Photo by Andy Saigh/UNI Athletics: Former Fort Dodge all-stater Tysen Kershaw jogs off the field during a Northern Iowa game last season.

CEDAR FALLS — Tysen Kershaw came to the University of Northern Iowa in the fall of 2020 as a wide-eyed freshman, eager to learn while carrying a quiet confidence that he hoped would ultimately conquer the college football world.

The former Fort Dodge all-stater looks back on those days now and smiles. He had so much to learn about both the game and himself. There would be struggle, adversity and challenges — both physical and mental — that would often test his resolve.

Yet, Kershaw never relented. He stands tall today as a wise, motivated fifth-year senior wide receiver who is ready to help usher in the Todd Stepsis era at UNI with a perspective that can only come from time, experience — and patience.

“I’ve learned that it’s not always going to go (according) to plan,” admitted the 24-year-old Kershaw, who caught 12 passes for 193 yards as a junior in his first full season back from a devastating Achilles injury. “Having success as a freshman led me to believe it was all an upward trajectory, and that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“You only get 12 guaranteed (game) days to perform, but the most important days are the other 353 and how you’re getting yourself prepared for your opportunities.”

The 6-foot-3, 211-pound Kershaw finally feels like himself again after missing all of the 2023 campaign. Last year was a dress rehearsal of sorts, as he slowly but surely got used to handling live action.

“Physically, I feel as good as I can after suffering my injury two years ago,” said Kershaw, the Dodgers’ all-time leader in receiving yards and touchdowns. “Last season, I was just getting my feet underneath me again. I didn’t have the offseason to prepare properly.

“This offseason, it was great to be able to train and become comfortable with my body and the offense as well. It’s hard going through a coaching change knowing it’s my last year. But at the end of the day, it’s still the same game.”

Kershaw feels rejuvenated by the arrival of Stepsis and his staff from Drake. Stepsis became the Panthers’ new head coach in December, replacing retired UNI legend Mark Farley.

“It’s been a night-and-day difference from this staff compared to the last,” said Kershaw, who will serve as one of the team’s position leaders in the receiver room. “Not to throw the old staff under the bus, but it seems like a collective effort from the new staff. They are adapting to the new age of college football both on and off the field.

“The energy is through the roof, from early-morning meetings through the entire day. It’s helped me to look at football from a different perspective. The difference isn’t as much the Xs and Os, but the impact they make off the field. This helps all of us have confidence and to play more freely.”

Kershaw has embraced his role as an unassuming veteran leader, knowing he has plenty of wisdom to pass along to the younger group of players.

“I’ve always been a man of few words, so my main approach is to lead by example and show the younger guys how to get yourself ready to play at this level — whether it’s keeping your body right or making sure you’re as detailed as possible on the field,” said Kershaw, a Missouri Valley Football Conference academic honor roll recipient in 2024. “Even though there’s a changing of the guard, there’s still a standard to uphold here.

“At times, I have to be vocal as one of the older guys. But I also don’t want to be someone I’m not.”

Kershaw believes if he continues to put in the work and stay consistent in the weeks to come, positive results will follow.

“My goal is to just stay as healthy as possible and contribute to winning football,” said Kershaw, who is listed as a back-up receiver for UNI’s opener on Saturday against Butler at home. “All of the personal goals will fall into place as long as I’m able to be on the field and put in the work.”

Through all of the trials and tribulations, Kershaw has learned so much about himself. Because of that, he feels he is a better man — and person — today.

“It would be easy to change things I experienced throughout my journey, but I have no regrets,” said Kershaw, who is hoping to return to Fort Dodge and pursue a coaching career this winter after his final season comes to an end. “Without everything I’ve gone through, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”