Iowa Football Position Preview: DL

Hawkeye D-Line Deep, Talented Group

Iowa’s defensive line is deep and experienced, even without Noah Shannon.

Shannon was expected to be one of the anchors for the line as he returned for his sixth season. But his year-long suspension from the NCAA after his involvement in gambling on sporting events will take him away.

Shannon came into fall camp No. 1 on the depth chart at left tackle, but that will change.

Still, it’s a deep group that feels like it has been together for a long time.

“There are a lot of old souls in the room,” said defensive end Deontae Craig, a junior who also feels like he’s been around for a while.

Joe Evans is in his sixth year. Logan Lee is in his fifth season. Yahya Black is in his fourth season.

That kind of experience makes this group one of the best in the Big Ten.

Lee is coming off a 54-tackle season that includes eight tackles for loss and three sacks.

“He's just one of those guys,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. “Really good leader, so positive, extremely hardworking. I was telling a pro scout a couple days ago, when he got here he was a good player but kind of mechanical, and sometimes guys have to learn how to play, and that's how I would describe him.

“As he's gotten the reps in, boy, he's really come on to be a really good football player, and just an outstanding young guy. Just a really strong, positive leader on our team.”

Evans tied for the Iowa lead in sacks last season at 6 ½. He had 41 tackles, including 8 ½ for loss, but his years of experience make him one of the leaders of the defense.

“Joe is huge,” safety Xavier Nwankpa said. “He broke down every huddle last year, he always has the last words of encouragement. Coming back for his sixth year is huge, too. He has been a guy that ramps up the energy every day and it’s great to have him back.”

The best player in the room might be one of the youngest.

Sophomore Aaron Graves, who was behind Shannon on the depth chart, had 15 tackles last season, but six were for loss. He also had three sacks.

Junior Ethan Hurkett, behind Evans on the depth chart at right end, might also be one of the surprises on the line. He had 15 tackles last season, including two for loss.

Craig is No. 1 at left end, with sophomore Max Llewellyn behind him. Lee and Black are No. 2 at right tackle.

The depth chart, though, is just a road map with this group. Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker loves to rotate his linemen to keep them fresh, so it’s just a matter of finding the right combination.

No matter who is out there, though, there is experience everywhere. And that’s what makes this group special.