UNI offensive line is a strength as Panthers shift to air raid offense

CEDAR FALLS — It’s easy to get caught up in the flash of an “air raid” offense.

The statistics typically accumulated in a season with the scheme made famous by the late Mike Leach are more typical in a video game.

Look behind the curtain of any functional air raid offense, though, and what will always be found is a formidable offensive line.

As Northern Iowa football continues spring practices and the installation of an air raid offense with first-year offensive coordinator Luke Falk and wide receivers coach Trey Tinsley, its chances of a productive inaugural season in the scheme are heightened by the return and continued development of a skilled offensive line.

“What’s really shown up in our (spring) practices is our offensive line has really made great strides,” UNI Coach Mark Farley said. “What they did to the defense (last Monday) was outstanding.”

The Panthers lost just one starter from last season’s offensive line and a number of their returnees have starting experience.

All-Missouri Valley Football Conference first-team honoree Jared Penning headlines a talented and deep position group. The Clear Lake native will be counted on to provide blindside protection at tackle for whomever wins a crowded quarterback competition.

Tristan Roper returns at right tackle and Josh Volk will be back at guard after overcoming injuries that ended his 2023 season after just five games.

Keean Kameriling will have the first opportunity to start at center after playing in eight games at the position last season. A large, plenty capable group that includes Kyle Kelly, Carson Petlon, Ben Kuehnast and Gavin Proudfoot — all of whom have varying levels of game experience — also will contend for a starting spot.

“They set the toughness of the team. I’m a defensive coach and know defenses have to be tough, but technically your offensive line really sets the tone of the toughness of your team with how they play,” Farley said. “When you say ‘air raid’ you might think finesse, but you’ve got to get in a fist fight down on that line of scrimmage. (Offensive line coach Rick Nelson) does a great job with it, but yes, we’ve got an experienced offensive front.”

UNI's first season with the air raid also looks poised for a soft landing with what it boasts in the run game.

Its three leading rushers from 2023 — Tye Edwards, Amauri Pesek-Hickson and Harrison Bey-Buie — have all returned. Farley said the experience of Nelson — who’s entering his 18th year with the Panthers — has been a big help to Falk and Tinsley.

“What coach Nelson has brought to the table in the protections and the run game with (the air raid) — that’s where his expertise is applied — that’s the strength of the combination that (coaches) Falk and Tinsley need is that run phase that (coach Nelson) is schooled up in,” Farley said. “That’s been a good marriage and a good bridge of the offensive guys working together.”

UNI will wrap up its spring with a spring game 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.

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