Indiana University Athletics
Versatile Grosfield Ready for Final Campaign
9/1/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 1, 2006
Adversity is nothing new to senior Troy Grosfield. The 6-0 defensive back has overcome injury, switching positions and coaching changes during his five seasons in Bloomington. Despite the adversity, Grosfield believes he and the Hoosiers are stronger than ever and determined to make 2006 unforgettable.
After a knee injury cut his spring season short this year, the Littleton, Colo., native is more than ready to take the field for Indiana's season opener against Western Michigan.
"I can't wait to get back out there," Grosfield said. "I had a knee injury that consumed my spring. The injury gave me a chance to see what life is like without football."
Watching from the sidelines this spring was something the life-long athlete struggled with, but now he believes it only made him stronger and more determined.
"That was the first time in my life I was unable to play a sport and that was a pretty shocking experience," Grosfield said. "I'm excited to get back out there with the team and prove to everyone that you can come back from an injury and be as strong, if not stronger, than you were before the setback."
Injury was not the only challenge Grosfield has faced at IU. Due in large to his athleticism and versatility, Grosfield has seen time on special teams and offense, before finding his home in the defensive backfield.
"I came to IU as a kicker," Grosfield said. "In high school, I not only kicked, I played a little receiver, defensive back and corner back. That's just what you do in high school. I wanted and knew I could do more than kick in college. Although I got a little time at receiver my freshman year, I mainly kicked. That season, I led the kickoff team in tackles, so I got a shot at playing defensive back and the rest is history."
Rather than a setback, Grosfield has used his position changes to his advantage.
"I think that my diversity on the field has helped the team and made me a better player," Grosfield said. "Regardless of position, I have tried to help the team at wherever the coaches need me. That is the attitude I have always tried to have."
The adversity Grosfield has faced in his career has made him more determined to end his final season at Indiana on a high note.
"The injuries and that adversity have made me incredibly motivated," Grosfield said. "I want to go out on top this year. I want a bowl victory. I am going to give everything I have to get this team to a bowl game."
Grosfield credits much of his success and ability to overcome adversity to his teammates and second-year head coach Terry Hoeppner. "I love IU, and I love Coach Hoeppner," Grosfield said. "He is a true players' coach. He is a great guy on and off the field. Coach Hep is someone you can have a friendship with and go to and talk with about anything, not just football. Hep is a guy you really want to play for, and you do anything on the field that you can to make it work and to win."
During his four seasons as a Hoosier, Grosfield has a lifetime of memories that he will take with him at the conclusion of this year.
"My most memorable moment would be the first game I ever played in as a safety against Michigan at home," Grosfield said. "Braylon Edwards caught an out route on me. That was my first experience playing safety in the Big Ten. After that, I would have to say the win against Kentucky last year was another great moment for me and this team. Being the boarder war and having the all-time series tied up, it was critical that we win, and we did. The fans at that game were unbelievable and that was a moment I will never forget."
As Grosfield takes the field in his final season opener of his collegiate career, he can't help but to think about what will be going through his head a year from now.
"Without a doubt, being around my teammates, my friends and the coaches is what I will miss most about IU football next year," Grosfield said. "You make some great friends playing this sport. You come in as a group of individuals and you grow so much as a team. I appreciate everything IU and Coach Hep have done for me."
