Grizzly Football Preview – Defensive Tackle

After a weekend off, I resume the position-by-position preview of this year's Montana Grizzlies with part 5.

The defensive tackles are asked to handle a variety of roles. A "nose tackle" lines up over the center and is your typical space eater. His job is to occupy multiple blockers and create havoc against the run. A "three technique" lines usually lines up over the guard. While he too is asked to play well against the run, three techniques are usually a little more athletic in the pass rush game.

Here's how the Griz look at D-tackle:

Tyrone Duncan, Sr.
Ben Hughes, Sr.
Bryan Waldhauser, Sr.
Alex Bienemann, So.
Chris Bradford, So.
Jesse Ginn, Fr.
Tonga Takai, Fr.
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RETURNING STARTERS: 1

PLAYER TO WATCH: Bryan Waldhauser

SLEEPER: Alex Bienemann

FUTURE STAR: Jesse Ginn

Bryan Waldhauser could be the Big Sky Conference's best defensive tackle this year. Tyrone Duncan, a highly heralded transfer from the University of Washington a season ago, could start alongside Waldhauser. So, too, could Bienemann, who has impressed coaches in the short time he's been on campus. Beyond those three, Ben Hughes and Tonga Takai provide nice depth. Jesse Ginn was mentioned as possibly playing as a true freshman, but was lost for the season due to a leg injury. Ginn is applying for a medical redshirt.  Chris Bradford will see more reps at defensive end this year than defensive tackle.