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Garrett Frye Bulking Up During Transition from Georgia Southern Eagle to Kansas City Chief

During his college career, Garrett Frye became one of Georgia Southern's best-ever offensive linemen. Now he's looking to take it to the next level in the NFL.

Michael Chang/Getty Images

It's hard to have a much better college career than the one Garrett Frye just wrapped up at GSU. As an offensive lineman for one of college football's deadliest rushing attacks Frye racked up an incredible CV en route to signing as an undrafted free agent with the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs.

We caught up with Frye to see how the transition from college to pro is going, what he considers the biggest highlight of his college career and what he plans to do after his final down has been played.

H.W. Aside from being named all-Sun Belt last year, you were also an academic all-american. With all of the pressure to win on the football field how were you able to succeed in the classroom?

G.F. School was never really a problem, it was what I came to Georgia Southern to do. I didn't go to Georgia Southern with NFL hopes and dreams. My primary goal was to earn my degree, so I tried to put the same effort that I gave on the practice field into the classroom. I would just like to thank all of my professors throughout my career at Georgia Southern, they made my classroom experience the best it possibly could have been.

H.W. What will you be working on primarily from now through the start of preseason games in August? How are things going so far in Kansas City?

G.F. The primary focus of this summer will be to learn the Kansas City playbook to the best of my abilities and the proper technique to make myself a better football player.

H.W. Georgia Southern changed offensive schemes last year with the arrival of Willie Fritz. Will that experience of learning new blocking schemes come in handy as you adjust to an NFL offense?

G.F. I believe that it has already helped a great deal. The triple option was a great offense for our program, however, there aren't many techniques that can be carried over to an NFL-type offense. Coach Fritz brought an offense that was much more relatable. We ran plays such as the standard power and inside zone which bring a ton of carryover to an NFL offense.c

H.W. The Eagle teams you played on won every conference title they were eligible for and of course also beat the Florida Gators in 2013. You played a huge role by paving the way for 429 rushing yards against Florida and a nation-leading 4,573 yards on the ground during the 2014 season. What was the biggest highlight of your college career?

G.F. I'd say that there are two. The Florida game of course was a monumental win in Georgia Southern history as it was our first FBS win in program history. Beating a team of that caliber in the last game of the season where we were ineligible to make the playoffs was just a perfect way to cap a season and send off our seniors. The second would be the ULM game last year. It was also just the perfect ending to our first FBS season.

H.W. Where do you see yourself making the biggest impact on an NFL roster?

G.F. I don't necessarily know yet. I feel that I have the work ethic and versatility to learn a variety of positions even though I have only played tackle in college. I want to be a guy that can play anywhere on the offensive line, the more I can do the better the chances I have at making a roster.

H.W. You're listed at 6-5, 290 pounds. As hard as it is to believe, that actually puts you below the NFL average of around 310 pounds. Will you be looking to gain weight during the offseason or maintain your current weight?

G.F. I actually have already begun to gain weight. We had weigh-ins earlier this week and I weighed in at 302 pounds. Considering that at the end of the season I was around 280 pounds I don't think that putting on a few more pounds will be too much of a challenge. I just want to make sure that I put it on right.

H.W. As I mentioned earlier, you're an accomplished student as well as an accomplished athlete. What are your plans after your playing days are over?

G.F. My first plan entering college was to become a physical therapist and I think that I will continue that after my days of playing football are over. I'm sure I'll have many aches and pains when it's all over so I'd like to learn how to treat them as well as other people.

H.W. Is there anything else you'd like to say to the Eagle Nation?

G.F. I'd just like to say thanks to all my teammates, the faculty, coaching staff, students and fans of Georgia Southern University. You've made the past four years the greatest of my life and I can't thank you enough. Best of luck next season, I'll be watching! GO EAGLES!