clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Who's Your Starter: Defensive Tackle

QB: Austen Arnaud (So.)
RB: Alexander Robinson (So.)
TE: Derrick Catlett (Jr.)
WR: Marquis Hamilton (Jr.)
WR: RJ Sumrall (Sr.)
WR: Sedrick Johnson (Fr.)
LT: Matt Hulbert (So.)
LG: Reggie Stephens (Jr.)
C: Alex Alvarez (So.)
RG: Ben Lamaak (So.)
RT: Doug Dedrick (Sr.)

WE: Rashawn Parker (Jr.)

Rashawn Parker got the expected nod at weakside end. Defensive tackle, however, is a different story. There are a number of contenders at the position, including Bailey Johnson and Chris Weir. Johnson had nine tackles last year, while Weir had three. Stephen Ruempolhamer was the lone defensive tackle recruit brought in for the last recruiting class. The 6-3, 285 Ruempolhamer is originally from Holland before racking up 57 tackles and 3 sacks as a senior in high school in Oklahoma.

Defensive tackle is one of the biggest question marks for the Cyclones heading into the 2008 season. While Bryce Braaskma wasn't All Big 12, he became a dependable fixture up front. Johnson did receive a bit of playing time last year, however, and would be considered the early favorite at the position.