The Retort

Draft Preview: a Boy Named Suh

January 29th, 2010 by Joe Olivo Of The Retort Staff

The name says it all, Ndamukong Suh. In his father's native country of Cameroon the word Ndamukong means “house of spears.” Suh was raised in Portland, Oregon by his father and Jamaican mother. He attended Grant High School and was an All American defensive lineman and Class 4A Defensive MVP in his senior year.

Suh attended college with the Nebraska Corn Huskers, playing mostly defensive tackle. He played in two games in 2005, but received a “medical red shirt” when he was lost for the remainder of the season because of knee surgery. In 2006, he played as a backup defensive lineman while earning his way into more playing time.

Suh received his chance in 2007 when he started 11 of 12 contests. In 2008, he started every game and was named to the All Big 12 Team. Suh broke out in his senior year. In 2009, Suh was easily the most dominate player in the country. He lead his team in sacks, tackles, and pass break ups.

His sack totals increased drastically during his final two seasons in Nebraska, from 4 ½ in his first two seasons to 19 ½ in his final two. His team received little national air time so he used their prime time Big 12 Championship game against Texas as a coming out party.

He shredded the Texas offensive line, registering 4.5 sacks. Despite losing the game 13-12 he was named the game MVP. His performance gained him national praise.

He was selected as a 1st team All American. He also won both the Bronko Nagurski Award for the top defensive player and the Lombardi Award for the top lineman. Suh was the AP Player of the Year, the only defensive player to ever win the award. He also finished 4th in the Heisman Trophy voting.

In a position that is coached to “play thick” and take up blockers for the rest of the team Suh is still unstoppable. He destroys blocking schemes with his quick hands, incredible power, and technique.

When asked if he can get better he replied, “Of course. Anything can improve. Fundamentals can always get better. I can obviously get better at those things. Coach always tells me that I cannot fathom how much better I can be and I fully believe that.”

Suh is quite possibly the most dominate defensive player that has been seen in the last decade. He is considered the top prospect in this year’s NFL Draft and the St. Louis Rams own the first overall pick this year. When Johnny Cash wrote the song, “A Boy Named Sue,” perhaps this monster of a man was what he imagined. As for Ndamukong's opinion of the song, “Mr. Cash was a nice man, it’s not quite my favorite but it’s a nice little song.”

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 300 lbs.

Comparable at the next level: Chicago Bears, Tommie Harris

Projected Draft Spot: 1st overall, St. Louis Rams