IOWA CITY, Iowa– The Hawkeye offense will go as far as its quarterback puts them in position. Iowa’s unit will look to Cade McNamara to help get them over the hump. After a few dismal years of production, there’s a bit of renewed optimism surrounding the offense, especially because of new offensive coordinator Tim Lester.
During the end of spring practice, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz mentioned that McNamara would be ‘full-go’ by the middle or late June. As of Tuesday, there has been no official word on if McNamara is cleared for contact. On Monday, Iowa football teased a video on social media and viewers could see McNamara doing some work without a knee brace.
On Tuesday, Iowa media got the opportunity to speak with a few offensive players and got a few little tidbits about how McNamara is looking 74 days until the season opener against Illinois State.
“He’s taking snaps,” Iowa offensive guard Connor Colby said of McNamara. “He’s moving around good.”
“Just effortless, which is crazy,” Brown said of McNamara. “I’ve seen him throw that thing like it’s nothing… I’ve been comfortable with Cade. It’s good to see him moving around and more active than he had been.”
McNamara missed the majority of the 2023 season with a torn ACL. McNamara finished his season with 505 passing yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 51.1 percent of his pass attempts. He also wasn’t able to suit up with the team for spring practice.
Luckily for Iowa, McNamara has been through enough college football that it’s not the end of the world if he doesn’t take reps. He understands the value of mental reps and has been going through them with Lester and the offense. Throughout his time as a Hawkeye, teammates have praised McNamara for his patience, leadership and willingness to do whatever it takes to win.
“August is going to be a really big month for him,” Ferentz said during his latest availability. “If there’s a silver lining, my experience is that for guys who have played — it’s a little bit easier for them when they get started again. It comes back quicker than for a guy who hasn’t played. Every situation has its challenges, but we’re optimistic he’ll be ready to go, and he should be able to catch up pretty quickly.”
“In some ways, it be easier for him because he’s not practicing. So, he can just process things mentally and not worry about the physical as much. He’s an eager guy. Most good quarterbacks that I’ve been around can’t wait to learn something, and that seems to be his mode of operation.”
Iowa media will be getting another opportunity to meet with football players next month prior to Big Ten Media Days.
“Looks good,” safety Xavier Nwankpa said of McNamara and the new quarterbacks. “They’re out there throwing balls, making plays. So it’s exciting. Very competitive out there.”
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