Matt VandeBerg’s return to Iowa is official

IOWA CITY — In November, Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz called Matt VandeBerg's request for a medical hardship waiver and a fifth year of eligibility a 'slam dunk.'

Iowa announced Wednesday that the senior wide receiver will return to the Hawkeyes for the 2017 season. The university submitted the waiver request. It was approved Wednesday by the Big Ten Conference, which has the authority to approve any medical hardship waiver requests that meet NCAA requirements.

'We are excited to receive the official news on Matt returning for the 2017 season,' Ferentz said in a statement. 'Matt is a veteran and a proven leader. His presence within our program, both on and off the field, for the next year will be a valuable addition.'

VandeBerg spoke on the topic in late November. He gave himself one night to vent his frustrations on the broken foot he suffered during a Monday practice on Sept. 26. When his season ended, VandeBerg led the Hawkeyes in receptions (19), receiving yards (284) and receiving touchdowns (three).

'As soon as I figured out I was done for the year,' VandeBerg said about how quickly his thoughts went toward applying for a hardship waiver. 'It was a very easy decision. This organization is fantastic. I don't know why anybody would want to leave it early.'

VandeBerg has appeared in 41 games since his freshman season in 2013. He had eight receptions in 2013, 14 in 2014 and led Iowa with 65 catches and 703 receiving yards as a junior in 2015.

His career totals include 106 receptions, 1,302 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns. His receptions totals tie for 19th and his receiving yards rank 27th in program history.

Iowa will have a new quarterback in 2017, with freshman Nathan Stanley being the front-runner (he was the backup behind senior C.J. Beathard all season). Stanley should have a sturdy offensive line next season, but he's going to need weapons in the passing game, which was what Beathard dearly missed this season. So, VandeBerg's presence should help with that transition.

For what it's worth, VandeBerg needs 68 receptions to tie the Iowa career record of 174, set by Kevonte Martin-Manley during the 2014 season.

In the last nine seasons, Iowa has had six receivers catch 50-plus passes, for a read on the possibilities of a record.

The fact that VandeBerg's injury happened before the second half of the season and that he didn't compete in more than 30 percent of the season clinched his medical waiver. This contrasts with former Iowa defensive end Drew Ott, who was denied a medical waiver after playing in six games, including week 7, last season. Ott suffered torn ligaments in his elbow, played through that and then had his season ended when he suffered a torn ACL.

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