The Husker is deemed to be "scheme specific". 6-4 / 329 LBS. Some info from CBSS:
STRENGTHS: Strong upper body to jolt blockers off the ball. Does move well laterally for a 320+ pounder.
WEAKNESSES: Tends to fatigue and wear down, allowing blockers to keep him occupied if his initial move doesn't work. Not the most rangy interior player. Needs to be fresh to play at his peak and be the most effective.
IN OUR VIEW: While surprisingly athletic, himself, Valentine isn't as explosive off the ball as his teammate, Maliek Collins. He's stouter at the point of attack, however, showing the anchor to intrigue scouts operating for 3-4 and 4-3 defenses, alike.
Some interesting background stuff from SB's Nebraska page:
Valentine was the 13th best player out of the state of Illinois in the 2012 recruiting cycle, and the 37th best Defensive Tackle in the cycle as well. Before committing to the Huskers, Valentine had interest from Illinois and Florida, among other schools in his nearly 20 offers recorded. Former Nebraska DC John Papuchis was his main contact.
Valentine redshirted his Freshman year, and in his RS Fr. year played in all 13 games, starting in 6 of them. He would go on to start 24 of the 36 games he played in Lincoln, but he was nailed by injuries at times through his career as well.
Like his counterpart Collins, Valentine seemed to peak in the '14 season under Defensive Line coach Rich Kaczenski, and regress when Hank Hughes was hired. VV's big year was his RS Sophomore year, when he recorded 45 total tackles, 7 of those tackles for loss. He had 3 sacks in both his Sophomore and Junior years, but his tackle number regressed his Junior year.
Like Collins as well, Valentine seemed to struggle with Hughes and Defensive Coordinator Mark Banker's use of the DL in their scheme. Valentine was surprised that Hughes was replaced, and one wonders if he would still be in Lincoln had new DL coach John Parrella was installed before he declared.
STRENGTHS: Strong upper body to jolt blockers off the ball. Does move well laterally for a 320+ pounder.
WEAKNESSES: Tends to fatigue and wear down, allowing blockers to keep him occupied if his initial move doesn't work. Not the most rangy interior player. Needs to be fresh to play at his peak and be the most effective.
IN OUR VIEW: While surprisingly athletic, himself, Valentine isn't as explosive off the ball as his teammate, Maliek Collins. He's stouter at the point of attack, however, showing the anchor to intrigue scouts operating for 3-4 and 4-3 defenses, alike.
Some interesting background stuff from SB's Nebraska page:
Valentine was the 13th best player out of the state of Illinois in the 2012 recruiting cycle, and the 37th best Defensive Tackle in the cycle as well. Before committing to the Huskers, Valentine had interest from Illinois and Florida, among other schools in his nearly 20 offers recorded. Former Nebraska DC John Papuchis was his main contact.
Valentine redshirted his Freshman year, and in his RS Fr. year played in all 13 games, starting in 6 of them. He would go on to start 24 of the 36 games he played in Lincoln, but he was nailed by injuries at times through his career as well.
Like his counterpart Collins, Valentine seemed to peak in the '14 season under Defensive Line coach Rich Kaczenski, and regress when Hank Hughes was hired. VV's big year was his RS Sophomore year, when he recorded 45 total tackles, 7 of those tackles for loss. He had 3 sacks in both his Sophomore and Junior years, but his tackle number regressed his Junior year.
Like Collins as well, Valentine seemed to struggle with Hughes and Defensive Coordinator Mark Banker's use of the DL in their scheme. Valentine was surprised that Hughes was replaced, and one wonders if he would still be in Lincoln had new DL coach John Parrella was installed before he declared.
