When Tyrone Tracy Jr. began his career at the University of Iowa, he was primarily used as a wide receiver. When the game ended at Purdue, he had made a complete switch to running back. At least according to Tracy, the move resulted in him being selected by the New York Giants in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Speaking to reporters recently, Tracy was asked if he thought he would have been selected in the NFL Draft if he had remained a receiver. The former boilermaker provided an honest review.
“Honestly, no,” Tracy said. “When I was a receiver, I might have been an average speed receiver, an average size receiver. When I was a running back, I was a fast running back, a big running back, a runner who could catch the ball. Back.'' Outfield.
“The switch from receiver to running back was actually the missing piece of the puzzle, given how God arranged everything and allowed me to adjust my situation to some degree.”
Throughout his career, Tracy has proven to be one of the most versatile offensive athletes in the Big Ten. He ended up with 1,201 receiving yards, 947 rushing yards, and 16 total touchdowns.
The 2023 season at Purdue was Tracy's most effective season as a running back. He finished the year with 716 yards and eight touchdowns. He also gained 132 receiving yards and took 16 kickoffs for 408 yards and one touchdown.
Without a doubt, Tracy proved himself as a running back during his time at Purdue. So why was the switch from the receiver so delayed?
“I always wanted to play running back, but I never had the opportunity. The opportunity was at receiver,” he said. “We had great running backs at Iowa. We had great running backs at Purdue. So I just did what the team wanted me to do. The team wanted me to be a receiver, so I went out there and did my best.” I did my best.'' “
Ultimately, it was first-year coach Ryan Walters who helped Tracy transition from receiver to running back. Before the 2023 season, the Boilermakers switched the senior to full-time running back, where he developed.
“He saw that I could be very explosive when I had the ball in my hands,” Tracy said of Walters. “(He) asked me, 'Who's the easiest way to get the ball, receiver or running back?' I was betting on myself because I've played running back my whole life. It was easier to transition to running back than it was to transition to receiver. ”
After a solid college career in Iowa City and West Lafayette, Tracy is now trying to make his mark in the NFL and find a roster spot with the Giants. He plans to make the most of this opportunity.
“I'm blessed. I'm grateful,” he said. “I've been working for this for 20 years.”