Quiet consistency kept Nichols in mix up front

Arkansas defensive lineman Isaiah Nichols takes part in a drill Thursday, March 11, 2021, during practice at the university practice facility in Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE — Much of the preseason discussion regarding Arkansas’ revamped defensive line centered on its three big offseason additions.

John Ridgeway, Markell Utsey and Tre Williams performed at a level in camp that pushed them into roles as key contributors. All three are listed as starters, according to the Razorbacks’ depth chart for Week 1, though Ridgeway might not play.

Redshirt junior Isaiah Nichols’ name was rarely mentioned during the team’s training camp. But his quiet consistency helped him remain heavily in the mix at tackle.

“With Nichols, he brings a lot of leadership,” Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said Monday when asked about the former Springdale High standout’s preseason. “He's an older guy, brings a lot of passion, a guy who's played.

“(He) brings a lot of passion, wants to win. I think Taurean Carter's better because of Isaiah Nichols. I think Nichols and Carter are both better because of Ridgeway. But he brings a lot to us.”

If Ridgeway is unable to play, Nichols could potentially find himself in a starting role for the eighth time in his career and second consecutive season opener. He is listed this week as the backup to Ridgeway, an Illinois State transfer.

Pittman said Taurean Carter, who had a strong finish to spring practices, is another option.

Nichols finished with a career-best 24 tackles last season, when he started seven games. In the previous two years, he had only 18 tackles.

On Aug. 19, defensive coordinator Barry Odom identified Nichols as a player along the defensive line who, in a positive way, looks like a different player than a season ago. He can also be a mentor to younger players like Eric Gregory.

“He’s vocal, so, I mean, he’s great,” Gregory said during the preseason. “He’s a good leader to me, man. He’s vocal, he gets everybody lined up. If I don’t know the play, I come to him and ask him about it. He tells me stuff I can work on to get better and do better right there in the position.

“I feel like he’s a great leader. He’s very vocal to me.”

Nichols enters the season opener at 6-3, 300 pounds, according to Arkansas’ roster, 19 pounds heavier than last season.

“There's no doubt in my mind he's going to play well,” Pittman said.