Interview: First Year of Organized Football Lands 2019 Nevada DE DJ Heckard Six Offers

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Nothing captures the imagination for college football recruiters like raw talent, a mix of productivity, and crazy upside. When the lights went on for Faith Lutheran games in 2017, DJ Heckard thrilled the Crusaders fan base with 33 tackles, two tackles for a loss, and one fumble recovery in his first year of playing organized football at the varsity level. The 6-5, 240-pound, emerging defensive end won over college football scouts with six offers being extended from Arizona State, Fresno State, Utah, Portland State, UNLV, and San Diego State and interest building into a senior year that should skyrocket is offer sheet.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the Las Vegas area talent to gain insight on his game, offseason workouts, and recruiting process.

Interview

DJ, how did your overall game improve as a defensive end last season?

“Last season, it was rough since it was my first year playing high school football. I’ve been training since then, I have improved a lot. I have gotten a lot faster; I am running a 4.6 now. I got lot quicker off the ball; I was slower at first.

With that experience under your belt and an offseason of work put into your game, where all will we see you on the field in 2018?

“I will be everywhere, outside linebacker, defensive end, rush end, tight end, receiver; wherever I can help my team.”

Which parts of your game are you focused on this offseason?

“Using my hands more. I was firing off the ball last year running to the ball. Now I have technique. I am swiping and using my hands more.”

Where did you see the biggest growth in your skillset during spring practices?

“I am so much faster now. That has helped me at every position. I am faster off the ball, faster on my routes, and I am tracking the ball better. I can hawk a receiver down.”

Have you attended any camps this offseason?

“I attended The Nike Opening in Houston.”

How did that go for you?

“It was a really good experience. There was a rain storm, the field was slippery. Most of the 40’s were scratched. I did a lot of technique work and got great one-on-one time with coaches.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest?

“UCLA, USC, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Cal.”

Which schools came by this spring to meet with you or watch you in practice?

“Oklahoma, Notre Dame, UCLA, USC, Cal, Oregon, and Washington; all the schools that have offered me – that is how I got my Utah offer.”

You have six offers now?

“Yes, sir.”

Have you had a chance to visit any schools yet?

“Yes, sir. I went to ASU’s spring game and UNLV’s spring game. The ASU spring game visit was amazing. I really like their coaches.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“I am planning on visiting UCLA, USC, Arizona State, Utah, and some other Pac-12 schools and hopefully Oklahoma.”

Is there a personal goal you would like to accomplish before the 2018 season begins?

“Before the year begins, I want to gain at least 10 pounds of muscle. I want to be stronger off the ball; I can get off fast. I want to be able to play a 3-tech if needed and use my bull rush.”

What are your goals for your senior year?

“This might seem a little crazy, but I want 10 sacks, 50 tackles, and I want to win a state championship. I think I have the best teammates in Vegas and in the country. I think we can win a state title this year if we play together.”

What motivates you out on the field?

“My parents and my coaches. I want to thank my parents and coaches for everything they have done for me – they have all been great to me and are great role models.”

DJ, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Heckard family; Heckard family at Arizona State