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| Keith Heitzman wraps up running back Justice Hayes in the spring game (image via AnnArbor.com) |
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 251 lbs.
High school: Hilliard (OH) Hilliard Davidson
Position: Defensive end
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #92
Last year: I said he would redshirt. He redshirted.
Heitzman came in toward the end of the recruiting cycle in 2011, when Brady Hoke and Greg Mattison were trying to salvage a recruiting class that was really on the verge of falling into mediocrity. Heitzman committed in late January, just a couple weeks prior to National Signing Day. As a 237-pounder who the coaches thought would grow into a "tackle," he was almost certainly headed for redshirt territory. That is in fact what happened.
He is currently listed at 251 lbs. but looked a little bigger than that during spring ball, so it would not surprise me if he is listed at 260-270 lbs. once August rolls around. Heitzman opened a few eyes during bowl practices, and while he wasn't a stud, practices observers indicated that he could be on his way to contributing soon. I liked what I saw out of Heitzman in the spring. He looks like a guy who might be able to substitute in without other teams automatically taking advantage, and he might be able to make a few plays along the way. He might eventually grow into a 3-tech defensive tackle, but for this year, I think he can be a backup to Craig Roh at the 5-tech defensive end position. He'll also have to battle true freshmen and walk-on Nathan Brink, none of whom participated in spring practices.
Prediction: Backup 5-tech defensive end
Speaking as a non-expert, this guy (through practice buzz alone) has already exceeded my modest expectations. I hope he continues to do so.
ReplyDeleteEven though he was not playing against stiff competition in the spring game, I thought Heitzman showed a natural ability to ditch blockers, which is one of the tougher skills for DL to master. A lot of guys can stone blockers to a stalemate, but getting rid of them is not easy. I read a comment somewhere from Mattison about Heitzman being tougher to block than he looks. If not a future starter, he has the makings of a solid rotation-guy going forward. Good find by Hoke and staff.
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