CEDAR FALLS — Cal Twait was blessed growing up around a college football head coach.

Twait, a returning starter along the offensive line for Northern Iowa, is set to embark on his third season with the Panthers this fall.

But for the 6-foot-6, 292-pound junior, the adjustment to the college game came more naturally when he arrived on campus thanks to spending countless hours around his dad, long-time Iowa Central head coach Kevin Twait.

“I was fortunate being around college football a lot growing up, so I had a pretty decent grasp of how things worked,” said Twait, a former all-stater at Manson Northwest Webster.

Still, after dominating foes on Friday nights for three years, Twait still found himself needing to improve under UNI head coach Mark Farley and his staff.

“Obviously, everyone changes physically in college football as guys put on weight and get a lot stronger in offseason workouts,” he said. “I think my biggest change has been on the mental side of the game and I credit that to our coaches and strength and conditioning program.

“We are put through some difficult practices and workouts, and going through these makes you realize how hard you can push yourself. When you figure out how to train and practice at an elite level day in and day out consistently, that is when you are able to become successful and it stars with the mentality you bring as a player.”

Twait, who also lettered for MNW in basketball, track and baseball, stepped right into the fire his freshman season with the Panthers. He started the first seven games of the season before suffering a knee injury that sidelined him, but he still earned a spot on the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer team. UNI set a school-record that season, rushing for 3,266 yards.

Last year, Twait returned to his spot on the line at left tackle, starting all 11 games. Northern Iowa went 5-6, including a 25-20 win over Iowa State.

“My teammates and I have very lofty expectations heading into the season,” Twait said. “Our first goal is to regain the MVC conference championship. If we are able to do that, we will be set up and ready to make a deep run into the postseason and be a contender for the national championship.

“On a personal basis, I expect to play at a very high level that allows my teammates and I an opportunity to achieve our goals.”

With two seasons left, Twait isn’t thinking about the NFL just yet. But, the idea has crossed his mind. Northern Iowa has had 18 players drafted since 1966, including six offensive linemen.

“I have always had a goal to hopefully have a chance to play the game after college,” Twait said. “UNI does a phenomenal job of getting guys ready to play at the next level, so I’m just trusting the plan I am on here. It’s not something on the front of my mind, but it’s something to work for every day.”

The Panthers open their season Sept. 2 in Ames against Iowa State before hosting Cal Poly the following Saturday night.