IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Quarterbacks aren’t supposed to get hit in practice, but Mark Gronowski wouldn’t mind getting tackled a few times before the season.

“I’m a guy that loves contact,” Iowa’s first-year quarterback said. “I love getting hit to start off games. Just get the feel of it, especially to start the season off. I haven’t been hit all offseason, all fall camp, as we try to protect the quarterbacks, but I’ll put my body on the line when we need to.”

It’s probably not wise, though, for Gronowski to take too many shots. The South Dakota State transfer is the central figure in an offense that is starved for better quarterback production.

“To me, ever since Spencer got hurt in November of ’22, it’s been a bumpy road,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said, referring to Spencer Petras. “N

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