Fall camp is around the corner as the Iowa Football program continues preparations for next season. During the summer, most of the coaches take some time away from the program before activities ramp up.
Players continue to work out on the field and with their teammates before camp begins and the season starts. One player who has been extremely busy this offseason is new Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski.
Gronowski transferred to Iowa during the January transfer portal window after spending four seasons with the South Dakota State program.
Gronowski suffered a shoulder injury while he was playing for the Jackrabbits and missed all of spring practice rehabbing.
Since the beginning of the summer, Gronowski has been cleared for full football activities and has been taking advantage of the time he has left before the season starts.
He spoke to reporters after a workout and discussed multiple topics, including his health, establishing relationships, and the differences between Iowa and South Dakota State.
Gronowski is back to 100 percent
The success of the Iowa program this season hinges on Gronowski's health. While speaking with reporters inside the training facility, Gronowski reassured reporters that he is feeling great and is 100 percent healthy.
He stated he has been cleared to fully participate since the beginning of summer and is throwing everyday. He said his arm is fully back and feeling stronger than before.
Gronowski also mentioned that as he continues to throw, his throwing an mechanics are getting closer to being back to normal.
He is excited for fall camp and ready to have fun.
Trying to build relationships and camaraderie
A key phrase that Gronowski used during his interview was "building camaraderie." He mentioned that is is critical to establish relationships so he can be more of a vocal leader in the locker room.
He said he does not want to overstep too far, but wants to establish relationships so he can build trust and camaraderie with his teammates.
Gronowski noted that over the summer, he took a group of teammates, including receiver Jacob Gill and tight end Adam Ostrenga, to Dallas, Texas, to train and foster more camaraderie among them.
He said it was a great experience as they got to know each other better.
Gronowski also stated that he is trying to grow as a leader by building more relationships, as he has not been around the program for an extended period and could not establish on-field relationships until recently.
The differences between Iowa and South Dakota State
Gronowski mentioned that while the level of competition between Iowa and South Dakota State is different, the styles are not.
Playing for FCS powerhouse South Dakota State prepared him for a complex, pro-style offense because both programs employ a similar scheme.
Gronowski did mention that the Iowa offense utilizes multiple reads and motions and he has to heavily rely on communication and pre-snap reads.
After immersing himself in on-field workouts and film study, Gronowski mentioned he does not feel nervous and is "100 percent confident" with the offense.
He also noted that they play against one of the top defenses in the nation every day, and it has been fun competing against them.
Gronowski is going to be a critical part of Iowa's success this season. If he is fully 100 percent healthy and has a solid grasp of the offense, the Hawkeyes will make noise in the Big Ten and nationally.