Mark Gronowski is ‘really ahead on everything’ as he recovers from shoulder surgery

IOWA CITY — Kirk Ferentz said it. Now, Mark Gronowski is saying it, too.

The South Dakota State quarterback transfer is ahead of schedule as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery.

“Right now, it’s been good,” Gronowski said on an episode of Iowa Athletics’ Fight for Iowa podcast. “Just doing everything PT wise, and I’m really ahead on everything right now.”

Gronowski’s comments to Iowa radio broadcaster Gary Dolphin, published Thursday evening, marked the first time the much-acclaimed quarterback publicly discussed his shoulder injury and subsequent surgery.

“I could have kept playing through it,” Gronowski said. “I could have done a lot of other things. We just thought that this was best for my future and for this next fall to make me the best player that I can possibly be.”

Thursday’s update was in line with Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz’s comments at his spring news conference a week earlier. Ferentz said Gronowski’s recovery was “probably a little bit ahead” of schedule.

“Mark will be throwing lightly here probably in a couple weeks, but not with the team,” Ferentz said. “The biggest thing right now is just make sure nobody runs into him or he doesn’t fall down. Just being cautious with him.”

Iowa announced Gronowski’s intention to have surgery in January. Ferentz said via a press release at the time it was for a “common football-related injury,” and the sports medicine staff “has confidence he will be fully rehabbed in time to participate in our summer program.”

Gronowski was not in pads for the portion of Thursday’s practice that was open to media. He did go through some snaps with backup offensive lineman Josh Janowski alongside the other quarterbacks and centers.

“When we come back for summer workouts, I’ll be all-go,” Gronowski said. “But no, right now, working out with the team every day, on the field every day going through my mental reps and meeting with (offensive coordinator Tim) Lester. So I’m going to be ready when it comes fall.”

The Naperville, Ill., native has been a welcomed addition in Iowa City after he led South Dakota State to two FCS national titles and was the 2023 recipient of the FCS Walter Payton Award. He has 93 career touchdown passes versus 20 interceptions.

In the meantime, Iowa’s first-team quarterback on the spring depth chart is Brendan Sullivan. The ex-Northwestern quarterback started three games for the Hawkeyes last year and completed 71.7 percent of his passes while throwing three touchdown passes and three interceptions. Auburn transfer Hank Brown is the second-team quarterback.

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