Fun Stories From Iowa Football Training Camp

Momma's Boy Diante Vines, Cade McNamara's Iowa Welcome, Kaleb Johnson's Journal

Iowa's Diante Vines (0) attempts a one-handed catch against Purdue on Nov. 5, 2022 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. (Rob Howe/HawkeyeNation.com)

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Iowa's Swarm Collective funds were put to good use this summer. Transfer quarterback Cade McNamara and a group of pass catchers spent time training in California. 

One receiver decided to pass on the trip. He instead spent time with his mother. 

"Whenever I get a break (from required Iowa Football activities), I feel like I need to take my break, go back see my mom (Joyce Russoti). I'm definitely a momma's boy," junior wideout Diante Vines said. 

"So, whenever I get a break I like to get back to my mom. I like to eat dinner with my mom, sit on the couch, watch Criminal Minds with my mom, stuff like that."

The Danbury, Conn. native has built a connection with McNamara through 7-on-7 drills and beyond since the latter arrived from Michigan in January. By all accounts, Vines has enjoyed a strong training camp this month and is tracking to start in the season opener against Utah State on Sept. 2, 2023 at Kinnick Stadium. 

Vines (6-0, 198) stuck out with his performance during last August's camp. That came to an abrupt halt when he hurt his wrist, costing him the first six games of the campaign. He started the final five contests, securing 10 receptions for 94 yards. 

There is a part of Vines that feels like he missed out on a chance for bonding more with his teammates out West. He's leaving his future plans open on that account. 

"That was a great four days (in California), something I could have done and could do possibly in the future. But I like to hang with my mom. I see these guys 10 months throughout the year. I see my mom one month throughout the year," he said. 

Organically Grown Leadership

Being a leader comes with being a quarterback. The transfer portal can change the dynamic of how that develops. 

McNamara arrived from Michigan after leading the Wolverines to a Big Ten title and the College Football Playoff in 2021. That carried cache but he initially proceeded with patience at Iowa. He let it unfold organically. 

"I knew that for me to earn any kind of leadership, I have to prove my character and I have to prove that I care about this team winning," he said. 

"I didn't want to come in and walk on anybody's toes. I wanted to make sure that I earned their respect before I said anything."

McNamara felt the team warm up to him quickly. It came right before the program kicked off winter training at the end of January. 

"A lot of the leaders on this team that were here from the previous year had a Zoom meeting. They were willing to invite me to that meeting. They asked for my feedback on our first team meeting. They definitely did not have to do that," he said. 

"It just shows how welcoming this team was and the character of these guys that they're willing to do whatever it takes to win. From that meeting on those guys recognized my potential as a leader. I appreciate those guys looking at me that way, especially that early on." 

Johnson's Journal

Second-year sophomore running back Kaleb Johnson (6-0, 222) broke onto the scene last season with an Iowa freshman record 779 rushing yards. That included a 200-yard outburst in a 24-3 victory at Purdue. 

The Hamilton (OH) High native pictured himself succeeding in his first college season. He said as much during an interview with HN last June. 

Johnson approaches the game cerebrally. He uses visual imagery to see himself succeeding in the future. He jots down goals and other thoughts in a journal. 

"Every night I write in my book. If you put your mind to it, you can do anything you want to do. I believe in manifestation. I want to be great. It's believing in yourself and believing what you can do in the future," he said. 

He sets goals for the team and for himself, on and off of the field. When he reaches them, it builds confidence. 

"I'm way more confident than I was. I understand how the game goes. When I'm in practice, I do my thing because you know what to do," he said. 

Johnson is focusing on improving as a blocker and receiver during workouts and film study. 

"In the NFL, they like when a running back is well-rounded. I want to be an all-around back," he said.