Keith Heitzman

Name: Keith Heitzman

Location: Hilliard, Ohio

Position: DE

Ratings: Scout – 3*, Rivals – 3*, ESPN – 3* (75)

Recruitment: Was recruited under RR but did not have an offer until Hoke came along. He was originally a Vanderbilt commitment but flipped to the Wolverines one day after receiving the offer. Growing up in Ohio, he always wanted to play in “The Game”. Can also play TE, but was apparently recruited to Michigan as a DE, where he earned all state honors.

Offers: Michigan, Vanderbilt, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota + a host of MAC schools.

Stats: Currently weighs around 240-245 lbs at 6’3; he runs a 4.9 forty yard dash. Can’t find much in the way of stats, but ESPN credits him with 13 sacks in 2009.

ESPN Analysis: Heitzman possesses solid size for a high school defensive end and should be able to add more good bulk as he physically develops and gets into a college weight program. He gets off the ball well. One of his main issues is the use of his hands; needs to be more active and consistent with them, using them disengage blockers faster. He has average pursuit skills but needs to work on his play recognition skills. Heitzman is a solid defender who will flash some tools to be tough versus the run and pass.

Improvements: Better use of hands. Develop his pass rushing arsenal, i.e show more than just a bull rush.

Film Highlights: 2009 Highlights here.

Final Thoughts: A redshirt is a virtual certainty with guys like Roh, Van Bergen, Black, Wilkins and more already on the depth chart. Has the added benefit of being able to play TE, which is a need in this class; so if things don’t work out on defense, he can always switch sides.

Played on a state championship team and made all state honors ahead of some OSU DE’s, so we know he’s a winner!