by a Husker defensive tackle, topped by Jim Skow's 15.0 in 1985 and tied Abraham Wright of Colorado (2006) and Aaron Hunt of Texas Tech (2001) for seventh on the Big Twelve's annual record list … Set the school season-record for a defensive tackle with two interceptions in 2008 and the Husker down lineman record by returning two pass thefts for touchdowns … His ten pass deflections in 2009 set the school season-record for a defensive lineman and his 15 total pass breakups are another Husker defensive lineman career-record … Holds the school game (two vs. Iowa State in 2009), season (three in 2009) and career (six) records for most kicks blocked by a down lineman.

Unanimous All-American and All-Big Twelve Conference first-team selection … Named the Associated Press College Player of the Year, CBSSports.com National Defensive Player of the Year, Big Twelve Conference Defensive Player of the Year/Defensive Lineman of the Year and was a finalist for the Walter Camp National Player of the Year Award … One of five finalists for the Heisman Trophy and the first defensive lineman to be named a finalist for that trophy since Warren Sapp in 1994 … 2009 Rotary Lombardi Award, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Bill Willis Award and Guy Chamberlin Award winner … Lott Trophy finalist (one of four), earning Lott Trophy Impact Player of the Week vs. Missouri and Iowa State … The Nebraska Team MVP added Big Twelve Defensive Player of the Week, Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week and FWAA National Defensive Player of the Week honors vs. Missouri … Member of the Big Twelve

Commissioner's Spring Academic Honor Roll and garnered Academic All-Big Twelve second-team recognition … Set numerous position, game, season and career records, as he lined up at left defensive tackle, playing mostly over the center's head, as he became the first Husker defensive lineman to lead the team in tackles in consecutive seasons … Recorded a career-best 85 tackles (52 solos), as he also led the team with 12.0 sacks for minus 77 yards, 24.0 stops for losses of 93 yards and 26 quarterback pressures … Second on the team with ten pass deflections, a season-record for down lineman … Set the Husker position record with two blocked kicks vs. Iowa State and with a total of three blocked kicks for the season … Also intercepted a pass, as his total of 11 passes defended were

The most by any college down lineman for the season (no other defensive lineman ranked in the top 100 in the FBS) … vs. the run, Suh made 94 plays, holding the ballcarriers to 20 yards, as he stopped runners at the line of scrimmage 20 times for no gain, in addition to his 24 tackles in the backfield, delivering ten of those hits inside the red zone, including three on goal-line snaps, as he allowed just four first downs and killed 13 scoring drives by taking down runners 12 times on third-down and once on fourth-down plays.

All-American second-team selection by The NFL Draft Report … Consensus All-Big Twelve Conference first-team choice … Named the team's co-Lifter of the Year and Defensive Most Valuable Player … Started all 13 games at nose tackle, becoming the first defensive tackle since 1973 to lead the team in tackles, as he totaled 76 hits (39 solos) … Ranked eighth in the conference and led the team with 7.5 sacks for minus-67 yards and also paced the Huskers with 19.0 stops for losses totaling 85 yards … Nebraska's leader with seven quarterback sacks … Caused a fumble and deflected three passes … Set school records for a defensive lineman with two interceptions, returning both for touchdowns totaling 79 yards … Blocked two kicks … Missed spring drills after undergoing knee surgery.

Suh started 11 games at nose tackle, as he was suspended for the first quarter vs. Oklahoma State for what the coaches termed an "internal issue" … Was bothered the second half of the season after suffering a knee injury vs. Missouri that would require surgery after the season … Made all six of his stops behind the line of scrimmage in a four-game stretch early in the schedule … Recorded 34 tackles (22 solos) that included a 6-yard sack, four pressures, two pass deflections and a blocked kick.

Suh played in all 14 games as a backup to Ola Dagunduro at nose tackle, but did earn a start vs. Oklahoma when the Huskers opened that game using a goal-line defense … Named Freshman All-Big Twelve Conference by The Sporting News … Finished the year with 19 tackles (12 solos), 3.5 sacks for minus 37 yards, eight stops for losses of 45 yards and two pressures … Caused one fumble and also intercepted a pass … In addition to defensive duties, Suh saw time on special teams as a blocker on the place-kicking unit.

Suh was one of the school-record 13 true freshmen to see action in 2005 … Played in the first two games and had an assisted tackle vs. Wake Forest before missing the remainder of the season after undergoing knee surgery, receiving a medical red-shirt.

2005: Played in just two games before missing the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery.

2007: Suffered a knee sprain vs. Missouri 10/04) and would eventually undergo surgery after the season that sidelined him for 2008 spring drills.

Campus: 5.09 in the 40-yard dash … 1.74 10-yard dash … 2.92 20-yard dash … 4.44 20-yard shuttle … 7.21 three-cone drill … 35.5-inch vertical jump … 8'9" broad jump … Bench pressed 225 pounds 32 times … 33 1/2-inch arm length … 10 1/4-inch hands.

Attended Grant (Portland, Ore.) High School, playing football for head coach William Griffin … The two-way star earned Parade All-American honors and was voted the 2004 Portland Interscholastic League Defensive Player of the Year and the state Class 4A Defensive Player of the Year … As a senior, he recorded 65 tackles, including 10 sacks and recovered four fumbles … Also starred on the offensive line, helping the Generals to a 9-3 record and a berth in the state quarterfinals … Earned first-team All-League honors on both offense and defense, and in addition to his defensive accolades was a first-team All-State pick on offense by at least one media outlet … First-team All-Portland Interscholastic League pick on both offense and defense as a junior and was an honorable-mention All-State pick as a junior … Listed as the top prospect in the state of Oregon by Rivals.com and among the top ten defensive tackle prospects in the country … Played in the U.S. Army All-American Game, where he lined up on the offensive line … Also played basketball and was a track standout for Grant High, earning honorable-mention All-League honors in basket-ball as a junior and senior … In track Suh was the district shot put champion in 2004, and won the OSAA Class 4A shot put title in 2005 with a school-record throw of 61-4 … Thanks to his all-around athletic accomplishments, he was a finalist for the Portland Tribune's Athlete of the Year.

Graduated in December 2009 with a degree in Construction Management … Named to the 2009 Big Twelve Conference Commissioner's Spring Academic Honor Roll … Volunteered with Nebraska's local hospital visits and also recently volunteered his time as a speaker at Pound Middle School … Suh's mother, Bernadette, is from Jamaica, while his father, Michael, hails from Cameroon. In the Ngema tribe in Cameroon, Ndamukong means "House of Spears." … Born 1/06/87 … Resides in Portland, Oregon.