Fryfogle, Hoosiers ‘On the Attack’ For Big Spring and Beyond

By Pete DiPrimio
IUHoosiers.com

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Ty Fryfogle has no time for a rear-view mirror approach, no reason to dwell on a rock-the-Big-Ten-world Indiana football season.

The standout receiver didn't pass on potential NFL opportunity to return for more of the same.

Yes, the Hoosiers are coming off a 6-2 season that left them with a No. 12 national ranking, but it didn't include a bowl victory or a championship. Heck, it didn't even get them into the Big Ten title game.

Sure, Fryfogle produced individual numbers never seen before, not in the 125-plus-year Hoosier program, not in Big Ten history.

But he wants more, from himself and the team. With a ton of talent returning on offense and defense, with a coaching staff boosted by additions from the SEC (defensive coordinator Charlton Warren) and the NFL (associate head coach/running backs coach Deland McCullough), all things are possible, Fryfogle insists via Zoom opportunity.

"I feel we left a lot on the table last season," he says. "We have a lot more to accomplish. The future is bright. Everything is in our favor. We can accomplish whatever we want to."

Fryfogle and the Hoosiers have just wrapped up the first of 15 spring practices. Barring another major pandemic-caused disaster, they will get the full 15 in, which should go a long way toward developing the kind of team that will challenge for Big Ten East supremacy.

"With spring ball," Fryfogle says, "we have 15 opportunities to get better and build off what we did last season."

That includes Fryfogle, who rewrote the record book en route to earning All-America and Big Ten Receiver-of-the-Year honors.

He's the first Big Ten player to have consecutive 200-yard receiving games after burning Michigan State for 200 yards, two touchdowns and 11 catches, and Ohio State for seven catches, 218 yards and three TDs.

He finished with 37 catches for 721 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 19.5 yards per reception.

In so many ways, Fryfogle represents the best of IU's developmental program. He didn't arrive with 5-star accolades and superstar skills, although he certainly had Big Ten talent. He had to work, wait, and watch.

So he did, and rewards followed, but he doesn't want that to define him.

"I had some great accomplishments," he says, "but there were things I needed to work on. All of the things from last season go out the window. It's a new season and I need to do it over again at a better rate."

Fryfogle and the Hoosiers will try to do it better next season against some of the best teams in America. Besides the usual rugged Big Ten East schedule, IU also will play at Iowa and against Cincinnati (9-1 last season).

"We play in a tough conference week in and week out," Fryfogle says. "We will be facing top-tier teams. We don't overlook anybody because I feel anybody can win the Big Ten.

"We are going to work towards that every day, whether it's in the weight room or film room."

The Hoosiers have the firepower to thrive against anyone. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is expected to be fully recovered from last season's torn ACL. He threw for 1,645 yards and 14 touchdowns in six games.

Running backs Sampson James, Tim Baldwin Jr., and David Ellis return, as do receivers Miles Marshall, Jacolby Hewitt and Javon Swinton, and offensive linemen Matthew Bedford, Caleb Jones, Mike Katic, Mackenzie Nworah, and Dylan Powell.

Defensively, there's linebackers Micah McFadden and Cam Jones, defensive backs Devon Matthews, Tiawan Mullen, Reese Taylor, and Jaylin Williams, plus husky Marcelino Ball, who missed last season with his own torn ACL.

Then there's kicker Charles Campbell, who rated among the Big Ten's best by making 10-of-11 field goal attempts.

"We have a lot of guys coming back," Fryfogle says. "We are going to be special."

Fryfogle's role includes greater leadership responsibilities overall and in the receiver room, which has added 4-star standout Jordyn Williams, plus Florida State transfer D.J. Matthews, who figures to take over Whop Philyor's slot receiver role.

"(Leadership) comes with hanging out with them, lifting weights with them, going over plays with them, and running routes," Fryfogle says.

"We have been getting them up to speed and showing them what we do at Indiana. They are going to be really good and really special to the offense."

It all suggests a program built for long-term success. McFadden says the Hoosiers understand last year's accomplishments guarantee nothing for the future, and that a strong spring is critical for a big fall.

"The whole team is more locked in. This spring a lot of guys are ready to attack and perfect their craft."

Fryfogle, Hoosiers ‘On the Attack’ For Big Spring and Beyond

Players Mentioned

Tim Baldwin Jr.

Matthew Bedford

Charles Campbell

David Ellis

Ty Fryfogle

Jacolby Hewitt

Caleb Jones

Cam Jones

Mike Katic

Miles Marshall

Devon Matthews

D.J. Matthews Jr.

Micah McFadden

Tiawan Mullen

Michael Penix Jr.

Whop Philyor

Dylan Powell

Javon Swinton

Reese Taylor

Jaylin Williams

Jordyn Williams

Indiana University Athletics