UNK football preaches competition, family bond at start of preseason camp

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KEARNEY, Neb. — Football has returned to Foster Field at UNK.

The start of preseason camp means the return of competition.

“Attack every play, it has a life of its own," head coach Ryan Held said. "We just have to focus on getting better on that play, don’t worry about the scoreboard, don’t worry about anything but playing that. Then play the next play.”

Second-year head coach Ryan Held has implemented what he calls two-spotting, a throwback to his days playing under Tom Osborne.

“I want as many people to get reps, instead of 96 guys standing on the sideline," Held said. "We used to do that back in the day at Nebraska. I just think you get so many more reps, so many more coaching opportunities and you can see what some of these younger guys and newcomers can do.”

To have four units on the field at once, you need a big roster. The Lopers have 122 guys suited up and could add another dozen before the start of the season.

Senior defensive end Q Felton knows how to stand out from the crowd.

“Every rep, man, just move like it’s your last rep, last play of football," Felton said. "You never know what that play can do.”

The young players would do well to listen.

“We tell the freshmen newcomers, don’t dip your toe," Held said. "Dive in the deep end if you want to get in the mix. You better go out there and don’t save yourself, you better show us what you can do.”

But after the competition? It’s all love among the Lopers.

“Giving hugs, giving hugs," Felton said. "That’s the best way to go.”

Felton is all in on the Lopers’ new way to end practice.

“Quit all the handshakes, you don’t shake your mom, you don’t shake your sister," Felton said. "So let’s hug each other, let’s be brothers, let’s come together as one and let’s see what we can do that way.”