Iowa Fans Rally Behind Starving Quarterback Cade McNamara
After five successful seasons and one ACL surgery, the Iowa Hawkeyes are not ready to give up on quarterback Cade McNamara.
The former Michigan player will begin fall camp next week as the expected starter in Iowa's new offense. Head coach Kirk Ferentz has high hopes for McNamara and believes he will prove his critics wrong about his ability to lead a Big Ten team.
\"We faced him on this field a couple of years ago and watched him closely throughout the season on film. We have a lot of respect for him as a player and a competitor,\" Ferentz said at the Big Ten media day in Indianapolis.
\"Unfortunately, our fans and the media have yet to see him play at full speed in an Iowa uniform. I am eager to see him perform for us this year and I know he is just as eager to get out there. Hopefully, he can control his excitement and play well for us.\"
Ferentz believes that McNamara's success will also be due to the strong Iowa offensive line.
\"In my 35 years here, I have noticed that when we have a good offensive line and a strong quarterback, we have the potential to be a good offense. Unfortunately, we haven't had that opportunity in the past couple of years, but I think we are finally in a position where that is possible. We will know more in a few weeks.\"
The Hawkeyes have hired Tim Lester as their new offensive coordinator, replacing Ferentz's son, Brian. Lester previously served as the head coach at Western Michigan and was an assistant coach for the Green Bay Packers last season.
Iowa's offense has struggled in the past two seasons, finishing last in total offense in 2022 and second-to-last in McNamara's first season, which was cut short due to injury.
Ferentz believes that the key to turning things around lies with Lester and McNamara, who both have experience playing quarterback.
\"Lester played the position and has been coaching for a long time. He has a lot of expertise and strong opinions about the quarterback spot. The players have really bought into his coaching style, which is what you want to see with any coach.\"
