Mark Farley likes a placekicking unit that’s simply three men and a football.
“It makes for a strong rhythm and a good partnership when it’s just the snapper, holder and kicker working together for two hours,” said Northern Iowa’s head football coach.
Farley and his staff have some work to do during spring drills with this phase of the Panthers’ special teams.
Tyler Sievertsen, the record-setting All-American kicker, is gone. So is the No. 1 snapper from 2013 – Ryan Dixon. The holder, Ryan Bieghler, will return and also work as the punter.
There’s also a chance that the new No. 1 snapper could come from another spot, such as center, rather than merely specialize in one role.
That said, the strong possibility exists that the placekicking unit will once again be three men who will work exclusively with each other. Sievertsen, Bieghler and Dixon did that last season. Sievertsen, Kyle Bernard and John Hubbard did it in 2012.
The top candidate to move up to No.1 kicker is Michael Schmadeke. The Waterloo Columbus graduate, who will be a fourth-year junior next fall, has waited for his turn while Sievertsen became a standout.
Through his first two seasons, Schmadeke has attempted — and made — a pair of extra points. His workload may increase soon.
“I’m excited for that,” said Farley. “Michael Schmadeke has always had a strong leg. He was seconds away from being a starter when Sievertsen won the position. He’s got a great leg; the ball pops off his foot and has great height on it.
“He’s excited to finally get the opportunity to be a guy.”
Farley said there are three Panthers competing to replace Dixon in 2014. The top candidate appears to be Tom McClimon, a DeWitt Central graduate and Iowa Central transfer. McClimon came to UNI as a long snapper, only to see Dixon win the job before the 2013 season.
Trent Simpson, a junior-to-be, is the only other long snapper listed on the spring roster.
“I feel comfortable with McClimon and all he does,” said Farley.
The UNI head coach also feels comfortable with his top two quarterbacks — Sawyer Kollmorgen and Brion Carnes. Both have starting experience in a Panther uniform.
Meanwhile, redshirt freshman Reggie Schulte has settled into the No. 3 spot vacated when Justin Black transferred. Farley said he’s “anxious to see” freshman quarterback Eli Dunne from Grinnell when fall camp opens.
Right now, though, Schulte stands behind Carnes and Kollmorgen.
“He’s doing a good job,” said Farley.
At linebacker, Panthers like Max Busher, Blake Willson and Brett McMakin are auditioning for more playing time. They’re also trying to get a football education on the run.
“There are a lot of guys out there battling,” said Farley. “What I’m pleased about is, there’s a lot to learn, but they’re putting in the effort.”
Farley added, “It’s all about angles and attitude right now. If we get those things accomplished, we’ll be at the level we need to be. We have the talent.”
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