Help for the D Line - Good News - Rothenberger

[Blue and Gold]

BOZEMAN, Mont. -- Montana State addressed a primary need on Thursday, signing junior college defensive tackle Joe Rothenberger.
Rothenberger, a 6-4, 270-lb tackle from Chaffey College in California, joins a team thinned by defensive line injuries. The Chino, Calif., native earned Second Team All-Foothill Conference honors last season. He was a standout at Don Lugo High School.
"Joe is a big, physical player who will play tackle for us,"
said MSU defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski. "He's talented. He will help us this fall."

-msu-

[CARDIAC_CATS]

BOZEMAN, Mont. -- Montana State addressed a primary need on Thursday, signing junior college defensive tackle Joe Rothenberger.
Rothenberger, a 6-4, 270-lb tackle from Chaffey College in California, joins a team thinned by defensive line injuries. The Chino, Calif., native earned Second Team All-Foothill Conference honors last season. He was a standout at Don Lugo High School.
"Joe is a big, physical player who will play tackle for us,"
said MSU defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski. "He's talented. He will help us this fall."

-msu-

I like the ring to this lineup next year ... Hoffenbacker/Rothenberger .. Kind of catchy!

What do you all think about Matakis? Are you for his return by end of the season or do you think he should sit out the season and save his eligibility for this year? I am just worried he is going to rush it and do more damage to his knee. I really want him out there in Lulay's last year, but not at the expense of his career etc. Next years line is looking VERY FORMIDABLE! I think we are in good shape on the trenches for a few years now.

[Cat Grad]

Every injury is unique; I know it'll depend upon his doctor. Remember that he left A & M because he felt his best shot to play on Sunday would be on the defensive side and he said in one of his interviews that he hated being a tight end. Therefore, I assume he has a great capacity to handle pain and will work his tail off to meet his personal goals.

[CARDIAC_CATS]

Every injury is unique; I know it'll depend upon his doctor. Remember that he left A & M because he felt his best shot to play on Sunday would be on the defensive side and he said in one of his interviews that he hated being a tight end. Therefore, I assume he has a great capacity to handle pain and will work his tail off to meet his personal goals.

Yeah, I bet he makes it back as well by the 6th game of the year. DT's are known for being nasty/hard workers/tough so I bet we see him this year. I just hope it is all healed as I know he will try and be out there no matter what (even fighting the pain). I want him out there as we definately need him. I agree though, every injury is unique and each player heals at different rates as well. If he is back for the majority (and I mean totally back) we should have a very formideable DL this year I think as long as no more injuries occurr in the fall.

[BobcatLionFan]

I like the ring to this lineup next year ... Hoffenbacker/Rothenberger .. Kind of catchy!

Remember, we are looking at running 3-4, one tackle/Nose and two DEs?

Rogers will be the primary nose guy. Sweet lou should be 100% since in was a minor MCL.
Don't know if Hoffenbacker will see the field (given he a true freshman. Beninger was the hyped up Freshman last year and he is going to be OK, but didn't start immediately.

My take on Rothenberger is he is an insurance body. Not one of the top players that goes on signing day with speed (which you want on DL), but a needed big body. A good addition, but very possibly not a starter unless there are more injuries.

It will be interesting to see what David Saitaga 5'11 270 will be like. He was a signing day guy that will show up this Fall for the first time.

The DL looks like Kolone, Rogers, and Papich as the front three. Backed up by Saitaga, Lou, and this Rothenberger guy for rotation rests and/or injury.
Matakis, my take is if we can win the league, he plays late (especially if Rogers has a problem).

[mquast53000]

It will be interesting to see what David Saitaga 5'11 270 will be like. He was a signing day guy that will show up this Fall for the first time.

I am sure that he will be tough to move at 270, but 5’11 is pretty short for D-1 football. You need long arms to play d-line.

[BobcatLionFan]

It will be interesting to see what David Saitaga 5'11 270 will be like. He was a signing day guy that will show up this Fall for the first time.

I am sure that he will be tough to move at 270, but 5’11 is pretty short for D-1 football. You need long arms to play d-line.

