Friday Five: Cal Twait

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – All spring long, we will highlight rising stars on the University of Northern Iowa football team. Upcoming senior and UNI offensive tackle Cal Twait kicks off the series, as we ask about spring practice, the coaching staff and what it means to be a Panther.

Q: When you hear 'spring practice' what pops up into your head?
A: The first thing that pops in my head when I hear spring practice is competition. Guys are competing to get onto the first team or into the two-deep and you really see guys making strides this time of year. It's also the offense competing against the defense each and every day which is fun.

Q: What things are you looking to improve this spring?
A: I am planning on improving little things this spring like footwork and hand placement in the pass and run game. I am also looking to improve my vocal leadership within the offense.

Q: What are some tips you might give to the younger guys about how to handle the spring?
A: This is the time of the year to show the coaches you belong on the field. You work your tail off all winter long, and now is the time to show how much you have improved as a player to your teammates and to the coaches.

Q: What has the coaching staff done for your game so far?
A: The coaching staff has helped my game a great deal so far in my career. My position and strength coaches have made me a much better player since I've arrived at UNI. I have just started to work with coach Ryan Clanton, but I can already tell he has a great knowledge of the game, and he will be able to help me out a ton as a player.

Q: What does it mean to be a UNI Panther?
A: Being a UNI Panther means toughness to me. You have to be willing to work hard, and know you need to bring that same level of focus and intensity each and every day.

The 2018 Panthers will return 26 players who made starts on offense and defense for UNI in 2017. Last year's squad earned an 8-5 record and defeated three Top-10 foes on its way to the program's 19th FCS Playoff berth. The Panthers also succeeded on the postseason award's stage, after seven different players earned All-American honors which was the most since 2007.

UP NEXT
UNI will practice again on Saturday, with the Panthers hitting the Dome turf at 9 a.m. sharp.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Get all the latest information on the team by following @UNIFootball on Twitter and @UNIPantherFootball on Instagram and Facebook. General athletic news can also be found at @UNIAthletics on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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