Ndamukong Suh: Why Jake Delhomme Hit Is a 2010 Rookie of Year Preview

In the third game of the preseason, one late hit to Cleveland Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme cost Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh $7,500.

Though he did grab Delhomme by the face mask and appear to try and take his head off, the hit became more than just an ESPN highlight.

It showed that he was not afraid to showcase his desire to compete and take down an NFL quarterback.

Even during the preseason, he was willing to establish himself as a hard-nosed and aggressive defender.

Intensity and drive like that is necessary in an NFL defensive lineman.

Here's a look back at Suh's young career and why that hit is just a precursor to Suh earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2010.

10. Nebraska Years

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SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 30: Ndamukong Suh #93 of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers rushes to the line of scrimmage during the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl against University of Arizona Wildcats on December 30, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Califo

Suh spent five years in Nebraska after being recruited out of Grant High School in Oregon. 

As a true freshman, knee surgery took him out for the rest of the year after two games and Suh received a medical redshirt.

The next year, he earned freshman All-Big 12 honors and then found himself as a starter in his sophomore year.

9. A Brilliant 2009

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SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 30: Ndamukong Suh #93 talks with Head Coach Bo Pelini of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers after their team's 33-0 victory against the University of Arizona Wildcats during the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl, on December 30, 2009 at

As a junior, he led the team in tackles and became the first Nebraska lineman to lead the team in tackles in almost 40 years.

Suh returned for his senior year and differentiated himself from the rest of the pack with a tremendous 2009 season with the Cornhuskers.

He anchored an intense Nebraska defensive unit that lost 13-12 against the Texas Longhorns in the Big 12 championship game.

Suh recorded 12 tackles, 7 for loss and 4.5 sacks during that game and he received MVP honors despite a losing effort.

Pre-Draft Hype

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 1: Defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska runs in drills during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 1, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

At 6'4" and 307 pounds, his size, strength and above-average quickness, set him apart from the rest of the pack in the draft. 

At one point, pundits believed that Suh would go No. 1 overall to the St. Louis Rams, but they opted for a quarterback.

Suh ended his college career as winner of several awards, including the 2009 AP National Player of the Year, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Heisman trophy.

No. 2 Overall

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NEW YORK - APRIL 22: Ndamukong Suh (R) from the Nebraska Cornhuskers poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell as they hold up a Detroit Lions jersey after Suh was selected by the Lions number 2 overall during the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft at Rad

After a brilliant collegiate career with Nebraska, Suh was drafted no. 2 overall in the NFL draft.                                                           

The Lions signed him to a five-year, $68 million contract, $40 million of which would be guaranteed.

He will be met with plenty of love and very high expectations in Detroit.

Drive and Intensity

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ALLEN PARK, MI - AUGUST 05: Ndamukong Suh #90 of the Detroit Lions does a drill during training camp at the Detroit Lions Headquarters and Training Facility on August 5, 2010 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The Lions, who ranked 32nd in defense in 2009, will immediately feel the young 23-year-old's presence.

Suh was a driven one-man defensive stopper for Nebraska and many expect him to be the same for the lowly Lions.

In college, Suh accounted for more sacks, quarterback hurries, and nearly as many tackles, as the entire defensive line of 2009 national champion Alabama. 

Power and Athleticism

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DETROIT - AUGUST 28: Ndamukong Suh #90 of the Detroit Lions looks on prior to playing the Cleveland Browns in a preseason game on August 28, 2010 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Suh plays the game with quiet intensity.

His blend of power and athleticism make him a tough matchup for offensive linemen.  Suh's size and ability will definitely command double-teams.

He can adversely impact an opponent's running game and he also has the ability to pressure the quarterback, knock down passes and block kicks.

No Fear: Won't Back Down

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DENVER - AUGUST 21: Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh #90 of the Detroit Lions battles the blocking of offensive tackle Ryan Harris #74 of the Denver Broncos during preseason NFL action at INVESCO Field at Mile High on August 21, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. T

Here's Suh in his second preseason game, not backing down from  Denver Broncos veteran tackle Ryan Harris.

His "no fear" attitude is another strength that will bolster the defensive line.

Talent and Ability

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DETROIT - AUGUST 28: Ndamukong Suh #90 of the Detroit Lions lines up while playing the Cleveland Browns in a preseason game on August 28, 2010 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

When NFL executives and scouts are asked to compare Suh to a current NFL defensive tackle.

Most draw a blank.

Why?

Because he's that good. 

Suh steps onto the field this year as already one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL.

Watch The Video

Here's a look back at that Suh-Delhomme takedown. 

He literally takes Delhomme down like a rag doll.

Not many players in the league have the guts to deliver a hit like that.

Much less a rookie.

A Rare Player

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DETROIT - AUGUST 28: Jake Delhomme #17 of the Cleveland Browns rolls out and throws a pass as Ndamukong Suh #90 of the Detroit Lions pursues during the second quarter of the preseason game at Ford Field on August 28, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions d

It's hard to tell what got into Suh for taking down Delhomme in that manner.  He maintains it wasn't malicious and he was just playing the game.

"I was just going after the ball, and I had no clue that he had gotten rid of it," Suh told the Associated Press.

Defensive players like Suh, don't come around very often and almost everyone in the league knows it.

That hit was just a preview of many more takedowns that will come in the future.

Suh, made his mark in the third game of the preseason but he's sure to make a big impact for the Detroit Lions this season.

A year which he will likely add Defensive Rookie of the Year honors to his impressive collection of trophies.