University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Photo by: Mike Dunlop
UNI's First Line of Defense in 2017
7/20/2017 9:00:00 AM | Football
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The University of Northern Iowa's first line of defense in 2017 will be filled with a veteran core and an influx of newcomers under first-year assistant coach David Braun.
Braun joined the UNI staff this past spring after working at UC Davis as the Aggies' defensive line coach. He coached the UC Davis defensive line to a rank of second in the Big Sky in tackles-for-loss and sacks per pass attempt in 2016. Prior to his stint with the Aggies, Braun was the co-defensive coordinator at his alma mater Winona State from 2011-2015.
Braun is enthused to get the opportunity to work with this group of UNI Panthers.
"The word fun doesn't do it justice," Braun said. "There is no doubt in my mind that I have the best job in the world. We are very fortunate to have a defensive line group that loves the game of football, possesses incredible work ethic, enjoys being coached and most importantly plays for one another."
UNI returns three starters on the defensive line in senior Preston Woods (South St. Paul, Minnesota), junior Bryce Douglas (Plainfield, Illinois) and sophomore Hezekiah Applegate (Johnston, Iowa). Senior Adam Reth (Manchester, Iowa) will return to the field after missing all of last season. Reth (59 tackles in 2015), Applegate (33 tackles), Woods (31 tackles) and Douglas (30 tackles) will anchor the line and provide leadership for the younger players.
"There is a ton of veteran leadership that certainly sets the tone for the entire room," Braun said. "The amount of high level football Preston Woods, Adam Reth, Bryce Douglas and Hezekiah Applegate have played is an incredible asset to the room. It is exciting to coach a group that understands what it takes to play at a high level in this conference week after week. As the veterans push to continue to improve and elevate their game, it has been great to see how they have continued to help our younger players develop and improve the depth and competition within the unit. It will take the entire group playing at a very high level for us to accomplish the things we want to this season."
Even with a strong core of returning talent on the defensive line, it is paramount that newcomers step up and be ready to play this year. Braun has been impressed with the development of sophomore Seth Thomas (Stillwell, Kansas), sophomore Marcel Minniefield (Lee's Summit, Missouri), redshirt freshman Brawntae Wells (Des Moines, Iowa) and redshirt freshman Sonny Onken (Norwalk, Iowa).
"The development of our younger guys has been really exciting to see," Braun said. "Seth Thomas has made great strides throughout spring and summer and will have an opportunity to play a vital role within our front. Marcel Minniefield, Brawntae Wells and Sonny Onken continue to make great strides. We are looking forward to all three pushing and competing for significant roles and playing time this season."
Braun expects the Panther defensive line to be strong against both the running and passing games in 2017.
"The beauty of defensive line play is that you have to be good at both," Braun said. "Each individual in the room has their own strengths and weaknesses but we think our greatest asset is our versatility. We will find ways dependent on down, distance and situation to put guys in position to maximize their strengths."
Last season the Panther defensive line was dominated by Buck Buchanan award winner Karter Schult. Braun knows this group will rise to the challenge and guide the Panthers to success in 2017.
"Karter was extremely productive and did an incredible job carrying on a tradition of great defensive line play at UNI," Braun said. "The expectation is that this collection of guys will do the same and find ways raise the bar even higher as a group. The d-line room is full of men with leadership, talent and an intense passion for playing the game. This group is full of potential – it is our job to continue to work to make sure we maximize it."
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.
Braun joined the UNI staff this past spring after working at UC Davis as the Aggies' defensive line coach. He coached the UC Davis defensive line to a rank of second in the Big Sky in tackles-for-loss and sacks per pass attempt in 2016. Prior to his stint with the Aggies, Braun was the co-defensive coordinator at his alma mater Winona State from 2011-2015.
Braun is enthused to get the opportunity to work with this group of UNI Panthers.
"The word fun doesn't do it justice," Braun said. "There is no doubt in my mind that I have the best job in the world. We are very fortunate to have a defensive line group that loves the game of football, possesses incredible work ethic, enjoys being coached and most importantly plays for one another."
UNI returns three starters on the defensive line in senior Preston Woods (South St. Paul, Minnesota), junior Bryce Douglas (Plainfield, Illinois) and sophomore Hezekiah Applegate (Johnston, Iowa). Senior Adam Reth (Manchester, Iowa) will return to the field after missing all of last season. Reth (59 tackles in 2015), Applegate (33 tackles), Woods (31 tackles) and Douglas (30 tackles) will anchor the line and provide leadership for the younger players.
"There is a ton of veteran leadership that certainly sets the tone for the entire room," Braun said. "The amount of high level football Preston Woods, Adam Reth, Bryce Douglas and Hezekiah Applegate have played is an incredible asset to the room. It is exciting to coach a group that understands what it takes to play at a high level in this conference week after week. As the veterans push to continue to improve and elevate their game, it has been great to see how they have continued to help our younger players develop and improve the depth and competition within the unit. It will take the entire group playing at a very high level for us to accomplish the things we want to this season."
Even with a strong core of returning talent on the defensive line, it is paramount that newcomers step up and be ready to play this year. Braun has been impressed with the development of sophomore Seth Thomas (Stillwell, Kansas), sophomore Marcel Minniefield (Lee's Summit, Missouri), redshirt freshman Brawntae Wells (Des Moines, Iowa) and redshirt freshman Sonny Onken (Norwalk, Iowa).
"The development of our younger guys has been really exciting to see," Braun said. "Seth Thomas has made great strides throughout spring and summer and will have an opportunity to play a vital role within our front. Marcel Minniefield, Brawntae Wells and Sonny Onken continue to make great strides. We are looking forward to all three pushing and competing for significant roles and playing time this season."
Braun expects the Panther defensive line to be strong against both the running and passing games in 2017.
"The beauty of defensive line play is that you have to be good at both," Braun said. "Each individual in the room has their own strengths and weaknesses but we think our greatest asset is our versatility. We will find ways dependent on down, distance and situation to put guys in position to maximize their strengths."
Last season the Panther defensive line was dominated by Buck Buchanan award winner Karter Schult. Braun knows this group will rise to the challenge and guide the Panthers to success in 2017.
"Karter was extremely productive and did an incredible job carrying on a tradition of great defensive line play at UNI," Braun said. "The expectation is that this collection of guys will do the same and find ways raise the bar even higher as a group. The d-line room is full of men with leadership, talent and an intense passion for playing the game. This group is full of potential – it is our job to continue to work to make sure we maximize it."
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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