Mark Gronowski looking to show his value in debut with Hawkeyes

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Although the Cade McNamara experiment didn’t go well with the Hawkeyes, they have a new face behind center, who’s eager to begin his era with the team.

Mark Gronowski stacked up the accolades over the past three seasons at South Dakota. However, transitioning from the FCS to Big Ten action is a major upgrade in competition, and Gronowski is ready for what comes with the territory. Iowa fans are hoping he’s not damaged goods like McNamara.

After all, the gunslinger isn’t taking anything for granted, and Gronowski’s  journey to being Iowa’s starting quarterback is nothing short of inspirational. It’s no mystery that his recovery from a shoulder injury was grueling. Gronowski didn’t even participate in physical throwing drills during the spring. The gunslinger took advantage of all the mental reps though, and believes it’s all paying off as the Hawkeyes approach their season opener.

He has a lot of trust in Offensive Coordinator Tim Lester, and his teammates too. Lester has provided a solid supporting cast around Gronowski, and that’s making everything run smoother for him in year two as he operates the system.

“All of the guys that are in this offense are learning more coming into this year, they’re starting to know what they’re supposed to be doing,” Gronowski said. “There are a lot of different routes we run based on coverage, and for them to be able to click that much faster, it’s going to help the receivers and o-line play faster, and help me in the grand scheme of things.”

Gronowski has already won the respect of his teammates, and coaching staff, which will go a long way in the locker room. The Illinois native takes pride in building a bond with his fellow Hawkeyes on and off the field. Leading by example, and taking accountability is the mentality he picked up a Jackrabbit.

“The biggest thing I’ve learned from my previous school at the FCS level, it really wasn’t anything on the field, but it was the ability to learn and study film,” he said. It was also being able to build those relationships, and how to be a leader in the locker room with a bunch of different people, and the way they act and respond to a bunch of things.”

Lester admires Gronowski’s maturation process, and feels the signal-caller is capable of being successful this fall. Game one against Albany is going to be a great opportunity for the 23-year old to get his feet wet, and Lester expects Gronowski to impress the fans.

“There’s nothing like getting the physical reps that he’s getting right now, he’s seeing blitzes, he’s seeing our defensive rotation and making sure that he makes quick decisions,” Lester said. “So good start, and I’m excited about where we’re headed.”

Fixing one of the nation’s worst aerial attacks will be a tough task. What’s going to help Gronowski accomplish that feat, is great protection from the big boys up front. Which is why Gronowski is confident that All-Big Ten performers Logan Jones and Gennings Dunker will keep him upright.

There’s no denying that the quarterback position has been the missing piece to Iowa taking that next step. If Gronowski can live up to the hype, the offense will make tremendous strides, especially through the air. All eyes will be on Gronowski Saturday afternoon, and there’s no reason in his mind why the offense can’t take advantage of the spotlight.

“All of those little things you have to be sound on for an offense to be great, and we’re doing those things.”