OurQuadCities (WHBF) — As expected, South Dakota state transfer Mark Gronowski did not put on pads at Iowa’s open practice. Hank Brown, Jackson Stratton and Jimmy Sullivan took snaps under center and weren’t shy throwing the ball down the field.

The Hawkeyes wide receiving core showed off. Reece Vander Zee made a number of impressive catches; Kaden Wetjen ran more than just gadget plays and Dayton Howard flashed his athleticism on the outside.

A group that has been much maligned in the past suddenly looks talented, veteran and comfortable in the offense.

“I think they’ve all grown a lot,” center Logan Jones said. “I think Coach Lester does a great job with all of them. The defense gives great looks too. You saw them out there today they were making great throws making good plays.”

“The whole room I feel we’re deeper than ever,” wide receiver Jacob Gill said. “I’ve been hearing it from other guys as well, other coaches. We’ve just got a good room. I’m excited to see where we can go and we’ve got a lot to improve on but I’m excited for our room.”

“We’re probably a bit more veteran,” head coach Kirk Ferentz said. “Guys have a good understanding that’s probably true of our whole offense right now. Everybody’s moving a little quicker guy that are here and hopefully that’ll come in time.”

Sports: