Even with the loss of defensive end Lukas Van Ness to the NFL Draft Iowa’s deepest position group remains the defensive line. Senior tackle Noah Shannon had eight and-a-half tackles for loss last season and for a while considered early entry into the NFL Draft.

Shannon says there are areas he can improve in.

Shannon says as a position group the defensive line has great chemistry.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz says having Shannon and Joe Evans return for next season were two of the key players coming back.

After tying for the team lead in sacks last season with six and-a-half, junior Deontae Craig is expected to have a big season at defensive end.