Moving the Chains with . . . Illinois State wide receiver Xavier Loyd

Xavier Loyd, a transfer from FBS Kansas State, has given Illinois State another solid receiving option opposite all-conference performer Daniel Sobkowicz. (Photo by GoRedbirds.com)

By Dan Verdun

Growing up, Xavier Loyd dreamed of a Division I basketball scholarship.

“That’s a sport my dad (Kalvin) played in high school, along with football. He’s a big basketball guy. I’ve been playing basketball as long as I’ve been playing football,” Loyd told Prairie State Pigskin. “Basketball was my first love.

“I actually wanted to go to college to play it, but that didn’t work out.”

Illinois State football is more than happy that it didn’t.

Loyd, listed at 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, spent his first three seasons – including one as a redshirt – at FBS Kansas State.

However, after limited playing time with the Wildcats, Loyd entered the transfer portal.

Illinois State, looking for a receiver to pair with all-conference selection Daniel Sobkowicz, was ready with open arms.

“That’s why we went and got Loyd,” ISU head coach Brock Spack said. “We wanted to take the pressure off Dan. Now (opposing defenses) have to figure out which one to take away.”

Sobkowicz, who was slowed by injuries in the non-conference portion of the schedule, appreciates having Loyd in the starting lineup.

“He’s phenomenal. He’s made some catches downfield and in the short game. You can rely on him on third down or fourth down; it doesn’t matter,” Sobkowicz said. “I think our QBs have a lot of trust in him.”

Loyd has been productive on the field this season. Through five games, the redshirt junior leads ISU with 21 catches for 288 yards. His two touchdowns rank second behind Sobkowicz’s three.

He enjoys his new coaching staff and teammates. In addition, he looks forward to further success as October begins.

Get to know Xavier Loyd in our Moving the Chains Q&A.

Describe your hometown and family.

I was born and raised in Blue Spring, Mo. I live with my two parents, my older brother, Kalvin Jr., and my sister, Kiara. Both are 12-plus years older than me, so they were only there (in the same house) for like the first five years of my life. It sort of makes me an only child.

Growing up there, I loved playing sports. I was playing football, baseball and basketball since I was five. I went to Blue Springs High School where I played football and basketball. 

When you decided to leave Kansas State, what went into that decision?

I wanted to go somewhere that felt like home. I wanted the opportunity to get on the field a little more. With my college years coming to an end, I wanted to be a bigger factor. I wanted to be somewhere that the coaches believed in me. I felt like Illinois State was the spot to be. 

What sold you on the Redbirds?

I came here (on an official visit) and I loved the environment.  Coach Spack and the staff had a game plan for me ready to go. They believed in me. I wanted to go somewhere that I could showcase (my talents), and I’m so happy with my decision.

How much of a factor was quarterback Jake Rubley, your teammate from Kansas State, also transferring to ISU?

Oh yeah, that was definitely a big factor. He was the first person that called me. He visited here about a week before I did. He was like, ‘Hey man, let’s do it. Let’s go be ‘Birds.’

We both got to K-State around the same time. I’ve been working with Jake for a few years now. That means a lot to me. 

What have you improved on the most as a receiver?

My knowledge of the game. I’ve always been athletic, but my football I.Q. has definitely risen as I’ve gotten older. I’m more mature. I feel like I can read coverages and how the defenses are playing. I feel like I know almost everything about football now.

Do you have a favorite route that you like to run?

All of them.

Usually we hear the one that gets me into the end zone.

That one too (laughs).

Is there an NFL player or two that you pattern your game after?

I’m a Dallas Cowboy fan, so I watch a lot of CeeDee Lamb. He and (Minnesota’s) Justin Jefferson are probably my top two. 

Those guys are not the biggest. They’re not the fastest, but they’re about techniques and their hands. They know how to get open. I watch them on film to see if there are some moves I can put in my bag and see what works for me.

Who’s the fastest guy on the team, and where would you put yourself in that race?

I have to put myself at least in the top three. I’ve heard (defensive back) Cam Wilson is pretty fast, and I know (defensive back) Teon Parks is pretty fast. I’d put myself in with those guys.

What is your favorite saying or phrase that Coach Spack uses?

“He’s a really good player.”

I hear that often about our team or even about the opposing team.  I find it funny that he says it so much.

What basketball position did you play in high school?

When I was younger, I was a point guard. Then I had a growth spurt, so I was more of a 3/4 position. I even played center in high school.  I wasn’t the tallest on the team, but I was athletic enough to guard the 5s. 

Looking over the ISU football roster, give us a starting five for an intramural basketball team.

I’d put myself up there. I’d put Dan (Sobkowicz) because I’ve heard he’s a pretty good basketball player. (Offensive lineman) Brandon Smith, I’ve played basketball with him. He’s pretty good and he’s a bigger guy, so he’s on there. (Running back) Seth Glatz. I need some size, so I’m going to have to go with (OL) Hunter Zambrano. 

We’re in October now. What was your favorite Halloween costume as a kid?

Spider-Man. I used to always want that costume with the muscles and everything. I’d think I was the biggest and the baddest little boy running around. 

What was your favorite candy to get dropped into your bag?

I’ve got to say Snickers. To this day, it’s my favorite candy. Whenever I got a fun-size Snickers, and even the (occasional) regular-size Snickers, I used to freak out and be so happy.

Which teammate is most likely to always return the shopping cart to the corral, no matter the weather conditions?

Eddie Kasper. He’s got a kind heart and soul for everybody. He wants to help everybody, so I’ll definitely say Eddie Kasper is that guy.

Dan Verdun is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin. He has written four books: NIU Huskies Football, EIU Panthers Football, ISU Redbirds Football and SIU Salukis Football.

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