Hitting the books, opponents

Growing up in Chesterfield, Mo., strong safety Will Meyers was a First-Team All-Conference Athlete as a defensive and running back, an All-Area/All-Purpose Player and Parkway West High School's MVP for his senior season. His football accomplishments earned him much attention throughout the state; in fact, he was chosen to the All-State football squad as both defensive back and running back. And his talents did not stop there. \nOut of 10 varsity letters in his high school career, four were for football, three for basketball, two for track and one for baseball. Oh yeah, he also had a 4.26 grade point average.\nWith a current GPA of 3.75, the sophomore Meyers stays focused to maintain his grades in school and his composure on the football field. Roommate and teammate Joe Kremer thinks Meyers has the right state of mind to achieve his goals. \n"He gets great grades and has good study habits that get him wherever he wants to go," Kremer said. \nMeyers grew up as one of two children as was always inspired to do his best. While not living the most privileged life, Meyers' parents maintained excellent grades throughout high school and college. \n"My parents always got good grades," Meyers said. "My dad had a 4.0 through college, and my mom had one B, and they didn't have a lot of money. So, that set a foundation for life after college." \nWith the support of his family and his ambition for success, Meyers finds it easy to focus and make academics his point of emphasis while also earning national recognition for his football talent.\nIn his freshman season, Meyers earned First-Team Freshman All-American and Big Ten Defensive Freshman of the Year from the Sporting News by forcing four fumbles in four straight games.\nMeyers' presence on the football field is key to the future of the IU football team, and his tough work ethic is what coach Curt Mallory feels gets him through his day. \n"(Will) is very studious," Mallory said. "He works very hard on and off the field, and he's one of the hardest workers on our field." \nAs an accounting major, Meyers plans to graduate from the Kelley School of Business with the highest of honors while becoming a leader on the defensive side of the ball. \n"My goal is to get my job done," Meyers said, "and just stay a happy guy." \nThis season will be another building block for Meyers, but look for him in the future as one of the most important leaders of IU's football team and search the papers for accomplishments under his name. \nOnly time will tell.\n-- Contact staff writer Ricardo Hernandez at rihernan@indiana.edu .