UNI begins installing air raid offense with starting quarterback job open

CEDAR FALLS — It’s been a busier spring than usual for the UNI football team.

Nine starters were lost to graduation, another four were lost to the transfer portal, five new coaches are acquainting themselves with the 2024 Panthers and a quarterback competition has officially begun.

Despite all that, Coach Mark Farley spoke positively about what he’s seen through six of 14 practices this spring.

“There’s been an adjustment phase of everybody getting to know each other’s personalities,” Farley said. “Just bridging the communication and relationship (gap) is the first and foremost thing that had to be accomplished and worked on daily when you have the number of coaches that we have that are new to the system, new to the program, as much as new to the players.

“What I’ve noticed, and what I’ve been very pleased about, is the talented coaches we have.”

Headlining UNI’s new coaches are offensive coordinator Luke Falk and wide receivers coach Trey Tinsley.

The duo played for the late Mike Leach and, according to Farley, are off to a productive start with installing the “air raid” offense made famous by Leach throughout his illustrious 35-year coaching career.

“I’m learning what the definition of ‘air raid’ is, I’ll tell you that,” Farley said with a laugh. “The air raid and what coach Falk and even coach Tinsley — what they’re doing and what they’ve brought to the table is really unique to us.

“I think where we’re ahead in the installation of the air raid is the two of them are connected at the hip as far as how they communicate with the players. They speak the same language, because they came from the same program.”

Who will get the chance to operate Falk’s offense remains to be seen, though.

Redshirt junior Aidan Dunne is the most experienced returnee, but has never started a game. Matthew Schkelman, Jake Wolff and Braylon Kammrad also have returned to compete for the job. And former Southeast Polk standout Jaxon Dailey transferred in from Arkansas State after seeing action in just seven games in two seasons with the Red Wolves.

“(Aidan) Dunne and (Jaxon) Dailey really have confidence. They’ve got a strong voice. They both have game experience,” Farley said. “We’ve brought them (all) along at the same pace and to bring that large of a group along as far as we have in six practices is a compliment to coach Falk.”

Competition in defensive backfield

Along with the crowded battle at quarterback, Farley acknowledged there’s a lot to sort out in UNI’s defensive backfield before the Aug. 31 season-opener against Valparaiso.

Tate Sander is the secondary’s only returning starter, but the early impression Farley’s gotten from cornerbacks coach Bryce Jones and safeties coach LaQuentin Black has left him confident they’ll have the answers when it's time to kickoff against the Beacons.

“I’m lucky, man. The two secondary coaches that we got — they’re home runs,” Farley said. “Feel good about the growth there.”

UNI will conclude its spring practices with a spring game on April 19 at 7 p.m. The game will broadcast on the Panther Sports Network and be available on CFU Channel 15 and via UNIPanthers.com.