2022 NFL Prospect Interview: Ian Fryday, TE/FB, Adams State University

• Name: Ian Fryday
• Height: 6’1”
• Weight: 235 lbs.
• Position: TE/FB/H-Back
• College: Adams State University
• Twitter: @ian_fryday
• Instagram: @ianfryday88

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I recently graduated Cum Laude honors with my Bachelor’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in management this last spring. Due to Covid, I now have the ability to play football and earn an MBA to finish out my 5th and final year of eligibility. I plan on getting my MBA in leadership strategies to help me in the future, no matter what route I choose. I will be done with my MBA in the spring of 2022.

On campus, I am a resident assistant for the apartments, and am going into my 4th year of doing that job. It has been a fun experience and allows me to make connections with people outside of the athletic department.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
That I lead by example. I won’t be the most vocal on the team, but no matter what I will show up and do what needs to be done everyday. I take pride in embracing the grind.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I can be lined up anywhere between the numbers from Fullback, Tight End, H-Back, or even Slot! Because I am not the ideal Tight End size, I feel that H-back or Fullback suits me the best.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?|
A teammate of mine, Alani Pututau. Each and everyday, I had to go against him in practice. And I owe a lot of credit to him for making me a better blocker because of it. He is an insane pass rusher and run stopper, as well as having a solid coverage game for playing DE. He will get picked back up by another NFL team and will be a beast!

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Adams State looks a lot different this year than in years past. We have a lot of talent that came in this past year, and we are continuing to bring in ballers this year. The team as a whole impresses me the most, battling through adversity of not having a season and only being able to hit each other for a full year. Every single person is ready to compete against a guy in another jersey.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
My recruiting process was no easy journey. I thought I was going to have a spot on a team that used to be in the RMAC before things fell through on my official visit. Fortunately, I was blessed to receive many NAIA offers. During my spring break of high school senior year, I took a trip to the ones I was most interested in, but just couldn’t see myself calling any of them home.

My high school coach was trying to find a fit for me, and managed to get me in touch with the Adams State coaching staff. I ended up taking a visit to Adams on June 26th, 2017. I decided that Adams is where I wanted to call home and decided to take a PWO offer where I began fall camp as the 5th or 6th string Tight End. I embraced the grind and didn’t worry about what I couldn’t control.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I would love to play basketball. I gave it up after my sophomore year of high school. I wanted to focus on football because training sessions would collide with offseason and summer workouts. Additionally, my body was transforming to be more successful playing football. To this day, I continue to play pickup basketball with my friends when we are all home. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
Graduating college is one of my biggest accomplishments to date. It hasn’t exactly hit me that I am a college graduate other than actually being able to see my degree. But it will when I get to do it all again in the spring, continuing to make my parents and sister proud which is a huge goal of mine.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
I will never forget my one handed touchdown grab against New Mexico Highlands in 2019. It was my 2nd touchdown of the game. Yet, what made it memorable for me is that my off hand got caught in the defender’s face mask and ended up dislocating my thumb. I was trying to pop it back into place while being on the FG team.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I am a Chargers fan! Loved them in San Diego and still do in LA! Had a great opportunity to run routes for Justin Herbert last summer which was real fun!

A couple guys I try to model my game after are Delanie Walker and George Kittle. I look up to Delanie Walker as a guy of similar stature like me and how he has been very successful in the NFL. With George Kittle, I love his energy as a player and leader. He plays the game with passion, and it shows on the field. He has great route running ability and is a great blocker as a TE.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
I don’t have a favorite artist, but I listen to a wide variety of music. I could go from Lil Uzi, to Luke Bryan, to EDM by just pressing my shuffle button. 

I don’t need much pump up before a game. I normally just go through my assignments in my head, think about the defenders I’m going to face, and once again worry about controlling what I can control.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Nothing is more comforting than getting a cheese burger and zucchini fries from Money Pit in my hometown.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
I am a huge Star Wars nerd and can watch any episode on any given day. 

Recently, I have really been getting into Game Of Thrones. It is not just a show you can throw on as background noise, you actually have to pay attention and focus to know what’s going on.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I love playing video games with my friends. Anything from Madden, Warzone, or 2k, to even the more unknown games like Rocket League and Fall Guys.

Spending time with my family is another huge portion of my spare time. I’m not home often, but when I am we have a great time together. Movie nights, game nights or just sitting in the jacuzzi. My sister and I are extremely competitive, it doesn’t matter if it’s board games or just running up the staircase. No matter what we want to win.

Who or what motivates you the most?
My family motivates me the most, to be the best version of myself. No matter what route I take in life, I know they have my back and support me on my journey. I am motivated to make them proud.