Defenses knew what was coming, but it didn't matter.
It was evident early in the 2021 season that tight end De'quize Fryer was going to be the centerpiece of the LaGrange College offense.
Despite drawing heavy attention from opposing defenses, Fryer was one of the country's most productive tight ends.
In 10 games, the 6-foot-2 Fryer had 66 catches for 944 yards with 11 touchdowns.
In a testament to his consistency, Fryer never had fewer than three catches in a game, and he had at least one touchdown reception in every game, all while usually having multiple defenders blanketing him.
As satisfying as 2021 was from an individual standpoint, Fryer isn't looking back, and he's focused on making the most of a new season that begins on Sept. 3 at home against Middle Georgia.
"I'm ready for this season," Fryer said. "I'll just take it day by day. I'm trying to get better with my craft, and in school."
Fryer is also hoping to enjoy some team success.
The 2021 season was a tough one for the Panthers, who finished with a 2-8 record.
Fryer is grateful for the way head coach Earl Chambers and the other members of the staff have supported him, and he wants their efforts to be repaid with a winning season.
"They're great guys, and I want to see them reap the benefits and get a ring so they can say they're champions," Fryer said.
Fryer was a standout player at Jones County High near Macon, and his plan was to come to LaGrange College right out of high school.
Instead, Fryer ended up going the junior-college route, but he remained focused on playing for LaGrange College, and in 2019 he was admitted to the school.
"When we first tried to get him in school, the school said no," Chambers said. "He went off for a year to get it together. When he came back, the lightbulb went off. He wanted to be successful. It drove him to be the person he is. When you tell somebody with that passion no, it's like, I'm going to make this work."
When Fryer arrived at LaGrange College, he was focused on excelling in all aspects of student life, and he has succeeded in that mission.
"I got As and Bs, and I made the Dean's List with a 3.6 GPA," Fryer said. "I'm proud of myself for being all-conference with (academics), and it translated to the field."
Fryer put up modest numbers in 2019 with 11 catches for 217 yards, but he did show off his big-play ability by averaging 24 yards per reception.
Fryer was hoping to enjoy a breakout season in 2020, but the world had other plans.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, LaGrange College didn't play football in 2020, costing Fryer and his teammates a full season.
By the time the 2021 season rolled around, Fryer was in full take-no-prisoners mode.
In the season opener against Birmingham Southern, Fryer had five catches for 103 yards with a touchdown, and he didn't look back.
Fryer had three catches for 102 yards in week two against Berry, and he followed that up with his most productive game of the season with nine receptions for 123 yards in a win over Southern Virginia.
Fryer had at least five catches in each of the final seven games of the season, and he had seven receptions for 118 yards and two touchdowns in a 29-14 victory over Greensboro.
After the season the honors poured in for Fryer, and he was selected to the NCAA Division III All-American team.
"I wish I had 20 like him," Chambers said. "He has the work ethic. He has the determination to be successful. He was raised the right way. There's no doubt about that. Coaching him is the easy part. He does everything you ask him to do."
While Fryer is a senior, he has two years of eligibility remaining, and he's not sure what the future holds.
He may play two more seasons at LaGrange College, or he could give professional football a shot in 2023.
For the moment, Fryer is just making the most of his time at a place that has come to mean a great deal to him.
"I enjoy everything," Fryer said. "I just enjoy LaGrange, period. I love the school."
