KEARNEY, Neb. - Wednesday was the opening day of UNK's spring football practice, with players and coaches getting their first chance at approving their skills on the field and getting a closer look at new teammates for the upcoming season.

Head coach Ryan Held said it's the best first spring practice that he's seen in the three years he's led the Lopers.

"I think we have competition at every position, which is really good. That's what we've wanted to be able to create through recruiting and development. You don't ever get too excited, but you know for day one, I thought it was definitely more positive than negative," said Held.

He added the team will watch film , and that early practices are "never as good as it seems or never as bad as it is, but I think there were good moments on both sides."

Senior running back Isaiah Harris said he's recovered from the wear and tear from the previous season and has put on 15 pounds in preparation for next season. He added that he enjoyed the vote of confidence the coaching staff gave him towards the end of last year and wants to continue to build on the progress he's made.

"To be honest that past year went by really fast, so it kind of just feels like it's all molding together, meshing together. But it feels good to get going again and feel comfortable. I was comfortable last year, but just adding on to it this year is nice," said Harris.

Junior linebacker Parker Wise also said he's trying to grow from last season and that he's taken on a new role as an upperclassman and lifelong Kearney resident.

"I've learned that I've got to be more of a leader and speak up more. You know a lot more people come to me for more questions just about like schemes or the community. People call me the mayor of Kearney, which has kind of stuck," Wise said with a smile. "I've been here for 21 years, so I kind of know the ins and outs of this town."

The squad will continue to practice ahead of their April 12 scrimmage at the University of Sioux Falls, and two weeks after that, the Loper football team will square off against one another in their annual spring game.