Hawkeye fans have been patiently awaiting a positive status update ever since quarterback Cade McNamara exited Iowa’s annual Kids’ Day at Kinnick with an injury.
Immediately following the annual open practice, Kirk Ferentz was optimistic that the injury wasn’t anything structural with McNamara. Still, Iowa fans wanted further clarity that the signal-caller would indeed be back healthy.
After all, much of the Iowa Hawkeyes‘ 2023 hopes are wrapped up in how much the Michigan transfer can improve the offense.
With the Big Ten Network crew on hand, Ferentz shared some good news.
“You know, fortunately it’s a tissue issue, so hopefully will be back sometime next week. I can’t predict that. We’ll take it week by week, but he’ll be back,” Ferentz said.
Kirk Ferentz tells Dave Revsine that he is hopeful Cade McNamara will be back “sometime next week.” pic.twitter.com/kFUhiEap1W
— Tyler Tachman (@Tyler_T15) August 18, 2023
Based on that from coach Ferentz, Iowa fans can rest assured that the Hawkeyes got the good news they were hoping for on the McNamara injury front. The 6-foot-1, 205 pound quarterback appears to be tracking back for the season opener on Sept. 2 at 11 a.m. against Utah State.
It’s huge news for Iowa’s 2023 prospects. McNamara passed for 2,576 and 15 touchdowns while guiding the Wolverines to the 2021 Big Ten championship. He completed 64.2% of his passes that season.
The hope is that he can bring that type of play to Iowa City. When healthy, Ferentz said he’s already morphed himself into a leader.
“He’s been outstanding. He’s just a really good leader. He’s a good football player. He’s got good vision, makes good decisions. It’s really been positive. Excited he’s here,” Ferentz said of McNamara.
As McNamara continues working to master Iowa’s offense, it’s clear that the Reno, Nev., native is convinced he’s made the right decision for his future.
“To be honest, I’m probably reminded of that every single day of how truly happy I am here. I really love everything about this state, about this school and about this program, and I honestly could not be happier that I made the choice to be a Hawkeye. Any time I call my parents I tell them how happy I am here. Anytime my teammates ask me how I’m doing, I’m doing great. And I’m not trying lie or act like Mr. Happy all the time, or like be a phony.
“But honestly, that’s just truly how I feel. Everyone here has just been so welcoming to me, from my teammates to the people of Iowa. I’m just reminded every day how grateful I am to be here,” McNamara said.
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