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Football
UNI Football Begins Fall Drills Today
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The University of Northern Iowa football team will take to the practice field for the first time this afternoon as the Panthers begin their journey toward a national championship.
The Panthers will take to the field this afternoon at 3:30 p.m. UNI will practice outside throughout the fall camp and only move indoors if the weather is inclement.
UNI's annual media day is scheduled for Fri., Aug. 3, from 9:30 a.m. - noon in the UNI-Dome. The Panthers will also practice on Friday following media day at 3:30 p.m.
The Panthers return 37 letterwinners and 17 starters from last year's team that tallied a 7-4 overall mark and a 5-2 record in the Gateway Football Conference. The Panthers have been tabbed as the preseason favorite to win the Gateway Football Conference championship in this year's preseason poll of league head coaches, sports information directors and members of the media.
UNI will begin the 2007 season on Thurs., Aug. 30, in the UNI-Dome against the Minnesota State University Mavericks.
SEASON PREVIEW
The Panthers recorded a winning season (7-4 overall, 5-2 Gateway) and final top-25 ranking for the fifth time in six years under head coach Mark Farley. UNI will be looking for its fourth postseason appearance under Farley and its 13th overall appearance in the FCS playoffs.
One of the big differences between the 2006 squad and this year's version is that a majority of the roster was enrolled in school during the spring and took part in spring drills
"The players were here this year," Farley said. "The biggest difference between this year and last year is that this team was together in the spring, and we made some real headway."
The nucleus returns this season in the form of four returning starters on the offensive line, including preseason all-America tackle Chad Rinehart. Senior quarterback Eric Sanders will have the luxury of a two-headed running back monster behind him in junior Corey Lewis and senior Darian Williams. The two combined to rush for 1,547 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Junior wide receiver/returner Johnny Gray provides the Panthers with a weapon in any way he touches the ball. Gray racked up 1,113 all-purpose yards last season and earned honorable mention all-Gateway honors.
The Panther defense will be led by a quartet of players who earned all-Gateway honors last season. Senior defensive end Jordan Lacy (39 tackles, 4.5 sacks) and sophomore Mark Huygens (29 tackles, 7.0 sacks) will anchor the defensive line, while senior Brannon Carter (55 tackles, 6 TFL) will lead the linebacking crew. Senior safety Chris Parsons, who tied for second in the nation in interceptions (6) last season, will direct a ball-hawking secondary.
The Panthers biggest question marks entering the season come in the special teams category where they must replace all-time leading scorer Brian Wingert (331 points) and punter Adam Kos.
"We have enough experience and enough guys coming back that there will be plenty of opportunities that can present themselves to challenge our guys," Farley said. "The intent and goal is to always find out who the best players are and that will allow us to put the best football team on the field."
OFFENSE
The Panthers return virtually the entire offensive line from a year ago and look to build on that foundation of teamwork in 2007. The UNI offensive line was a key component in having the Panthers rank No. 4 in the nation in total offense (408.3 yards/game).
Senior all-America left tackle Chad Rinehart leads the way on the left side as he looks to protect quarterback Eric Sanders' blind side and open holes for the Panther run game.
"Chad has established himself as one of the nation's best offensive linemen, and he solidifies our running and passing games," Farley said.
Alongside Rinehart will be junior left guard Bob Swift. Swift started the final three games of the 2006 season at right tackle and will take over the left guard spot for the graduated Tyler Rawlins.
Senior center Eric Hoffman is the man in the middle for the second straight year and is a major cog in the Panthers' offensive unit.
"Eric makes all the blocking reads when they get to the line," Farley said. "You always think about the quarterback making his reads, but you can't overlook the calls made by the center."
Senior right guard Barret Anderson begins the year having started 33 straight games on the Panther offensive line. Anderson is one of the Panthers' best run blockers and helped rank the squad No. 10 in the nation last season by averaging 219.3 yards per game on the ground.
The right side of the line is anchored by senior tackle Brandon Keith, who checks in at 6'6", 331 lbs. Keith earned a pair of starts at right tackle last season before being slowed by a bone bruise in his right knee.
