Texas receiver Jerrod Heard – yep, just used that title – addressed the media on Tuesday. Instead of talking about the quarterback position, Heard fielded questions about playing receiver. It was not questions anybody could have anticipated a year ago, but Heard was seemingly happy, comfortable, and even cracked a few jokes, while discussing his recent position switch.
Here are the highlights from Heard’s media session:
- Overall, Heard has the transition from quarterback to receiver has gone extremely well. Heard could not pinpoint when he discussed the switch with Texas coach Charlie Strong, but said it was before the preseason camp. Since Heard was recovering from a shoulder injury, he spent a lot of time in the weight room, improving his speed and ran routes. During that time span, Heard felt like he was good enough to play receiver.
- Here is Heard’s take on the switch: “I was ready for the transition myself. I felt like it would be a positive thing for me and my future. I was all for it and ready to go.”
- Heard was asked if he switched positions because “he had to be on the field.” Here was his response: “I do feel like I've got to be out there. I feel like I've got to contribute to this team, and just being that depth for a reliable guy.”
- Before Heard switched to receiver, he did some research. Heard wanted to know what each player did to become productive pass-catchers. After seeing how previous college quarterbacks switched and had success at the next level, it helped solidify his decision.
- The two teammates Heard has leaned on for advice during this transition have been receivers Jake Oliver and Petey Warrick. Both guys spend time working with Heard on his route-running.
- This might be the best quote from Heard’s media session: “I’m a receiver. Wildcat. You’re going to see me do a lot. It’s going to be fun. I’m all across the board and just an athlete, really.”
- The play of Tyrone Swoopes and Shane Buechele made it easier for Heard to try another position this season: “When you have a quarterback room like we've got, it doesn’t matter who can go out there and play. I felt that I have total faith in those guys, so I could go play receiver, or go play anything, and I know they can put the ball in my hands.”
- However, it is important to note that Heard has not totally given up on the quarterback position. He knows if either quarterback sustains an injury, or struggles, his name might be called: “No, I haven’t given up. In this game of football, anything happens. I’m also keeping my antennas up and making sure I’m not become that straight (receiver) guy. I still have to be (ready), if anything happens and my number gets called.”
- When Heard’s black jersey was finally taken away, it was a dream come true for defensive players who are not allowed to hit their quarterback in practice. Heard usually trash talks in practice, and he knew his payback was coming: “The day they took the black jersey away, I’m not going to lie, I was kind of scared because the DBs, they loved it, and the linebackers loved it. I remember, I think it was Malik and Tim Cole, (saying) they’ve been praying for this day.”
- Even though Heard talks a lot of smack, there is one guy who will not get into a war of words with – cornerback Kris Boyd. Most trash talk is playful. However, it appears Boyd takes it to another level: “That’s a different animal of smack talking. He has his own type of way of smack talking. His is kind of physical. You have to really be careful with Kris because he’ll get you.” By the way, when asked who has delivered the hardest hit on him in practice, Heard said it was Boyd.
Here are the highlights from Heard’s media session:
- Overall, Heard has the transition from quarterback to receiver has gone extremely well. Heard could not pinpoint when he discussed the switch with Texas coach Charlie Strong, but said it was before the preseason camp. Since Heard was recovering from a shoulder injury, he spent a lot of time in the weight room, improving his speed and ran routes. During that time span, Heard felt like he was good enough to play receiver.
- Here is Heard’s take on the switch: “I was ready for the transition myself. I felt like it would be a positive thing for me and my future. I was all for it and ready to go.”
- Heard was asked if he switched positions because “he had to be on the field.” Here was his response: “I do feel like I've got to be out there. I feel like I've got to contribute to this team, and just being that depth for a reliable guy.”
- Before Heard switched to receiver, he did some research. Heard wanted to know what each player did to become productive pass-catchers. After seeing how previous college quarterbacks switched and had success at the next level, it helped solidify his decision.
- The two teammates Heard has leaned on for advice during this transition have been receivers Jake Oliver and Petey Warrick. Both guys spend time working with Heard on his route-running.
- This might be the best quote from Heard’s media session: “I’m a receiver. Wildcat. You’re going to see me do a lot. It’s going to be fun. I’m all across the board and just an athlete, really.”
- The play of Tyrone Swoopes and Shane Buechele made it easier for Heard to try another position this season: “When you have a quarterback room like we've got, it doesn’t matter who can go out there and play. I felt that I have total faith in those guys, so I could go play receiver, or go play anything, and I know they can put the ball in my hands.”
- However, it is important to note that Heard has not totally given up on the quarterback position. He knows if either quarterback sustains an injury, or struggles, his name might be called: “No, I haven’t given up. In this game of football, anything happens. I’m also keeping my antennas up and making sure I’m not become that straight (receiver) guy. I still have to be (ready), if anything happens and my number gets called.”
- When Heard’s black jersey was finally taken away, it was a dream come true for defensive players who are not allowed to hit their quarterback in practice. Heard usually trash talks in practice, and he knew his payback was coming: “The day they took the black jersey away, I’m not going to lie, I was kind of scared because the DBs, they loved it, and the linebackers loved it. I remember, I think it was Malik and Tim Cole, (saying) they’ve been praying for this day.”
- Even though Heard talks a lot of smack, there is one guy who will not get into a war of words with – cornerback Kris Boyd. Most trash talk is playful. However, it appears Boyd takes it to another level: “That’s a different animal of smack talking. He has his own type of way of smack talking. His is kind of physical. You have to really be careful with Kris because he’ll get you.” By the way, when asked who has delivered the hardest hit on him in practice, Heard said it was Boyd.
