Jordyn Williams Adjusting to Big Ten Football with Help of Coach Heard, Fellow Wide Receivers

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Written by Evan Orris (@Evan_Orris)

For any college freshman, it is always tough adjusting to the newfound college lifestyle. Luckily for IU freshman wide receiver, Jordyn Williams, he has his teammates to help him.

“The receivers that I’ve been working with, especially Ty Fry (Fryfogle) and Buck (Camron Buckley), and a lot of the new receivers, they all took me under their wings to show me the ropes and show me the ways of how to be one of those Big Ten receivers. How to make big plays and determine what route you want to go down. They all gave me a helping hand and I just really appreciate them for that.” Williams said.

Williams ranked the No. 63 wide receiver nationally and the No. 65 prospect in Texas by ESPN. The four-star recruit committed to IU over schools such as Coastal Carolina, Colorado State and Alabama. One of the main reasons he chose IU was to work with wide receiver coach Grant Heard.

“Working with Coach Heard is a whole other ballgame,” Williams said. “He is a great coach, and he told me before I even got here that he was going to be hard on me.”

Heard has been another helping hand for Williams. The former wide receiver from Ole Miss has been working with Williams to get him prepared for the physicality of the Big Ten. 

“What he taught me that’s different is the little things,” Williams said. “Not so much catching the ball, it’s what you do after you catch it. Getting the right amount of yards….He’s one of those sticklers about the little things.” 

Williams enrolled into spring classes to get an early start and get on the field. Now he knows the playbook and will be well prepared for the start of the season. 

“I didn’t expect it to be how it was, but I’m glad that he threw me in the fire early,” Williams said. “Now I know what to expect going forward in the fall.”