The Panthers have a solid cast of reserves should any of the starters fall victim to injury, including sophomore left tackle Jordan Limbaugh, sophomore left guard Jason Fiacco, sophomore center Austin Steichen, junior right guard Brett Bergman and senior right tackle Adam Falk.
QUARTERBACKS
Senior Eric Sanders returns for his final season at the helm of the Panther offense. Although Sanders' offensive numbers in 2006 were not as impressive as other quarterbacks around the nation, he does contribute a very impressive stat - winning.
Sanders has produced a mark of 23-8 as a starting quarterback, and he also has led the Panthers to nine fourth-quarter comeback victories in his tenure at signal caller.
"Eric is a very good quarterback, and he doesn't get flustered," Farley said. "He seems to have a knack for being relaxing and leading this football team to wins late in games. It's never been about the number of passing yards and touchdown passes - it comes down to winning games, and Eric led us to quite a few over the past three years."
Sanders is ranked as the No. 4 quarterback in the nation by The Sports Network entering the 2007 season, according to FCS editor Matt Dougherty.
"Sanders might not have the most impressive stat line because of a strong Panther running game, but he has a great chance to once again show the poise under pressure to lead UNI on a playoff run," Dougherty said.
Going into the season, Sanders has passed for 6,170 yards on 477-of-711 passing and 53 touchdowns, while tossing only 17 career interceptions. He is within reach of several Panther passing records including career touchdown passes (77), career passing yards (9,089) and career passing completions (662).
Should the need arise, sophomore Pat Grace will be available as the second-string quarterback. Grace played in only three games last season and did record his first career touchdown pass. Grace performed solidly in the Panthers' spring game as he passed for a game-high 204 yards and a touchdown on 16-of-21 passing.
Prior to last season, Grace shifted between quarterback, linebacker and fullback, but has found his home back at quarterback.
"He's a strong-armed quarterback, and that's where he's most comfortable," Farley said. "I think that is where he is going to have his best opportunity to play for us. He can help us there."
Sophomore D.P. Eyman likely will be the Panthers' third-string signal caller and went 4-of-9 for 26 yards in the spring game.
To add depth to the quarterback mix, Farley went out and signed a pair of Iowa high school preps in the 2007 recruiting class. Zach Davis (Washington High School) and Caleb Walter (West Branch High School) will both redshirt this season while learning the Panther offense.
RUNNING BACKS
The Panthers enter the season with a two-headed attack at running back with senior Darian Williams and junior Corey Lewis sharing the duties.
Williams earned Gateway Football Conference Newcomer of the Year honors last year as he rushed for 653 yards and five touchdowns. While filling in for an injured Lewis, Williams secured three straight 100-plus rushing games.
"Darian did a tremendous job last season and was rewarded for his effort with the Gateway Newcomer honors," Farley said. "He got his opportunity, and he ran with it. That could have been a tough stretch for us without an injured Corey, but Darian did not let us down and had a great stretch of games."
Lewis was on pace for a 1,000-yard season before a high ankle sprain forced him to miss all or parts of four games. But Lewis still rushed for a team-high 894 yards and 10 touchdowns despite the injury. Lewis tallied six 100-plus rushing games in 2006.
"Corey was having a great year but unfortunately he had that ankle injury against Iowa State," Farley said. "But because we had Darian step up, we didn't have to rush Corey back from his injury. Now that we've established both Darian and Corey in the backfield, it gives us so many options heading into this year."
Redshirt freshman Taylor Brookins will look to see his first collegiate action this year. Brookins rushed for 56 yards and a touchdown in the spring game.
"Taylor had a good spring," Farley said. "He made some nice cuts and some nice runs, and that is going to give him confidence. It can be tough when you don't get all those opportunities during spring drills because we're running Corey and Darian so much. The spring game will give Taylor plenty of confidence."
Farley also added freshman John Shaw (Bridgton Academy) to strengthen the depth in the backfield.
FULLBACKS
Sophomore Derrick Law and senior Josh Firstley will battle for the starting fullback position. Law had gained a slight edge heading into the fall camp after rushing for 92 yards and a touchdown in the spring game.
Firstley is back for his third season with the Panthers after transferring to UNI in 2005 from Ellsworth Community College. Firstley rushed seven times for 21 yards in the spring game.
