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Iowa Football: Post-spring game 2018 depth chart projection

By Quinn Douglas

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 24: Quarterback Nathan Stanley #4 of the Iowa Hawkeyes huddles with the offense against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 24: Quarterback Nathan Stanley #4 of the Iowa Hawkeyes huddles with the offense against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 04: Quarterback J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes is brought down in the third quarter by defensive ends Anthony Nelson #98 and Matt Nelson #96 of the Iowa Hawkeyes, on November 04, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 04: Quarterback J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes is brought down in the third quarter by defensive ends Anthony Nelson #98 and Matt Nelson #96 of the Iowa Hawkeyes, on November 04, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line

Starting Tackles: Cedrick Lattimore (LDT), Matt Nelson (RDT)
Backups:  Sam Brincks, Brady Rieff

The Hawkeyes did not have much depth coming into 2017, but after some shuffling of players, had a very solid season with Matt Nelson moving down to defensive tackle. Nelson, however missed all of spring practice with an unspecified injury allowing back up Brady Rieff to get some valuable time with the first stingers. Many do expect Nelson to return in time for fall practice and gear up for the 2018 campaign.

Cedrick Lattimore got his chance to be a contributor, appearing in every game in the 2017 season. He recorded 11 overall tackles in his sophomore campaign along with 1.5 sacks as well. The depth will not drop off much as Sam Brincks has moved down to defensive tackle from his former defensive end spot. This gives Reese Morgan’s interior even more experience than it previously had.

Starting Ends: Anthony Nelson (LDE), Parker Hesse (RDE)
Backups: A.J. Epenesa, Chauncey Gholston

Perhaps the second-most talented group in the conference behind Ohio State, Iowa is absolutely loaded at defensive end. Junior Anthony Nelson looks to build off a great 2017 where he recorded 29 tackles and 5.5 sacks. He is backed up by former five-star recruit A.J. Epenesa, who will see even more playing time following an impressive freshman campaign as a backup.

On the other side, senior Parker Hesse anchors the right end of the defensive line. The 6-foot-3, 261-pounder from Waukon, Iowa, has been nothing but solid his entire career, recording 25 tackles in nine games in 2017. His backup is sophomore Chauncey Gholston, a talented sophomore from Detroit who will likely see in-game reps as well.

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