Baker Steinkuhler is perhaps the most notable member of Nebraska's 2008 football recruiting class. The 6-foot-6 280-pounder is ranked as a five-star player on a five-star scale by Rivals.com, and he's the first player from Nebraska to earn the honor. The Lincoln Southwest senior is also regarded as a top-five offensive tackle nationwide. Next fall, he'll join a football legacy that includes father Dean, an All-American guard at Nebraska in 1983, and brother Ty, who currently plays defensive tackle for the Cornhuskers.
Daily Nebraskan: Who, or what, most influenced your decision to play at Nebraska?
Steinkuhler: Maybe I just want to hear myself say it, but my own judgment more than anything. Really, it was a combination of things. I know some people who go there pretty well. I've lived here my whole life, so maybe it's a close-to-home thing. Plus, I felt comfortable with the coaching staff. I've talked to Coach (Bill) Callahan a few times, and he seems like a pretty nice guy.
DN: What role did your dad and brother play in your decision?
S: Neither of them really had a say in it. They both told me to do whatever I wanted to.
DN: Have you had any doubts about your commitment after watching the Cornhuskers struggle in the past few games?
S: None. No doubts at all.
DN: When did you know that you were capable of playing Division I football?
S: There wasn't an exact point in time. For as long as I can remember, it was always a goal in the back of my head. I knew if I worked hard, I could make it happen.
DN: You play both offensive guard and defensive tackle at Lincoln Southwest. Even though you started on defense as a freshman, which do you enjoy playing more?
S: Both are pretty fun, but I would have to say playing defense is more fun than being on offense because you get the chance to make plays.
DN: Do you feel any pressure being the first ever five-star recruit from the state of Nebraska?
S: I try not to look at it as pressure. It's just a rating. Some guy just sat at his desk and rated me at five stars. It doesn't really mean anything to me.
DN: Does your last name add to the pressure you put on yourself?
S: I don't see that as pressure either. My name doesn't add to anything I do or don't do. If my best effort isn't good enough for everyone, then so be it.
DN: Incoming freshmen are usually asked to bulk up to increase strength. Is this the case for you?
S: Of course. Right now I weigh around 280 (pounds), but I want to get to 295 or 300 by the time I get to college.
DN: What aspects of your game do you need to improve on?
S: Since I'm going into a West Coast offense, I need to work on my pass blocking. Our (high school) team doesn't do a whole lot of passing. I'm not really used to facing a pass rush over the course of a full game.
DN: How much do you expect to contribute to the Huskers, and how soon?
S: I can't just say I'm going to go in and play right away. My goal is to just move up the depth chart, and we'll see what happens after that.
Compiled by Tyler Bassinger
tylerbassinger@dailynebraskan.com
is a member of the 
