C.J. Beathard (sports hernia) is not 100 percent heading into spring practice but head coach Kirk Ferentz expects him to be a full participant, HawkeyeNation.com reports. "I wouldn't describe him as a hundred percent, but I think he's close to it now. He

Beathard (sports hernia) is not 100 percent heading into spring practice but head coach Kirk Ferentz expects him to be a full participant, HawkeyeNation.com reports. "I wouldn't describe him as a hundred percent, but I think he's close to it now. He should be able to practice full speed out there. We'll be careful about what we do with him because he's still a little bit delicate at this point," said Ferentz at Tuesday's press conference.

Analysis:

Beathard was hampered by a sports hernia down the stretch last season and ultimately had to undergo surgery on the ailment in late January. He's roughly two months into his recovery, so while he's mostly healed, Ferentz alluded to the possibility of him being held out of certain drills in order to keep Beathard healthy with no setbacks. Beathard already has more than one year of starting experience, so this spring will be about developing chemistry with his new pass catching weapons. Regardless, Beathard will be the opening week starter unless he suffers a significant setback.