Indiana University Athletics
Catching up with Courtney Roby
4/7/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 6, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - In the past 12 months, Courtney Roby's life has changed in more ways than one. A year ago, Roby completed an illustrious Indiana career as the Hoosiers' all-time leading wide receiver (170 receptions for 2,524 yards) and was working out and anxiously awaiting the 2005 NFL Draft. A third-round selection and the 68th-overall pick of the Tennessee Titans, Roby enjoyed a productive rookie campaign with 21 receptions for 289 yards and one touchdown.
Suffice it to say, Roby is settled in the NFL.
"First of all, it is not as stressful as it was a year ago," Roby said. "I was trying to stay in shape in conditioning, and I was worrying about the draft. Now, I'm just focused on playing football."
Roby encourages former Indiana teammates like defensive end Victor Adeyanju and offensive lineman Isaac Sowells to maintain that same perspective as they continue to prepare for the 2006 NFL Draft, held April 29-30 in New York.
"Get around positive people that you love," Roby said. "Try not to stress, but it is hard to relax. You don't have any control over what round and what team takes you. As long as you give your best at the NFL Combine and the all-star games, things will take care of themselves."
That approach paid dividends for Roby, who started six games in his first season with the Titans and also returned 22 kickoffs for 495 yards, and as many NFL rookies will tell you, considerable playing time includes some invaluable lessons.
"The biggest thing I had to do was refine what I did in college," Roby said. "At this level, everyone is fast and smart, so I had to refine my tools and technique."
The highlight of Roby's debut season came when he caught seven passes for 83 yards and his first regular season touchdown against Oakland on Oct. 30.
As you can imagine, the first trip to the end zone is extra special.
"It was a simple post route, but one of the Raider defensive backs was (former Purdue standout) Stuart Schweigert," Roby said. "So we have faced each other quite a bit in the last few years."
Although he is one year removed from Bloomington, Roby keeps close tabs on the IU program. His younger brother, Brandon Walker-Roby, is a sophomore wide receiver for the Hoosiers, and Brandon caught 10 passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns in his 2005 freshman season.
"It means a lot," Roby said of the family legacy at IU. "I told him to stay hungry and keep working hard. He did better, touchdown-wise, than I did as a freshman. He just needs to keep his head on straight, and he has done that so far."
Likewise, Roby sees a bright future for the Indiana program.
"They're definitely headed in the right direction," Roby said. "I like the coaching staff, and the offense is high-powered and going to put some points on the scoreboard. As long as they keep bringing in players to build the program, they'll be fine."
Indiana continues its preparation for the April 8 Pancakes 'n' Pigskins scrimmage. Breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m., as adults can purchase pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee for $5, and kids 12 and under can buy breakfast for $3.
The Kids Zone is back for its second straight Pancakes 'n' Pigskin and features various interactive inflatables and other activities.
Admission to the 10 a.m. intrasquad scrimmage is free and includes a halftime talk with Coach Terry Hoeppner and player and coach autograph session on the field after the scrimmage.
IU's 2006 spring season concludes with the annual Cream and Crimson intrasquad game on April 15 at 4 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.
IU season ticket holders will also have the opportunity to renew their season tickets before the April 17 priority deadline to save 10 percent off the price of an adult ticket. Please call 855-4006 or 866-IUSPORTS for more information.
