If you’re going to play in the NFL, you obviously need confidence. If you’re going to play in the NFL after going to a smaller school, you need that confidence and a little bit of luck.
For former Rhode Island receiver Ivory Frimpong, that confidence has been with him for quite a while now. Frimpong – who caught 36 balls for 494 yards and two touchdowns last year – is very much on the radar of NFL scouts. It may come as a surprise to some, but not Frimpong.
“Ever since I started playing high school football, I had a work ethic that separated me from my peers,’ Frimpong said recently when asked when he felt like his career really started to take off. “If I was in season I would find time to get extra work in. If I was in the off-season I would spend basically everyday working my craft. At a young age the idea that I could improve in my sport by how hard I work made me obsessed with the process. After my freshman season I was asked to move up to varsity and that was validation I needed for myself to realize I could actually take this football thing to another level.
“Rhode Island was one of the first schools to offer me. On my visit I saw how amazing the state was. Being by the ocean and playing for a coach who was passionate about changing the culture there was were all things that convinced me to commit. The whole coaching staff embraced me and took me in as family and the relationships and knowledge I was able to learn there is the reason why I was able to excel on and off the field and earn a shot at the NFL.”
Getting drafted is the ultimate goal for most college football players, but Frimpong is most proud of the culture change he was able to help create under Coach Fleming.
“I think what made Rhode Island the best choice for me is the simple fact of getting to be apart of a team that was going through a shift in culture,” he said. “Last year we had our best season in 20 years and to me, that’s why I came to this school. To be a part of that change. I would hope that scouts have noticed that my work ethic is second to none and how my frame and size coupled with my ability to run routes and catch the ball has been able to help us as a team be more productive.”
It’s not every day that you can rely on a former NFL player to help in your development during the draft process, but Frimpong has had that luxury.
“Since the season ended I’ve relied heavily on my trainer Leonard Stephens who has been my lead trainer in getting ready for my Pro Day,” Frimpong explained. “He was an undrafted free agent who played tight end for the Redskins. He’s been the underdog before and he worked his way to make an NFL team. There’s a lot of knowledge I can gain from his experience. Aside from getting me technically and fundamentally ready for the next level, we talk about the mindset that is needed and the thought process it takes to make that jump from collegiate to pro on a daily basis.”
Part of Stephens’ tutelage has included a regimented schedule for Frimpong, which is a schedule most, if not all draft prospects are leaning on while preparing for the combine or their respective Pro Days. Frimpong was not invited to the “main” combine in Indy, but he’ll be ready to go for March 23rd which is when he’ll head over to Bryant for that Pro Day.
“To prepare, I’ve relentlessly been working on my combine test trying to maximize each and every drill to be able to put my best foot forward,” he explained. “Wake up everyday at 6:15, quick breakfast and I’m out the door headed to the facility.”
Of course, if the NFL doesn’t work out there needs to be a backup plan too, right? Frimpong is already ahead of the game with an impressive internship.
“We wrap up around 11:30 and the rest of the day is spent working at my internship doing commercial real estate in Washington D.C.,” Frimpong added. “Every day is a grind. Sometimes not just physically but mentally as well. Training all winter and spring for a couple of combine drills are definitely different then what I’m used to. You really have to remind yourself every day of why you are doing what you’re doing and I think that’s what’s driving me the most right now. When it’s all said and done, I want to say I did everything humanly possible to put my self in a position to make an NFL team and that’s why I refuse to let off the gas.”
Frimpong has the physical tools to make an NFL roster whether it’s via the draft or as a guy who proves it in training camp. Either way, the former Rhody Ram knows how much he can bring to the table if given the opportunity.
“When I’m signed, I expect people to see on Sunday’s a receiver who will do anything for his team,” said Frimpong. “I want to be that receiver who will catch anything you throw at him. Whats most important to me is being a reliable target who can help my team move the chains on a consistent basis. I’m not a flashy guy or a receiver who will kill you doing 100 different moves. I simply have one job and that’s to catch the ball and that’s what I expect to do every Sunday.”