The jump from the FCS ranks to the FBS is no easy task for any player, but it can prove to be especially difficult for a quarterback making the jump from the FCS to the Big Ten. With the transfer portal now in play, talented FCS players can make the jump and try to prove themselves against the best.
That is exactly what Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Mark Gronowski is doing this year after a dominant career for an FCS powerhouse, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits.
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There are growing pains when players make the jump, as the game is faster, the talent surrounding them is everywhere, and there are new playbooks to learn. Gronowski has had to handle all of that while also healing from a shoulder surgery that kept him out of spring practice.
His move to FBS is something he is handling well and continuing to grow, Kirk Ferentz said in some short media availability.
“I think the level gap is not maybe as pronounced as people might think. I think the biggest thing for him is not being out there in the spring. He did have June and July, and he was throwing the ball in those months so I think that has been helpful, too. That’s where each day is really important.
“You see him improve and be more confident what have you. It’s not like we’re the most established group at receiver, either, although we made good strides. There is still a feeling out process and that’ll go on for a while as we go on here during the season,” Ferentz said about Gronowski making the move to the Big Ten.
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Mark Gronowski should have no shortage of confidence with his proven success. Not only did he win two national championships while at South Dakota State, he took home the Walter Payton Award as the best FCS player in the country.
Throwing for over 10,000 yards, rushing for more than 1,700 yards, and combining for 130 total touchdowns show that he is ready for the moment as the Iowa Hawkeyes‘ next signal caller.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football QB Mark Gronowski handling the jump from FCS to FBS
