Iowa Post-Spring Position Analysis - QB

Michigan Transfer Cade McNamara Inching Closer to Full Health

Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara hands the ball off during spring practice the morning of March 30, 2023 at the program's indoor facility in Iowa City, Iowa. (Rob Howe/HawkeyeNation.com)

IOWA CITY, Iowa - It was one of 15 Spring practices for Iowa Football. The Hawkeyes were sharpening their skills and working on basics. 

New quarterback Cade McNamara took part in the early April workout on a limited basis. The Michigan transfer was working his way back from surgery in the Fall. 

You could see his frustration with missing some of the practice. McNamara wanted to work out with his new teammates. He also understood patience was necessary. 

McNamara (6-1, 206) most resembles Drew Tate when it comes to quarterbacks of the coach Kirk Ferentz era. He is football sharp, confident overall and a bit undersized in terms of the prototype at the position. He plays with an edge. 

The Reno, Nev. native led the Wolverines to a Big Ten Championship and the College Football Playoff in 2021. He completed 210 of 327 passes for 2,576 yards and 15 touchdowns with six interceptions. During a 42-3 victory against Iowa in the conference title game, he was 16 for 24 for 169 yards and a score. 

McNamara suffered a knee injury requiring surgery that limited him to three games last season. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy led Michigan to another Big Ten title and the CFP. McNamara entered the transfer portal, committing to the Hawkeyes in December. 

He's replacing three-year starter Spencer Petras, who received plenty of heat from the fanbase. We'll see if McNamara can help coordinator Brian Ferentz and analyst (quarterback coach) Jon Budmayr resuscitate a unit that's become a national punchline for futility. 

Make no mistake. It's a collaboration. McNamara, Budmayr and the Ferentzes meshing is a must. It can be challenging when they all have a significant say. 

The coaches must put their quarterback in position for success, something that has not happened in recent years. If they do, he has to take advantage. 

Seems basic, right? But if you've watched the Hawkeyes the last few years (or more), you know it's far from a given. 

Positioning for success includes surrounding McNamara with productive teammates. Time will tell if Iowa performs better at receiver and on the offensive line, and tight end and running back reach their considerable potential. 

The situation behind McNamara is interesting as well. Joe Labas returns for his third college season at Iowa after starting in December's Music City Bowl. Wisconsin transfer Deacon Hill is familiar with Budmayr, who helped recruit him to Madison. 

Hill comes out of Spring as QB2, according to Kirk Ferentz. Labas sits third. 

If healthy, McNamara will open the season as the starter. Iowa's NIL investment in him probably gives him a longer leash. 

Labeled a game-manager for a '21 Michigan squad with a stacked running game and dominant offensive line, McNamara must be more than that this Fall. Iowa needs a guy to accurately push the ball downfield and remove defenders from the box. 

Time will tell how much more dependent this Iowa offense will be on McNamara make big plays than were the '21 Wolverines. Michigan decided it could win with another quarterback and did. Kirk Ferentz brought back his offensive staff, believing it and a new quarterback could turn it around. 

Kirk and Brian Ferentz will be judged more harshly than will McNamara, who's already won a Big Ten title. If the offense continues sputtering, they will feel the most backlash. 

Critics of this offensive philosophy have grown in number during Kirk Ferentz's 23 seasons running the program. Plenty of them won't believe the new setup will prosper until they see it. 

It can work, however. It does in other places. It takes talent, creativity and execution. We're inching closer to seeing the results.