Nichols blossoming as a leader on Hogs’ D-line

(Andy Shupe / Andy Shupe ) Arkansas defensive lineman Isaiah Nichols takes part in a drill Thursday, March 11, 2021, during practice at the university practice facility in Fayetteville. Visit nwaonline.com/210312Daily/ for today's photo gallery. .(NWA Democrat-Gazette/Andy Shupe)FAYETTEVILLE — Second-year Arkansas coach Sam Pittman sees a lot of potential in Isaiah Nichols. He believes in the former Springdale High standout.

That is why Pittman urged Nichols to step into a larger role on the Razorbacks’ defensive line between the end of the 2020 season and this spring. More than that, he wants Nichols to lead.

A redshirt junior, Nichols was up for the challenge and has shown as much through…