January 31, 2025

Newton’s Moko chooses UNI football

Cardinal senior will play defensive back for Panthers

By Troy Hyde

Newton senior Keith Moko, seated center, signed with Northern Iowa football back in December. Joining him for the signing were (from left) Crystal Arguello, Zay Arguello, Evan Grimm and Ty Arguello. (Submitted Photo)

Newton senior Keith Moko went to Florida this past spring for a national 7-on-7 tournament.

He also attended several college camps around the Midwest last summer.

Both of those opportunities played a factor in Moko’s future, and that home next season will be in Cedar Falls. Moko made things official with the University of Northern Iowa in December and he plans to play defensive back for the Panthers.

“I chose UNI because they produce CBs at a very high level, and I loved the energy and culture they had over there,” Moko said. “It seemed like family from the jump.”

Moko made a big impact on Newton’s football team as both a wide receiver and defensive back.

He led the Cardinals in receiving the past two seasons with 34 catches for 567 yards and six touchdowns.

Newton senior Keith Moko signed his National Letter of Intent to play football at the University of Northern Iowa in December. (Submitted Photo)

Newton football coach Andy Swedenhjelm said UNI is not ruling out Moko as a receiver, but he’ll start in the program as a defensive back.

“Keith’s combination of length and explosion really helped him to stand out at camps this past summer,” Swedenhjelm said. “He does a good job making plays on the ball and can stay with most receivers.

“I’m excited to see him fill out a bit still and become a big, physical presence for them.”

Moko said he made visits to North Dakota, Iowa and St. Thomas. North Dakota State, Indiana State and South Dakota also were in the mix.

“We are very proud of Keith and all the work he has put in to make himself a great player,” Swedenhjelm said. “He gets a wonderful opportunity to join one of the top FCS programs in the country.

“I’m excited to see what he’s able to do after developing in their program. It’s a very exciting time for Keith, his family and our program.”

Moko registered 31 tackles, one sack and one interception as a defensive back as a sophomore.

He had 17.5 tackles, one interception and returned a fumble 57 yards for a touchdown as a junior. His senior season included 15.5 tackles and one interception that he returned 49 yards.

“A lot of schools are valuing having DBs who are long and lanky,” Swedenhjelm said. “There are programs that really value having athletes in their defensive backfield, and UNI is definitely one of those programs. They do a lot of different things with their DBs and really value versatility.”

Newton senior Keith Moko signed with Northern Iowa football back in December. He will enroll with the school and begin his career with the Panthers this summer. Joining him for the signing were Newton head football coach Andy Swedenhjelm, left, and defensive coordinator Jeff Richardson. (Submitted Photo)

The Panthers were 6-6 in 2021 and lost to Iowa State 16-10. They were 3-4 in the spring of 2020 after winning 10 games in the fall of 2019. UNI won 20 games total the three years prior to that.

Moko expects to take next season to develop into a collegiate football player. He and the staff agreed on what position he’ll play when he gets to campus this summer.

“The staff and I both agreed that DB was my strong point, and if I really wanted a serious career in football that’s where I should play,” Moko said. “My only expectation is to get bigger, stronger and faster before enrolling this summer. My biggest goal for next fall is to soak in as much wisdom as possible from the older players and coaches during my freshmen year. And transfer that into my play the following year.”