CEDAR FALLS - Northern Iowa's coaching staff will learn a lot more about the 2008 Panthers this week.

The first three days of spring drills were mostly about fundamentals, head coach Mark Farley said Monday. Now the workouts will become more physical as UNI's eighth-year head coach takes a closer look at his returning personnel.

"The intent (last week) was to kind of get the mental part of it to our offensive line and get a lot of fundamental work to our entire team," said Farley. "The intensity was good. The effort was there. Now we need to expand into this week to become more physical and take the next step."

One position the coaches are watching closely is quarterback, where UNI must replace four-year starter and Walter Payton Award runner-up Eric Sanders.

The starting job currently belongs to junior-to-be Pat Grace of Sioux City, said Farley. D.P. Eyman, Zach Davis and Caleb Walter are the top candidates to fill out the depth chart.

"I thought what stood out last week is our quarterbacks," said Farley. "Pat and D.P. and our two freshmen had a good week.

"I was pleased with how Pat came out and took charge, and D.P. came out and did a nice job, too. I feel good there."

The line that will play in front of the Grace is a work in progress. UNI lost four starters from last year's 12-1 team and returns just two players - Bob Swift and Austin Steichen - with game experience.

"I doubt we'll even be able to make a starting five until two-a-day camp (in August)," noted Farley. "That will take time to develop. There's not any rush to find the starters. We need to develop the group."

Whoever lines up behind center will have a talented and speedy cast of receivers. UNI returns all-conference star Johnny Gray, along with Victor Williams, Montari Leonard and Maurice Turner. In addition, Ben Alford is back after missing last season because of injury.

"He's a hard-working football player who loves to play," said Farley. "Josh Collins (freshman from Sioux City) did a nice job at receiver, too. And it was nice to see Johnny and Montari out there at the same time."

Farley said UNI didn't suffer any new injuries last week, but freshman defensive lineman Ben Boothby of Clinton will need surgery to repair his injured wrist and won't see any action this spring.

Contact Doug Newhoff at (319) 291-1467 or doug.newhoff@wcfcourier.com