Redshirt sophomore Jerrod Heard met with the media Tuesday to discuss his switch from quarterback to receiver.

He said the transition has been a tough adjustment, but he believes he can make an impact once he masters the position.

“Right now I’m enjoying it, loving every minute of it,” Heard said. “It’s just a learning thing every day.”

Heard was in the mix of an ongoing quarterback battle this offseason but saw his chances of winning the starting spot slipping away. Freshman Shane Buechele and senior Tyrone Swoopes take most first-team reps, and head coach Charlie Strong is expected to pick one of the two to lead his offense.

When Heard realized he might find himself on the sideline, he approached head coach Charlie Strong before training camp about changing positions.  

“I was ready for the transition, myself,” Heard said. “I felt like it would be a positive thing for me and for my future. I was all for it and ready to go.”

Since making the switch, Heard has made significant strides. He came down with a 50-yard touchdown reception in a scrimmage this past Saturday.  At 6 foot 2, he boasts the size and speed to pose a threat downfield. He showed off his quickness as a redshirt freshman in 2015, rushing for 556 yards.

Heard has seen himself go from a 10-game starter under center to an unproven option in a crowded receiver corps this offseason and said he doesn’t always like how the sport plays out. Still, he remains ready for anything thrown his way.

“I totally believe this year we’re going to experience a lot of [adversity],” Heard said. “We’re just going to have to bounce back, and I feel like we’re strong enough to do those things this year.”