COVID-19 Restrictions Have Given IU's Receivers a Glimpse of What NFL Preparation is LIke

Whop Philyor leads the Hoosier receiver corps in 2020 Image: Amanda Pavelka Hoosier Huddle

Written by Juliet Gahan

IU’s co-offensive coordinator and wide receiver coach Grant Heard has been pushing his players to train from home and be ready for the fall season. 

“I've just been challenging them, if you all want to be NFL guys, NFL guys are not at their facilities this time of year anyway. If you want to start getting yourself into that lifestyle this is where it is.” Heard said. NFL players typically use the spring to train on their own and he wants his players to take these months to get ready like it’s the big time. 

When a pandemic is not sweeping across the nation, the Hoosiers would be back on campus after having 15 spring practices and working with the strength and conditioning staff to prepare for the fall. This year, social distancing is in effect and IU players must train on their own without the benefits of a coach making sure they do the work. This model is commonly used in the NFL. 

Heard has not seen some of the players in months. Without spring ball, it is difficult to tell what the underclassmen are capable of achieving. 

“But right now, they need to make sure they come back in shape. Learn as much as they can away from us, which is kind of difficult at times.” Heard stated. He is relying on team leaders to step up and take charge of what needs to be done before the fall season.

“Some of my guys are doers” Heard added, “they need to do it, read it in the playbook and see exactly what they need. They all want to be NFL players and this is what NFL players are doing right now. They are having to do it virtually and on their own, take a bunch of mental reps and try to learn in that way.”

Heard has high hopes for senior wide receivers Whop Philyor and Ty Fryfogle. Last season the Philyor led the Hoosiers in receiving with 70 catches for 1,002 yards and five touchdowns while Fryfogle was third on the team with 45 catches and 604 yards. These two might be the leaders Heard is looking for. 

“I'm trying to give them freedom to do stuff, to get guys together, to do it on their own and develop them speaking out.” Heard said. Philyor and Fryfogle both have opportunities to lead meetings and motivate the younger players. 

However, Heard is open to other players stepping up as well. 

“I don't truly believe that just because you're a senior you're a leader. Leaders can be anybody.” Said Heard. Younger teammates Jacolby Hewitt and Miles Marshall have the potential to step up and take on a leadership role as well. The two have the chance to make a real impact this fall. Hewitt, now a redshirt sophomore, missed all of 2019 with an injury, but should be ready come the fall. Marshall, also a redshirt sophomore played in all 13 of Indiana’s games last year and contributed 16 catches for 196 yards and a touchdown.

Heard and Hoosier fans are hoping the leader the players need is in the room. Many players have the potential to inspire the entire team. Hoosiers will anxiously await the fall to see just who will make an impact this season.