Aug. 17, 2010
Iowa Football Practice Photos (Tuesday, Aug. 17)
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa junior wide receiver Marvin McNutt has caught passes in six straight games. Recruited as a quarterback, McNutt changed positions and hauled in his first reception (for 11 yards) during a 45-9 victory at Indiana on Oct. 11, 2008. Last season McNutt caught 34 passes for 674 yards and a team-high eight touchdowns.
Being a junior on this team makes you a youngster. I assume that is a good thing?
It’s definitely a good thing. We look forward to what we have and to have as much leadership as we do with that senior class; if you do something wrong they can help point out and help you get better.
Eight touchdown receptions in 2009, 26 other big catches; how do you expect to top that this season?
It’s not about topping, I would say, `what can you do to improve?’ If you improve, the plays will come.
What was going through your mind when you found out you were moving from quarterback to wide receiver?
Right now it’s kind of out of my mind. I forgot that whole phase of being a quarterback because it’s past and right now we’re focusing on what we can do in the future.
Other than catching passes, what else do you enjoy about playing wide receiver?
At receiver you get a lot of attention; also you get to touch the ball the most on the team behind the quarterback and the running back.
What advice do you have for other players who might be considering a position change?
Keep your head focused. If it’s something you want to do, go for it. Don’t fight it if it’s God-willing.
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“A lot of times it really comes down to mentality and what kind of mentality the wide receiver has. The stronger I can be mentally, and the more I can focus on game film, will make me better. You have to do it every day; it’s something you slowly learn how to mentally train yourself to be a receiver rather than thinking like a quarterback all the time.”
UI junior receiver
Marvin McNutt |
Did you ever imagine playing receiver would turn out this well for you?
I did actually; I was hoping it would.
Have you ever thought about this stat line: you catch a touchdown pass, throw a touchdown pass and run for a touchdown?
I have. I’m not going to be Muhammad Ali and predict anything, but I will say that would definitely be a dream.
What has made you more successful, a height mismatch, great hands or deceptive speed?
A lot of times it really comes down to mentality and what kind of mentality the wide receiver has. The stronger I can be mentally, and the more I can focus on game film, will make me better. You have to do it every day; it’s something you slowly learn how to mentally train yourself to be a receiver rather than thinking like a quarterback all the time.
The Hawkeyes have won 20 games and two bowls in your first two years. How do you think this team compares to the other two?
There are a lot of similarities but at the same time you never know because things may change during the season. We want to come out just like those teams and take out last year and begin a new season.
What is a key to handling high expectations?
You try not to think about it. You come out every year and work hard and remember that we’re not the same team as last year, so let’s begin with game 1.
What do you like most about playing for coach Erik Campbell?
I like his attitude on the field; he’s enthusiastic, he knows the game and you don’t mind learning from a guy like that…someone who loves teaching the game of football.
Is it safe to assume that your game-winning grab at Michigan State in 2009 was your favorite or have there been any others with more meaning?
I like all the catches I make to be honest with you. Every catch that put our team in a better position to win a game, whether we lost or won, any catch is a highlight.