Oft-injured McNamara goes into Iowa camp as QB1

Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Elder WriterJul 24, 2024, 12:37 PM ET

Close

• College football reporter.
• Signed up with ESPN.com in 2008.
• Graduate of Northwestern University.INDIANAPOLIS– In spite of dealing with injuries throughout his time at Iowa, quarterback Cade McNamara will go into training school as the group’s well-defined starter, coach Kirk Ferentz stated Wednesday.McNamara, who assisted Michigan to the 2021 Big 10 championship before transferring to Iowa in late

  2022, began the very first 5 games last season before sustaining a torn ACL. He also was limited in the spring and preseason in 2023 by other injuries, however he said previously this month that he was”100 %”healthy throughout summer workouts and has actually completely recuperated for camp, which opens July 31. “Unfortunately, for our fan base and media, actually none of you guys have seen him play full speed thus far in an Iowa uniform,” Ferentz stated at Big Ten media days.”So I’m eager to see him carry out for us this year. No one’s more excited than he is, and hopefully, he’s not too eager.” Editor’s Picks 2 Related McNamara had 505 passing backyards, 4 touchdowns and 3 interceptions before his injury last season. The Hawkeyes have included Northwestern transfer Brendan Sullivan, who began games for the Wildcats in each of the previous 2 seasons. The group likewise returns redshirt freshman Marco Lainez, who is listed No. 2 on the preseason depth chart.Ferentz said the quarterback situation will be fluid, depending upon how the players carry out in camp.”We could have noted Brendan two; he hasn’t put a helmet on yet for us, “Ferentz stated.”I expect it to be three guys completing. Cade, certainly, has actually got more experience. He’s had actually more shown success. That provides him a huge advantage. … But no one’s simply entitled to any positions. “In spite of consecutive Huge 10 West division titles, Iowa’s offense sunk to historical lows the previous two seasons, which resulted in the school not restoring coordinator Brian Ferentz’s agreement. Ferentz worked with Tim Lester, the former Western Michigan coach, to take control of the system.”He comes with a wealth of knowledge,”Ferentz said of Lester.” One thing I do value: He’s a previous head coach. That wasn’t a requisite, but he’s got a deep gratitude for how football

  works. Offense matches defense and special groups. Everyone’s going to be pursuing the exact same end. “