 |
| Keith Heitzman |
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 237 lbs.
High school: Davidson High School in Hilliard, OH
Position: Strongside defensive end
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #92
Last year: Miller was a senior in high school (commitment profile here)
TTB Rating: 63
Heitzman is a decent athlete who won't wow you in any particular way, but he's not especially slow or awkward, either. He held offers from lower level Big Ten schools and a bunch of MAC-level programs, and that seems just about right.
On National Signing Day, Brady Hoke talked about Heitzman and stated that the coaches thought he could grow into a tackle. I'm assuming he was talking about the "5-tech defensive tackle," which is confusing because it's more of a traditional defensive end position. A 237-pound kid probably won't be able to stand up against offensive tackles, let alone double-teams from the tackle and a tight end. On the defensive line, he's probably the least ready to play as a freshman.
Prediction: Redshirt
I can't envision this kid ever seeing the field unless he plays tight end. Once the '12 class is wrapped up, we're going to be loaded with defensive ends.
ReplyDeleteIs it just me or is Heitzman the least exciting recruit to ever come to Michigan?
ReplyDelete@ Anonymous 6:19 p.m.
ReplyDeleteYou never know. With the way teams like to rotate defensive linemen, I think it's perfectly reasonable to think he'll get on the field if he sticks around for the duration of his career.
@ Anonymous 7:53 a.m.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if it's just you...but there have been a few that I was less excited about. Some are at Michigan now so I won't say, but DJ Williamson was a waste of a scholarship from the very beginning.
I have to admit I am a little surprised to see that you evaluated him in the 60's. I was expecting a 50-ish ranking for Heitzman as he looks like "meh" backup all the way. He was the least impressive of the "Hoke only" recruits in the 2011 class IMO.
ReplyDelete@ Anonymous 10:01 a.m.
ReplyDeleteLike I said in the above response, defensive linemen eventually tend to contribute if they stick around long enough. Technique and body maturity are very important for defensive linemen (and offensive linemen), so it's going to be hard to rate some of these linemen extremely low.
I am pulling for him (like I do for any kid getting a chance to play at this level) but this one gave me a "wha?" response. What was the story of how he got on the radar at the end and was offered? I am going to give the staff a big "they know more than I" on this one and just have faith. I agree that he needs a few years to get up to weight and gain experience. Good luck to him
ReplyDelete