What we learned from UNI football's new assistant coaches: Offense

CEDAR FALLS — Each of Northern Iowa's nine assistant coaches took to the podium at last week's media day to introduce themselves and speak to what they've seen so far from their respective position groups.

In part one of our media day assistant coach takeaways we look into the most notable quotes from the five offensive assistants. We'll evaluate the most noteworthy media day quotes from the defensive assistants in part-two later this week.

Mike Simmonds

Co-offensive coordinator/Offensive line coach

'To me we'll find all starters the week of the Iowa State game. And what's great is we have a lot of competition up front so the cream will rise to the top.'

No surprise to hear a first-year offensive line coach hold back on naming any starters before the pads have come on at fall camp. That said it'd be a surprise if senior Bryce Sweeney and juniors Cal Twait and Jacob Appleman don't end up as starters. There's room for a true freshman to rise up the depth chart, however, head coach Mark Farley said upon signing this class that they're largely developmental and likely won't see the field until their redshirt sophomore season.

'Some guys that are working (at center) now: of course, returning starter Lee Carhart, who played starting center in the spring. So it's his job right now. We have Jacob Appleman who's also repping at center. He's a versatile lineman that can play center, guard, or tackle. Also working Nick Ellis at center. And we'll also look at some younger guys that are probably a year or two out.'

With Bryce Sweeney returning from the back injury that kept him out all of last season it seemed like Jacob Appleman — who started all 11 games at right tackle last season — could stick on the right side of the line at guard to make for a quality combo on the strongside. With the center position in so much flux the interior of the Panthers line could go a number of different ways. Jackson Scott-Brown, along with Carhart and Appleman figure to be the favorites for the interior line spots.

John Bond

Co-offensive coordinator/Quarterbacks coach

'I think we have enough talented football players that I think we can have about as good a season as our players in their hearts — however bad and however much they want to win — I think we certainly have the talent to go as far as those guys want to take us.'

Call it coach-speak, or, call it a genuine evaluation from a new co-offensive coordinator. Either way John Bond believes the Panthers have the talent on paper to compete with anyone in the FCS. A lot will hinge on junior quarterback Eli Dunne and Bond's ability to make him a more efficient QB than he was in his five starts last season. Bond's resume — which spans three decades — is more than impressive. He coached former NIU quarterback Phil Horvath to the nation's only 70-percent completion percentage in 2005. At UT-Martin in 2015, Bond coached Jarod Neal, who finished in the top-10 in five statistical categories, including throwing for 3,117 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Nick Danielson

Tight ends coach

'My (tight ends) room specifically, I've got two returning starters in sophomore Briley Moore and redshirt junior Elias Nissen. I tell the room every day I don't have a starting tight end, I have two tight ends right now that are going to have roles on the field. Coach Bond and Coach Simmonds' offense that I've been around is really starting to involve (the tight ends) a lot.'

Fans have been clamoring for more tight end involvement in the UNI offense for several years running now. After hearing Danielson speak at media day, there's room for some optimism when it comes to the Panthers' tight ends. The talent level is there to make the position an integral part of the offense. As is the scheme of co-offensive coordinators Mike Simmonds and John Bond, according to Danielson.

'Two-minute situation — you guys were at the game, or followed the game against Iowa State (last season) — we're driving before the half, we need to get a big first down on 3rd-and-9 to extend the drive and get down to field-goal range or possibly into scoring range. We called a play to a true freshman tight end that was playing a new position. Kid caught the ball, broke a tackle, got upfield and we ended up scoring on 4th-and-goal.'

Despite transitioning from a high school wide receiver to college tight end, Moore flashed his large potential more than once in 2016. The Panthers could get creative with how they deploy their tight ends given the uniqueness to each of their skill-sets. If Simmonds and Bond are able to put the sophomore Moore and senior Nissen in the right spots it could go a long ways toward creating a more efficient Eli Dunne.

D.P. Eyman

Running backs coach

'I can't think of anything better, as far as the running back room, than having different types of runners. That fits perfectly into what we do offensively. What Coach Bond and Coach Simmonds like to do offensively.'

After hearing him speak at media day Eyman has high expectations for sophomore Trevor Allen — comparing him to former Panther great Corey Lewis. Senior J'Veyon Browning brings a different style that could offer the type of pace-changing back the Panthers will need to spell their inexperienced sophomore. Browning's change-of-pace went a long way in the 25-20 win against Iowa State last year. Also in the mix for carries is junior Marcus Weymiller who racked up 171 rushing yards on 16 carries in a spot start win over Indiana State last season.

Pat McCann

Wide receivers coach

'Coach Farley, when he called me he said, 'We've got a really talented, but young group. They don't know what they don't know yet.'' I think we're just scratching the surface with (Jalen Rima). I'm really excited about Jaylin James. Christian Jegen's versatility — he adds a dimension to the offense that allows us to be real multiple. I'm excited about the whole group collectively because the skill-sets are so diverse.'

This could be one of the best receiving groups of the Mark Farley era. Daurice Fountain is a steady veteran presence that should keep defenses from keying on the talented Jalen Rima. The thought that this staff has only scratched the surface with Rima is a tantalizing one. Add in James who, made some acrobatic catches a season ago, as well as Christian Jegen, who made plays out of the slot, and there's reason to believe there's enough tools in the box for the Panthers' offense to become prolific in 2017.