Talented group of receivers returns for UNI football in 2023

CEDAR FALLS — Theo Day’s emergence as one of the preeminent quarterbacks in the FCS a season ago doesn’t happen without a talented group of wide receivers and tight ends.

Northern Iowa’s pass catchers are largely back this season. Day will have six of his top eight receivers at his disposal when the 2023 season opens at Iowa State on Sept. 2.

Leading those returnees is Sam Schnee, an all-Missouri Valley Football Conference preseason second team honoree. The senior from Dubuque established himself as Day’s go-to target last season, catching 48 passes for 764 yards and three touchdowns.

Schnee demonstrated reliable hands and a knack for yards after the catch from his previous experience as a running back.

“When your timing is what it is because of how you practice, that’s how you play, and that’s what makes Sam different,” UNI Coach Mark Farley said. “That’s what he’s always brought to the table — his speed of play on Tuesday is the same as the speed of play on Saturday.”

Sergio Morancy burst onto the scene last season as a formidable deep threat, scoring six touchdowns and racking up 510 yards on 26 receptions, good for a team-leading 19.6 yards per catch.

The 6-foot-3 junior from Florida established a rapport with Day in practice and worked his way into more snaps as the season progressed and Day vouched for him to offensive coordinator Bodie Reeder.

Morancy’s development last season was enough to grab the attention of his peers in the MVFC, earning him preseason all-conference honorable mention.

Senior Logan Wolf — who headlined the Panthers’ 2018 recruiting class — has battled injuries throughout his career, including last season, but managed to play in 10 of 11 games in 2022.

In those 10 games, Wolf put up career-highs in receptions (20), yards (342) and touchdowns (3) and finally began to show the immense potential he possesses.

“I’ve always said Logan might be the best athlete on this football team,” Farley said. “You have never seen him (at) top end speed. You have never seen Logan where he was two years ago before the injury.

“So, Logan is elite. When you can’t get there because of what your body is telling you, it’s hard.”

Iowa transfer Desmond Hutson became something of a red-zone specialist in his first season with the Panthers. Five of the 6-foot-3 sophomore’s 16 catches were for scores.

Other potential contributors at wide receiver include freshman Jaiden Ellis-Lahey, who Farley mentioned on media day, along with Kent State transfer Naran Buntin and Nebraska transfer Kamonte Grimes.

At tight end, Alex Allen and Layne Pryor return. The veteran duo has been well regarded for blocking skills, but each factored into Day’s breakout season, hauling in a combined 28 passes for 388 yards and three touchdowns.

“A lot of consistency (with) the tight ends,” Farley said. “Those two are doing an excellent job inside.”