No. 31 — DT Faith Ekakitie

No. 31 . . .

You get trucking along in a football season and you mostly watch the ball. You lose track of some things. Last season, Iowa had two NFL-caliber defensive tackles and two capable backups. In the backup roles, junior Jaleel Johnson and Nathan Bazata seemed to grow and thrive. They put themselves into position to start and see a lot of playing time this season.

When a player isn't playing, you lose track of them. This is the lead point in the Faith Ekakitie discussion.

The junior defensive tackle had two tackles in limited action during Iowa's first six games last season and then he vanished. According to Iowa's website, Ekakitie 'did not see action in 38-31 loss at Maryland due to injury . . . did not see action in final seven games of the season.'

OK, injured. That answers why Ekakitie (6-3, 290) didn't see much time at the end of 2014.

This spring . . .

When asked about defensive tackles this spring, D-line coach Reese Morgan mentioned Johnson and Bazata (the undeniable No. 1s at this point) and junior walk-on Kyle Terlouw. He didn't talk Ekaktie. Not that it means much. Oversight. Lots of names getting thrown around during those spring news conferences.

When the Hawkeyes did hit the field last spring, Ekakitie lined up on the second team alongside Terlouw. When Iowa played some nickel defense with the first unit, Ekakitie replaced Bazata. Must be for added pass rush, but one thing that probably doesn't translate to August camp is a spring practice nickel package.

Outlook . . .

Before the 2013 season, Ekakitie found himself playing defensive end. Iowa desperately needed DEs and Morgan liked Ekakitie's athleticism. He didn't see much playing time and when postseason bowl prep started, Ekakitie moved back to tackle.

Ekakitie isn't moving back to DE, that's just a little bit of his history at the UI and a window into the potential he possesses.

That's why Ekakitie is No. 31, the potential. Of course, it has to be realized. Iowa rotates defensive tackles either a lot or a little, depending on talent, wear and tear and the temperature. The No. 3 defensive tackle can play a lot and carries huge value.

Is that Ekakitie? Is it Terlouw?

Let's try to see through Ekakitie's facemask here: He's a junior. Bazata, a sophomore, has nudged ahead of him on the depth chart (maybe last season's injury had something to do with that or maybe not).

The football biological clock is ticking. The results probably aren't what Ekakitie hoped they'd be. You're probably looking at a very motivated player this fall.

l Comments: (319) 398-8256; marc.morehouse@thegazette.com