WIDE RECEIVERS
The Panthers return four wideouts from last season and will have to depend on some talented newcomers in 2007.
Junior Johnny Gray is the Panthers' top returning receiver as he tallied a team-high 41 receptions for 607 yards and five touchdowns. Gray earned honorable mention all-Gateway honors as a receiver/returner.
"Johnny is the type of player we will try and get touches for him any way we can," Farley said. "He is a threat rushing, receiving and returning kicks. He is a game-changer."
Seniors Terrell Allen and Victor Williams return for their final year in a Panther uniform. Each saw significant time last season and made contributions throughout the year. Allen notched 19 catches for 274 yards and two touchdowns, while Williams nabbed five catches for 102 yards and two scores.
"Having a year under their belts in our system will allow them to flourish this season," Farley said. "Sometimes it takes a full year for everything to come together after you transfer. Both Terrell and Victor will provide us with a long-ball threat."
The other returnee is senior Whitney Lewis, who is making the transition to wide receiver after serving as a running back last season. Lewis is no stranger to the wide receiver position as he played wideout in his final year at USC before transferring to UNI.
"Our running back situation was pretty full and we decided that the best way to take advantage of Whitney's talent was to move him to receiver," Farley said. "Whitney is a talented athlete, and this way we can get him the ball while he's already in motion."
After the first four receivers, the Panthers will have to depend on some new faces in 2007. Redshirt freshman Maurice Turner will see his first action after redshirting in 2006. Farley also added a trio of true freshmen in Montari Leonard (Mainland High School), Kendall McKellum (Nathan Hale High School) and Michael Penn (Southwest High School) and a junior college transfer in Ben Alford (NIACC).
"I think we've got a very talented crew of wide receivers with the four we have coming back and the four newcomers coming in," Farley said. "This corps of receivers gives us plenty of options to use in the passing game."
Junior Tyler Reagan and sophomore Luke Warren also could see action at the receiver position.
TIGHT ENDS
The tight end position is likely the most crowded position for the Panthers because as many as six different players could see action. The three leading the way into fall are sophomore Austin Howard, sophomore Sam Peterson and redshirt freshman Schuylar Oordt.
"Austin has done a real nice job for us," Farley said. "He's a real big man who can do some things in the blocking system. Sam has also done a very nice job along with Schuylar. They are probably the three guys there right now, but Schuylar was the one who stepped up and kind of hit the surface for the first time this spring."
Sophomore Joel Gilson, sophomore Ryan Mahaffey and redshirt freshman Eric Reimer also have shown they can contribute at the tight end slot. However, it is likely they will have to contribute on special teams before they crack the top three.
DEFENSE
With five players back with starting experience from last year, the Panther defensive line will be a force to be reckoned with in the 2007 season.
Senior defensive end Jordan Lacy and junior defensive tackle Mark Huygens each earned second-team all-Gateway honors a year ago. Huygens ranked second in the league in quarterback sacks, while Lacy ranked No. 8 in the conference. Huygens enters the season ranked as the No. 3 defensive tackle in the nation, according to The Sports Network.
Add in junior defensive tackle Everette Pedescleaux and redshirt freshmen tackle Chuck Kinney and end James Ruffin and the Panthers display a formidable frontline for opponents to encounter. Both Kinney and Ruffin earned Gateway All-Newcomer team honors in 2006.
"The defensive line is certainly one of the strengths of this football team," Farley said. "With the talent we have returning and another year under their belts, we should be able to match up against anyone in the country."
Throw in senior tackle Jeff McGaster, sophomore tackle Wes Lane, sophomore tackle Nate Herrig and sophomore David Bohnstengel along with junior college transfer Jeremy Robertson and the Panthers have solid backups across the board.
LINEBACKERS
Injuries slowed the Panthers last season at the linebacker slot, but this year's crew will look to bounce back and make plays across the board. The Panthers return two starters and will look to add some youth into the mix in '07.
Senior Brannon Carter looks to lead the way from one of the outside linebacker slots. Carter was an honorable mention all-Gateway pick last season after he tallied 55 total tackles and six tackles-for-loss.