Yes and no. In a 3-4, the main task of the DL is to tie up as many OL as possible and make piles. If there is a trap, go towards the trap and make a pile with two OL. Idea is to free up LBs. The LBs will be the stars and make most of the plays/tackles (with the strong Safety - Force).

Long arms is a plus to do swim moves, but speed, quickness, and a mean streak are always the key. We'll have to see.

[mquast53000]

I understand what you want a d-nose to do, but I still think that you want your d-linemen to be at least 6’. If he is listed at 5’11 his is more likely 5’9 – 5’10 (if he was 5’11 he would be listed 6’). You’re right though; we will have to wait until the season to start to know if he is any good.

[Cat Pride]

I understand what you want a d-nose to do, but I still think that you want your d-linemen to be at least 6’. If he is listed at 5’11 his is more likely 5’9 – 5’10 (if he was 5’11 he would be listed 6’). You’re right though; we will have to wait until the season to start to know if he is any good.

One thing to add to Saitaga is that he is listed at 290, not 270. So if the kid is 5-9 to 5-11 at 290, he is a frickin' boulder!

Long arms or not, this guy will be able to fill a gap or two!

[BobcatLionFan]

I understand what you want a d-nose to do, but I still think that you want your d-linemen to be at least 6’. If he is listed at 5’11 his is more likely 5’9 – 5’10 (if he was 5’11 he would be listed 6’). You’re right though; we will have to wait until the season to start to know if he is any good.

One thing to add to Saitaga is that he is listed at 290, not 270. So if the kid is 5-9 to 5-11 at 290, he is a frickin' boulder!

Long arms or not, this guy will be able to fill a gap or two!

Talking about height and misquoting, it's funny. If they are short, they list them taller, if they are tall, they listed them even or shorter.

No way Fig is 6'1". He's probably 5'10" if that (and 290) Same size as Saitaga it appears.
Also no way Berkland is 6'1". He is probably a inch taller than Fig, but no way does he break 6 feet.
They both look like short little big guys next to Bolton, Hirst and Jensen
I really like the term "Frickin' Boulder" to discribe Saitaga. Let's hope he is that unmovable to the opposing OL.

[Helcat72]

One thing to add to Saitaga is that he is listed at 290, not 270. So if the kid is 5-9 to 5-11 at 290, he is a frickin' boulder!

Long arms or not, this guy will be able to fill a gap or two! [/quote]

You see a lot of the better pro nose guards are big, but short stalky guys with a low center of gravity. I would think someone with Saitaga's size could play nose. I remember a friz nose guard named Larry Miller back in the 60's who was All American at 5-9 about 290.

[mquast53000]

...back in the 60's who was All American at 5-9 about 290.

Games changed a little from back then

[JahGriz]

I heard Kramz is looking at a UCLA kid, or that a UCLA kid might be looking his way. Would he get yet another DT along with this kid?

[mquast53000]

I heard Kramz is looking at a UCLA kid, or that a UCLA kid might be looking his way. Would he get yet another DT along with this kid?

Shoot if we get enough good DT’s we can go back to the 4-3 and stop messing with this crazy 3-4. I would be more comfortable with a 4-3…

[Cat Pride]

I heard Kramz is looking at a UCLA kid, or that a UCLA kid might be looking his way. Would he get yet another DT along with this kid?

I hope so. Kinda like OL... you can never have too many guys in the trenches.

[JahGriz]

If all your DT's get healthy, and the new prospects keep coming, you might want to go to a 5-2

[BobcatLionFan]

I heard Kramz is looking at a UCLA kid, or that a UCLA kid might be looking his way. Would he get yet another DT along with this kid?

Shoot if we get enough good DT’s we can go back to the 4-3 and stop messing with this crazy 3-4. I would be more comfortable with a 4-3…

They went to a 3-4 because of an increditable group of LBs. Also because that is a defense that a lot of teams are migrating to lately in both college and the pros. (The defense of choice it seems).
Problem is it opens up the nose to a lot of punishment (and possible injuries).
It appears the plan to run both 4-3 and 3-4 to make it more difficult on the Offenses they face. The problem will be the DL performance. they need to learn the 3-4.

[VictorG]

It will be interesting to see what David Saitaga 5'11 270 will be like. He was a signing day guy that will show up this Fall for the first time.

