By Tyler Devine

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Iowa football fans have been waiting for some time to see sophomore defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon play.

According to defensive coordinator Phil Parker, it will be worth the wait.

“One guy, maybe Nixon (has stood out) as a defensive tackle,” Parker said. “He has kind of jumped up a little bit and he’s doing a really good job inside for us.”

The 6-foot-3, 309-pound Nixon was a part of Iowa’s 2017 recruiting class but spent that fall at Iowa Western Community College before re-joining Iowa in the spring of 2018.

Nixon, a native of Kenosha, Wis., was second-team all-conference at Iowa Western, recording 44 tackles, including nine for loss and five sacks.

Parker said that Nixon brings the type of attitude and leadership that provides an extra spark for the defense.

“I just think his effort, also the way he moves around, you know, I think he’s done a good job – his leadership – and it’s really exciting to have more guys with that energy that you need,” Parker said. “It brings juice to the defense.”

Another player that has stood out to Parker is redshirt sophomore safety Jack Koerner.

Parker compared the former West Des Moines Dowling star to former safety Jake Gervase, who also was a walk-on.

“There are a couple guys that have jumped up that we’re working on,” Parker said. “I think Jack Koerner has done a great job. He’s pushing in there. I think he has a great chance to help us out there at that position.”

The 6-foot, 204-pound Koerner saw action in 12 games last season, primarily on special teams.

He is currently listed as the second team free safety behind sophomore Kaevon Merriweather.

Here are a few videos of Phil Parker from Tuesday's press conference.