University of Northern Iowa Athletics
UNI's Linebackers Lead the Way into 2017
7/13/2017 9:46:00 AM | Football
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The University of Northern Iowa linebackers will take the lead on the defensive side of the ball for the Panthers in 2017.
Defensive coordinator Jeremiah Johnson has helped UNI's defensive unit to finish ranked in the top-15 in the country in eight different statistical categories in three consecutive seasons, including a top-10 total defense rank to end 2016.
Johnson directed the Panther defensive unit that led the Missouri Valley Football Conference and was No. 9 in the country in total defense in 2016. He coached five athletes to earn MVFC All-Conference selections. He was also at the head of a defense that saw a brand new secondary finish No. 5 in the FCS in defensive touchdowns and No. 12 in passes intercepted.
Johnson said the linebackers will play an important role as the Panthers embark on the upcoming season.
"The play of the linebackers will be very critical for the success of the defense," Johnson said. "We will be counting on the linebackers quite a bit. We have some guys that have played a lot of snaps and also a good group of guys looking to contribute in any way they can."
Heading the list of returnees is senior Jared Farley (Cedar Falls, Iowa). Farley led the Panthers in tackles last season with 80 (45 solos). Farley also posted two fumble recoveries and an interception last season.
"It definitely starts with Jared," Johnson said. "He has done a great job of essentially taking charge of our defense the last couple of years. We are looking for big things out of him and the entire linebacking unit this fall."
Johnson said another local talent will make an impact in the form of junior linebacker Blake Thomas (Waterloo, Iowa). Thomas saw action last season on special teams and in a reserve role at the linebacker slot. Thomas tallied eight tackles, a sack, a pass breakup and a pass defense in 2016.
"Blake had an exceptional spring and has really emerged as a guy to keep an eye on," Johnson said. "We are excited about the progress he has made and fully expect him to be a big-time contributor this fall."
Johnson said to keep an eye on Alfonzo Lambert II (Rockford, Illinois) and Christian Perez (Harlem, N.Y./Monroe College) this year.
"We are expecting Alfonzo to contribute for us after redshirting in 2016," Johnson said. "Christian is another guy that didn't play a whole bunch last year. He was very good this past spring and we are counting on him to be a playmaker for us this fall."
Johnson said he expects this group to be good against the run, but also solid in the passing game.
"I think this is a pretty balanced group," Johnson said. "They are a pretty athletic bunch, so we should be able to be involved in the intermediate pass game."
UNI will open the 2017 season Sept. 2 at Iowa State before playing host to Cal Poly in the Panthers's home-opening game on Sept. 9. Season tickets are available by calling 319-273-4849 or by visiting www.unipanthers.com/tickets.
Defensive coordinator Jeremiah Johnson has helped UNI's defensive unit to finish ranked in the top-15 in the country in eight different statistical categories in three consecutive seasons, including a top-10 total defense rank to end 2016.
Johnson directed the Panther defensive unit that led the Missouri Valley Football Conference and was No. 9 in the country in total defense in 2016. He coached five athletes to earn MVFC All-Conference selections. He was also at the head of a defense that saw a brand new secondary finish No. 5 in the FCS in defensive touchdowns and No. 12 in passes intercepted.
Johnson said the linebackers will play an important role as the Panthers embark on the upcoming season.
"The play of the linebackers will be very critical for the success of the defense," Johnson said. "We will be counting on the linebackers quite a bit. We have some guys that have played a lot of snaps and also a good group of guys looking to contribute in any way they can."
Heading the list of returnees is senior Jared Farley (Cedar Falls, Iowa). Farley led the Panthers in tackles last season with 80 (45 solos). Farley also posted two fumble recoveries and an interception last season.
"It definitely starts with Jared," Johnson said. "He has done a great job of essentially taking charge of our defense the last couple of years. We are looking for big things out of him and the entire linebacking unit this fall."
Johnson said another local talent will make an impact in the form of junior linebacker Blake Thomas (Waterloo, Iowa). Thomas saw action last season on special teams and in a reserve role at the linebacker slot. Thomas tallied eight tackles, a sack, a pass breakup and a pass defense in 2016.
"Blake had an exceptional spring and has really emerged as a guy to keep an eye on," Johnson said. "We are excited about the progress he has made and fully expect him to be a big-time contributor this fall."
Johnson said to keep an eye on Alfonzo Lambert II (Rockford, Illinois) and Christian Perez (Harlem, N.Y./Monroe College) this year.
"We are expecting Alfonzo to contribute for us after redshirting in 2016," Johnson said. "Christian is another guy that didn't play a whole bunch last year. He was very good this past spring and we are counting on him to be a playmaker for us this fall."
Johnson said he expects this group to be good against the run, but also solid in the passing game.
"I think this is a pretty balanced group," Johnson said. "They are a pretty athletic bunch, so we should be able to be involved in the intermediate pass game."
UNI will open the 2017 season Sept. 2 at Iowa State before playing host to Cal Poly in the Panthers's home-opening game on Sept. 9. Season tickets are available by calling 319-273-4849 or by visiting www.unipanthers.com/tickets.
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