OurQuadCities(WHBF) — As Iowa football’s spring practice kicks off, they will not have a healthy Mark Gronowski on the field. The transfer from South Dakota State is still recovering from off-season shoulder surgery and has not begun throwing a football yet. Brendan Sullivan, who started three games in 2024, is QB1 heading into spring ball.

But despite the staff’s lack of familiarity with Gronowski’s play inside the building, Kirk Ferentz believes he knows the most about him than any other quarterback on the roster. Gronowski, a four-year starter, has 49 wins under his belt and all the film in the world for Iowa’s staff to study.

“He’s played a lot of football, and there’s a lot of evidence that he knows how to play. He’s smarter than the whole coaching staff combined.” head coach Kirk Ferentz said. “Mark is a proven player. He’s done it on film. Hasn’t done it at the Big Ten level necessarily, but good players are good players in my mind.”

“Whether it was how he played but more importantly I think quarterback is all about — it’s a leadership position. There’s no avoiding that. He clearly did that. He delivered his team to victory a lot, and that’s really impressive.”

Ferentz also added Gronowski’s character has shined through in his first few months in the building.

“I would call him fairly quiet, but he has a humbleness to him and a confidence to him that’s very genuine. I think that whole room is really good right now.”

According to Kirk Ferentz, Gronowski is ahead of schedule and will begin light throwing sessions in the near future. He adds his staff will be careful with him through the spring.