I am sure that he will be tough to move at 270, but 5’11 is pretty short for D-1 football. You need long arms to play d-line.

270 is not big. 290 is better, no matter what the heigth.

[wbtfg]

I heard Kramz is looking at a UCLA kid, or that a UCLA kid might be looking his way. Would he get yet another DT along with this kid?

Has anyone heard any news on the possible transfer from UCLA? The latest I know is that the kid (not sure of his name) is a DT who got in a little trouble at UCLA (not sure what kind of trouble) and has narrowed his transfer choices down to MSU and PSU.

[wbtfg]

I heard Kramz is looking at a UCLA kid, or that a UCLA kid might be looking his way. Would he get yet another DT along with this kid?

Has anyone heard any news on the possible transfer from UCLA? The latest I know is that the kid (not sure of his name) is a DT who got in a little trouble at UCLA (not sure what kind of trouble) and has narrowed his transfer choices down to MSU and PSU.

Could this be him?

Profile: http://uclabruins.collegesports.com/spo ... _cj00.html

Disgruntled Niusulu says he's leaving



By Brian Dohn
Staff Writer


Defensive tackle C.J. Niusulu, who was suspended indefinitely in March from UCLA's football program, said he is transferring, bringing an end to his three-year career with the Bruins.
Niusulu, who will remain enrolled at UCLA through June, said he is uncertain where he will end up. He is contemplating transferring to a Division I-AA school, where he could play next season, or to a Division I-A school, where he would have to sit out the NCAA-mandated one season before playing in 2006. He has one year of eligibility remaining and has a redshirt year available.

"I don't know if I want to play next season or whether I want to sit out for a year," Niusulu said. "I'm looking at offers and places to go and how everything will turn out. Everything is still up in the air."

Niusulu, who started the final five UCLA games in 2004, was suspended indefinitely during spring practice for a violation of team rules. It was considered a long shot for him to be reinstated, and now he said there is no chance of it.

"I don't think that's a possibility," Niusulu said of a return to UCLA.

In nine games last season, Niusulu tied for second among UCLA linemen with 24 tackles. He missed two games because of injury and was suspended for another because of a violation of athletic department policy. In three seasons, Niusulu made 53 tackles.

Tuesday, May 3, 2005

Suspended Niusulu released, will transfer
In addition to the starting DT, UCLA also will lose OL Marc Villafuerte because of an arthritic left knee.

Staff, news-service reports



LOS ANGELES – UCLA defensive tackle C.J. Niusulu, who has been suspended since spring practice because of repeated violations of team rules, has been granted a release from his scholarship and will transfer, the university announced Monday.

The Bruins next season also will be without redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Marc Villafuerte (Canyon High, Santa Ana College), who is retiring from football because of an arthritic left knee.

Niusulu started seven games and was credited with 24 tackles, including 11/2 sacks, in an injury-plagued season. He did not play in the opening loss to Oklahoma State (arthroscopic surgery on his left knee) and in the loss at Cal (swollen left ankle).

Coach Karl Dorrell was not expected to reinstate Niusulu this season, but the lineman remained enrolled in school after he was suspended in February.

Niusulu could transfer to a lower division or sit out one season under NCAA transfer rules and attend another Division I university. The 280pounder did not use a redshirt year at UCLA. He has not decided where he will transfer.

The Bruins last season allowed 210.1 rushing yards a game and 5.1 yards a play (last in the Pac-10 in both categories), and they could have difficulty absorbing the loss of Niusulu. He displayed quickness and strength, and he was considered to be the Bruins' best against the run.

Junior Kevin Brown is expected to be a fixture at one tackle spot, but there is a lack of experienced depth at the inside positions. Kenneth Lombard started one game and played in three as a freshman before going down with a season-ending shoulder injury. Junior Kevin Harbour is out of school for academic reasons but is expected to be reinstated into school after passing summer courses.

Villafuerte was a redshirt one week into his first fall camp at UCLA and was not expected to play a primary role this season despite the loss of two starting linemen. He went into spring practice listed third on the depth chart at the strong-side guard.

ROBERT KUWADAThe Register