"Brannon was slowed early in the year with injuries but came on strong late to bolster the outside linebacker position," Farley said. "If Brannon stays healthy, he is an all-conference linebacker."
Junior Justin Kirk will look to become the starting middle linebacker after racking up 17 tackles in a reserve effort a year ago. But this time around Kirk made a serious mark in spring drills and impressed the coaching staff.
"Justin really came on strong in the spring and established himself as one of the team's leaders," Farley said. "He kept coming with big hits and had a nose for the ball in the spring. He really stepped up."
Senior Araf Evans and redshirt freshman Jamar Thompson are battling for the other outside linebacker slot. Evans is looking to return from a season-ending elbow injury he suffered on Oct. 14, 2006, against Indiana State. Prior to his injury, Evans had notched 18 tackles and two TFLs.
"It was really unfortunate for Araf to suffer the injury he did and especially at the time it occurred," Farley said. "We had inserted him into the starting lineup only two games before that and was really making a difference on the field. To Araf's credit, he has rehabbed hard since then and was even available for us in the spring but we limited his play in contact drills to make sure everything was fine. If we would have given him the go ahead, there's no doubt in my mind Araf would have been right in there making plays in the spring."
Redshirt freshman Tyler Epstein and sophomore Josh Mahoney also will see plenty of action this season. Epstein earned the Scout Team's Defensive MVP award, while redshirting last season. Mahoney saw action in all 11 games and registered four stops. Farley also added junior college transfer De'Veon Harris (NIACC) in the recruiting class.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Even with three returning starters in the fold, the Panthers' defensive backfield could have the most new faces of any UNI group. The Panthers also must find a replacement for the departed Dre Dokes, who led the nation in interceptions (7).
Senior safety Chris Parsons will do his best to keep up his interception pace from a year ago. He tied for second in the nation with six interceptions. Parsons ranked second on the squad with 67 total tackles, while earning second-team all-Gateway honors.
"Chris is not only a player who can come up with the big hit, but he has a nose for the football," Farley said. "Here is a guy who started out as a quarterback when he got here as a freshmen and is now an all-conference defensive player."
Joining Parsons at the other safety spot will be senior Clifford Waters. Waters began the 2006 season behind starter Matt Tharp, but worked his way into the starting lineup by the third game and did not look back.
"We can play Clifford up the box and use him as an extra linebacker but he also has the speed to drop back into coverage," Farley said.
Junior Nick Nelson will team with junior college transfer Curtis Meier (Iowa Central) to serve as backups at the safety slots. Meier added an interception in the spring game.
Senior Nick Alvarez and junior Terrell McMoore are battling for the left cornerback slot. Alvarez started the final six games of the season and prior to that McMoore had started the previous three games. Alvarez had 26 total tackles last season, while McMoore notched 20 stops.
Junior college transfer Adam Roberts (Northeastern Oklahoma A&M CC) will challenge junior Sean McMoore for the right cornerback position. Another junior college transfer Darrell Lloyd (Iowa Central) and incoming freshman Josh Collins (Sioux City West High School) also could see time at corner in '07.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Panthers' biggest question mark heading into the 2007 season will come in the special teams category. UNI must find a replacement for Brian Wingert, the school's all-time leading scorer with 331 points. Wingert also set the school record with 60 field goals and scored in 36 consecutive games to finish his Panther career.
Heading into the fall, two replacements have risen to the challenge. Redshirt freshman Billy Hallgren and sophomore Nate Rausa exchanged kicks throughout the spring but nothing has been decided yet.
"Brian Wingert was a special player for us, and it's always going to be tough when you have to replace the all-time leading scorer, but I have all the confidence in both Billy and Nate," Farley said. "Each of them will kick some more in the fall and hopefully by the time the first game comes around we'll know who our kicker is going to be."
PUNTER
UNI also is looking to replace Adam Kos, who served as the Panther punter for the past two seasons.
Sophomore Brook Black came out of the spring game as the leading contender to take over Kos' duties. Black transferred to UNI from Baylor University and punted seven times in the spring game for a 35.4 average and a long of 46.
"Brook did a nice job in the spring game," Farley said. "He was consistent and had both distance and hang time. Those are all the things you look for in a punter, and he had to do it on numerous occasions."
