Aug 29, 2013
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — Former Hawkeye linebacker Gavin McGrath will serve as Iowa’s honorary captain this weekend when the University of Iowa hosts Northern Illinois (2:42 p.m., BTN) in Kinnick Stadium to open the 2013 season.
McGrath is a Cedar Rapids native who attended Washington HS. He joined the Iowa program as a walk-on in 2004. After a redshirt season he earned letters in both 2007 and 2008. McGrath played primarily on special teams throughout his career.
McGrath saw action in all 13 games as a senior in 2008, helping the Hawkeyes post a 9-4 record. Iowa concluded the season with a 31-10 win over South Carolina in the Outback Bowl. The Hawkeyes won their final three regular season games in 2008, including a 24-23 win over third ranked Penn State in Kinnick Stadium.
McGrath was named a permanent team captain for special teams following his senior season and also earned the Coaches Appreciation Award for special teams play. The finance major earned academic all-Big Ten recognition in both 2007 and 2008.
McGrath will accompany the Iowa captains to the center of the field for Saturday’s pregame coin toss. He will also be with the Hawkeyes in the locker room before and after the game, and on the sidelines during the contest.