CEDAR FALLS - In spring drills, the cliche has a fresh meaning.

The game IS being played on paper, at least when the subject is the future of two Northern Iowa football veterans.

Linebacker De'Veon Harris and punter Brook Black have submitted requests to the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility. Both men are still awaiting rulings as UNI continues spring practice.

The requests are based on injuries suffered before Harris and Black became Panthers, according to head coach Mark Farley.

Harris began his college football career at Toledo, moved to North Iowa Area Community College for a season and then traveled to UNI. Black spent two seasons at Baylor before joining the Panthers.

Right now, it's a matter of documenting the medical history of both players, said Farley.

"It takes a lot longer when you have to get it from the previous school's training department," said Farley Monday. "People have taken different jobs and moved on."

Meanwhile, the Panthers have passed the halfway mark for the spring of 2009. The annual intrasquad game is set for 1 p.m. April 25.

Over the ensuing seven practices, Farley hopes to pick up the pace physically. Thus far, he said, the emphasis has been on learning the schemes.

"Now, we've gotta turn it up and get after it," added the UNI coach. "We didn't want to hurt those guys early in camp just … to say we're gonna be tough. We have to get the knowledge.

"Right now, we do have to toughen up this week and the next and hopefully get them healthy when we do that."

Farley said that the left wrist injury that will sideline defensive lineman Chuck Kinney for the remainder of spring practice should heal in time for summer weightlifting.

The UNI coach added that another defensive veteran, end James Ruffin, has been "in and out" of drills as he deals with some lingering injuries from the 2008 season.

Contact Jim Sullivan at (319) 291-1434 or jim.sullivan@wcfcourier.com