Breakdown - Defensive Tackle

Time for another break down of the USF football roster, this time we are taking a looking at one the more interesting positions for the Bulls, the defensive tackle spot. Often overshadowed by the great defensive ends that the Bulls have had lately, the defensive tackle is a key spot in anchoring the defensive line and is a priority spot for Holtz who is using a more 5-3 based defense, similar to Ohio State, which relies on the defensive tackles to hold the line, stop the run, and provide pressure on the quarterback. So let's take a look at the defensive tackle and what to expect with this group in the 2010 year.

First we have Terrell McClain, the 6'3" 302 lb. senior defensive (nose) tackle and number 1 on the depth chart coming out of spring. McClain was a starter last year and totaled 25 solo tackles and 1.5 sacks on the year. He is a dominate and physical tackle that uses raw strength to push the line back, but as the starter and nose tackle he will need more skill and will have to become better at stopping the running game in order to maintain his starting role over the course of the year. McClain is a veteran starter and provides a solid play maker and veteran force on the line but he will have to improve this fall and lead by example.

The next defensive tackle is Keith McCaskill, the 5'11" 269 junior defensive tackle and second starter on the line. McCaskill totaled 23 tackles last year, 3 pass breakups and a half sack. He is the second veteran starter and gives Holtz two veterans on the defensive line, something that he will enjoy in his first year. McCaskill is explosive and tough, but lacks discipline at times on the line, failing to help in run protection and leaving gaps for runners to get through. He will have to be much more consistent this season in the new defensive system in order to help keep a young defense anchored.

There are two other listed defensive tackles for the Bulls, but others could see playing time in this position, including defensive ends that Holtz wants on the field. First is Demi Thompson, a red shirt freshmen that is 6'1" and 298. He was injured during the spring which sets him back but will play a key back up role position this season due to the lack of depth and also his skill set. He is a raw rusher and has the size to create problems in the line. The other defensive tackle coming in is the highly recruited frehsmen Todd Chandler. The 6'1" 298 lb 4 star recruit comes in to USF after being chashed by Miami for the entire summer and will look to make an immediate impact in the depth chart. He is a physical monster, running the 40 yard dash in 5.1 seconds and doing 22 reps on the bench press. He will most likely red-shirt, but because of his raw skill and size, could see the field, either in a back up role or on special teams. Holtz is happy to have this highly recruit from the Leavitt era because it helps him build for the future.

The lack of depth and play makers at defensive tackle have us worried. It is a solid veteran group but the lack to production over the past 3 years is reason for concern. The veterans will have to step up and anchor the line and the freshmen will have to age quicly and contribute in the new system to make it successful or teams will be running all over the young Bulls.

Names, stats, and player info is provided by www.gousfbulls.com