Sophomore Matt Asman also is challenging Black for the starting punting job. Asman punted three times for a 28-yard average in the Spring Game.
RETURN SPECIALISTS
The Panthers will look to get the ball in Johnny Gray's hands as many times as they can this season , including as a kick and punt returner. Gray led the Panthers with 245 kick return yards and 155 punt return yards in 2006 - look for those numbers to grow in 2007.
"Johnny is an electric player and he can showcase those talents every time in the kick and punt return games," Farley said.
SCHEDULE
The Panthers' schedule features five home games, including four of the final six games in the UNI-Dome.
UNI will open the season at home against Minnesota State, Mankato, Aug. 30. UNI's Homecoming contest will take place Oct. 13 against Southern Illinois. Family Day is set for Oct. 27 when the Panthers take on Youngstown State.
UNI will play five non-conference opponents in the 2007 season including Minnesota State (Mankato), Iowa State, South Dakota State, Drake and Southern Utah. The Panthers will play only six Gateway Football Conference games for the first time since the 2000 season.
UNI will begin its 2007 season in the UNI-Dome against Minnesota State, Mankato, Thurs., Aug. 30 at 7:05 p.m. The last meeting between the Mavericks and Panthers came in the 2004 season when UNI tallied a 40-0 win over MSU in the UNI-Dome. UNI holds an 11-2-3 lead in the all-time series.
The Panthers then play their next four games on the road. UNI will travel to Iowa State Sept. 8 for a match up with the Cyclones. Iowa State scored a 28-27 win over UNI last season and holds an 18-3-3 all-time lead in the series.
UNI will travel to Brookings, S.D., Sept. 15 to take on future Gateway opponent South Dakota State. The Panthers scored a 27-17 victory over the Jackrabbits last season in the UNI-Dome. UNI leads the all-time series, 23-16-2.
UNI will make its second trip in as many seasons to Des Moines to take on the Drake Bulldogs Sept. 22 at Drake Stadium. Last season, the Panthers and Bulldogs met to open the season with UNI coming away with a 48-7 win in front of 10,107 fans. Drake holds a 25-19-1 lead in the all-time series.
The Panthers' Gateway Football Conference opener will be Sept. 29 at Illinois State. Illinois State is coming off 9-4 season, which saw them reach the quarterfinals of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs. UNI notched a 38-27 win over Illinois State in 2006 and holds a 15-8 lead in the all-time series between the two schools.
The Panthers will close the season by hosting four of its final six games. UNI will return to the UNI-Dome for the first time since Aug. 30 when it hosts Southern Illinois in the Homecoming contest Oct. 13. Southern Illinois posted a 9-4 record last year and reached the FCS quarterfinals before falling to Montana. UNI will be looking for some revenge after SIU toppled the Panthers last season, 47-23.
UNI will travel to Macomb, Ill., Oct. 20 to take on the Western Illinois Leathernecks. WIU shocked the Panthers last year in the UNI-Dome, 24-13. UNI has a 23-12 lead in the all-time series with WIU.
Family Day is set for Oct. 27 with the Panthers playing host to the Youngstown State Penguins. YSU finished the 2006 season ranked No. 4 in the nation with an 11-3 record and reached the semifinals of the FCS playoffs. UNI's 31-23 win at Youngstown State was the only loss during Gateway play for the Penguins in 2006. UNI leads the all-time series, 15-6.
The Panthers will take to the road for the final time in the 2007 season with a Nov. 3 game at Missouri State. UNI scored a 38-7 win over the Bears last year in the UNI-Dome. The Panthers hold a commanding 22-5 advantage in the all-time series.
UNI will wrap up Gateway play with a Nov. 10 home contest against Indiana State. UNI secured a 34-14 win last season in Terre Haute, Ind. The Panthers hold a 19-4 all-time series leader over the Sycamores.
Senior Day will put a cap on the regular season Nov. 17 when the Panthers host the Southern Utah Thunderbirds in the UNI-Dome. The squads have met twice with the Panthers coming out on top on both occasions. The last meeting occurred in 1997 when UNI scored a 53-33 win over SUU.
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