The Iowa Hawkeyes will have a new quarterback again this fall and for the first time in several years it won’t be a senior. Two sophomores are battling to succeed Nathan Chandler: Drew Tate and Jason Manson. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz who says the quarterbacks are products of different systems, and they’re both like Brad Banks and Nathan Chandler were coming in. Tate is a thrower, while Mason has played in a more versatile offense. Ferentz says both have the tools needed to lead the team, although he expects to go through some bumps. Tate played sparingly last season as a back-up and has the lead in a race to direct a Hawkeye offense with several new faces. He says everyone is getting comfortable and learning how they all work together.Tate says he won’t be afraid to make mistakes but knows it will be important to limit turnovers. He says the first game will tell how well they click.Manson says the offense will look the same no matter which quarterback is in the game. He says Tate may be a better passer, but he says they’re both mobile and both will just be trying to score touchdowns.Manson says he is not going to concede the job just yet. He says the competition is definitely making him better and he thinks it’s making the others better too.Iowa opens the season September fourth at home against Kent State.
