UNI’s Layne Pryor takes shot at NFL Draft
UNI, Woodbine standout preps for next step
By Matt Gengler, Sports Editor
sports@missourivalleytimes.com
His charismatic personality is unmatched, and while he lets his play on the field do the talking, the aura that surrounds the former Tiger standout anytime he comes back for a hometown event is iconic. He’s a small-town, hard working farm kid, knowing what needs to be done if he wants to make it to the next level.
Layne Pryor recently completed college football career at University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls), and now is putting in the work that he hopes will eventually take him to the next level.
“It went by fast, that’s for sure,” stated Pryor when reflecting upon his UNI football career. “I did what I did, put in the time, hard work, and effort, and it has paid off. Now it’s time for me to pursue the ultimate dream of any small town, rural Iowa boy, seeing if anyone will take a chance on me.”
Pryor made it known on social media in late November, 2024, that after the completion of his UNI Panther football career, he would put his name into the National Football League Draft, set for the last week in April, 2025.
“This is something that has been in the back of my mind since the first day I stepped on campus,” Pryor added. “I’ve worked hard to get to this point, and I’m going to continue to put in the work to help make this become a reality.”
Pryor is getting his daily workouts at the CREW Center in Woodbine, under the watchful guidance of both Shea and Kane Thompson. Both Thompson brothers have extensive knowledge of strength training experience in prepping college athletes in the Big 10 conference. Shea Thompson currently works for the Arizona Cardinals (2023-24), and has also worked for the San Francisco 49rs (2019-2022). Shea worked as strength and conditioning coach for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Kane Thompson played safety/linebacker at Northern Iowa (2007-2009) where he was a two-year letterwinner, earning his bachelor's degree (2009) and master's degree (2011) from Northern Iowa. Kane has strength and conditioning stints at Purdue (2011-2013) and the University of Minnesota (2014).
Panther’s measurables
Pryor (6’2”, 250-lbs) finished his UNI Panther career with 52 receptions, 485 yards and four touchdowns. His senior campaign was his biggest, where he had 30 receptions for 242 yards and two touchdowns. He’s anticipating a spot on a roster as a tight end / fullback / H-Back position. He’s quick to point out that three of the four semifinalists in the 2024/25 FCS Playoffs were from the Missouri Valley Conference (South Dakota St., University of South Dakota, and North Dakota State).
“It was a tough league, top to bottom,” Pryor added. “We were battle-tested every week, and that made everyone around us better.”
Pryor will have a tryout at the NFL combines in late March, giving pro coaches a chance to see his speed, pass catching talents, strength and agility. He’s already hired an agent, and is in the process of doing what it takes to get to that next step.
“I’m hoping someone takes a look/chance on me,” Pryor concluded. “I truly appreciate everyone reaching out and congratulate me, but now its time to hunker down and get to work, get ready for the pro day and the whole process moving forward. The people, coaches and fans have been the best part of this journey.”
Layne is the son of Adam and Melanie Pryor of Woodbine.
Pryor prep standout
Pryor excelled as a four-sport legend for the Woodbine Tigers (2018-2021), earning top honors for football, basketball, track and baseball. On the football field as a senior, he posted 1,191 rushing yards and 624 receiving yards, adding 34 touchdowns. Defensively, he led team in tackles with 69 with 15 tackles for loss and six sacks. For his career, he finished second in Iowa 8-man history with 211 catches, 3,512 yards and 52 touchdowns.
Just as dangerous on the track, he was a two-time state discus champion (2020, 2021) at the Iowa high school track and field championships, while earning second in the state shot put in 2021, and was the 2021 Drake Relays discus champion.
