Four downs with the defensive linemen

FOUR DOWNS WITH THE DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

DEPTH CHART (No. 1 and then probables)

DE - Lebron Daniel, sr., 6-2, 256; Joe Gaglione, jr., 6-4, 255; Riley McMinn, true fr., 6-7, 219

DT - Dominic Alvis, so., 6-4, 260; Steve Bigach, jr., 6-3, 282; Thomas Nardo, sr., 6-3, 277; Louis Trinca-Pasat, RS fr., 6-3, 270

DT - Mike Daniels, sr., 6-1, 280; Carl Davis, RS fr., 6-5, 310; Darian Cooper, true fr., 6-2, 280

DE - Broderick Binns, sr., 6-2, 261; Joe Forgy, sr., 6-4, 260; Mike Hardy, RS fr., 6-5, 270

The Guy

Mike Daniels looks mean, sounds mean and acts mean on the field. He finished second on the team last year in tackles for loss (11) and sacks (4). Daniels, a senior, was tabbed the national defensive player of the week by the College Football Performance Awards after posting four tackles for loss against Ball State. He originally was slated to come off the bench last year but forced his way into the starting lineup for the final eight games. "The big thing with Mike is, we've got to tell him all the time, be conservative with your energy," Iowa defensive line coach Rick Kaczenski said. "Don't be in flex line shift going crazy or going crazy in the locker room. Get it out to the field. Sometimes you've got to tell him to throttle it down."

Under the Radar

For years Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz has mentioned defensive tackle Steve Bigach as a potential factor along the defensive line only to see Bigach come down with an injury. This fall Bigach, a junior, needs to become a factor. At 6-foot-3, 282 pounds, Bigach is one of the heaviest linemen. He's also entering his fourth season at Iowa, making him one of the most experienced linemen as well. "He's a great kid, great attitude, smart guy, he's going to help us this year," Kaczenski said. "If he can stay healthy, he's going to be on the field."

Top Newcomer

True freshman Darian Cooper didn't need pants to show he's a competitor. In the team's open practice on Aug. 13, Cooper was the only player wearing long shorts in full team activities, but that didn't stop him from making plays. Cooper was one of Iowa's prizes in February, a Rivals four-star recruit from DeMatha Catholic in Maryland. At 6-foot-2 and 280 pounds, he's got size and he showed quickness against Iowa's offensive line. Yes, he's raw, but he was active and competitive. If he continues to make plays, it will be difficult for Iowa to leave him on the bench this fall.