Northern Iowa football coach Mark Farley said at the outset of spring ball that the Panthers’ success will hinge on developing top-notch offensive and defensive lines.

He reiterated that Tuesday as his team winds toward its spring game at 6 p.m. April 30 at the UNI-Dome.

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“That development is getting the continuity as well as the personnel correct,” Farley said. “And it’s understanding the individual beside you as much as understanding the scheme that you’re trying to execute.”

Farley said he’s been particularly pleased with the progress of his skill position players and secondary.

Explosive wide receiver Josh Collins, who missed last season with an ACL injury, is back.

He led the Panthers in receiving with 32 catches for 502 yards and a 76-yard touchdown in 2008.

“Josh is doing good,” Farley said, “Coming off an ACL, you always go through that transition of subconscious, but he’s done a great job. It’s just getting through subconsciously that the knee’s OK — that he can get the instinctive speed back and the strength, because one leg’s probably stronger than the other yet.”

By Rob Gray
Des Moines Register

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20100413/SPORTS020702/100413016/1091/SPORTS02