Johnson and Bazata hope to form new DT tandem for Hawkeyes

Junior Jaleel Johnson and sophomore Nathan Bazata are on top the depth chart at the defensive tackle where Carl Davis and Louis Trinca-Pasat provided stability for the past two seasons.

The pair has the task of replacing two players with a combined 64 games played between them. Johnson got playing time in all 13 games last season and knew this day was coming. From The Global Gazette:

“It’s been a little different not to have Carl and Louie out there, this is what we’ve been working toward,” Johnson said. “We knew they wouldn’t be here forever. Now is our chance to step in and help lead the way they did.”

The Hawkeyes also return veterans Drew Ott and Nate Meier who figure to contribute heavily.