Jordan Grier's Leap of Faith Paying Off in Bloomington

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic incoming freshman defensive back Jordan Grier, out of Georgia, had not been to Bloomington before arriving on campus in June. He knew next to nothing about what the school and football program had to offer outside of what head coach Tom Allen and the rest of his coaching staff told him on virtual tours. It was a leap of faith that led Grier to commit to a school in a state he had never set foot in, but that leap of faith has been rewarded.

“I didn't know anything coming into IU. I have never been to Indiana or Bloomington before. It was a big jump. A big leap taking on coach Tom Allen's word and believing in what he was saying. Everyone wants to be coached by a guy like Coach Allen. He has everything that I am looking for in a college coach.” Grier said.

Grier was a three-star prospect coming out of Ceder Grove High School in Ellenwood, Georgia and is joining a defensive back field that has sky high expectations heading into the 2021 season. The Hoosiers return nearly everyone in the defensive backfield from a season ago, so Grier will likely get time to develop on the practice field and in the weight room where he is already seeing gains.

“When I came in I was at 173, since last Friday, I was at 191 92 194.” Grier said when asked about how much weight he has gained. “They feed us very every day. Very good. Working out with the guys every morning getting up early. I guess drinking protein shakes, all that stuff.”

Like many of the young freshman, Grier has been leaning on the veterans to show him the way on and off the field. “I am gaining a lot of knowledge from the older guys. Guys like Monster [Devon Matthews], Bryson Bonds, and Raheem Layne. They are coaching me up and coaching me through the playbook where I am supposed to be and when I need to be there.” Grier said.

The lessons learned from the veterans now should help pay dividends in the future. The Hoosier secondary is deep and talented, which should allow Grier to develop and not be rushed into action. So far his leap of faith in Tom Allen and the IU program has been rewarded.