Ndulue's arrest illustrates depth issues on defensive line

Ndulue will probably get a break from the season opener. (Photo courtesy: CBSSports.com)

For the Sooners to be successful in 2013, they’re going to have to have a solid front line. Right now, the line appears unstable.

Chuka Ndulue moved from end to tackle in the spring for added depth to the interior, but he got busted last Saturday for a DUI. That usually means a one-game suspension since it’s his first offense. The other three guys working on the tackle rotation are Jordan Phillips, Torrea Peterson and Jordan Wade. They have played a total of 15 games in their careers. Phillips played in 10 games last year, Peterson played in five games two years ago and Wade was redshirted a year ago.

Quincy Russell was going to be the saving grace. The JUCO All-American has had academic problems, however, and still hasn’t reported for voluntary workouts this summer. Hopefully, he will be in camp this fall, but don’t hold your breath, Sooner fans. Carey Murdock of SoonerScoop.com has reported in radio appearances that Russell hasn't returned his calls. That can’t be good when a guy can’t pick up the phone to say how he’s doing.

The Sooners signed three tackles last February, and that number apparently has been trimmed to two as Kerrick Huggins is headed to Trinity Valley Community College. That’s where Russell has been hanging out for the last two years. Maybe Huggins can let Russell know that Sooner fans are turning blue waiting to hear from him.

The guys coming back on the edges have little experience, too. Rashod Favors played nine games last year at defensive end. Geneo Grissom played a total of six games at DE after switching back and forth between DE and tight end. Michael Onuoha saw action in only four games.

Ndulue will likely miss the opener on Aug. 31 versus Louisiana-Monroe. So, from the very beginning, there are a lot of guys who will have to grow up quickly on the front wall.