Interview: 3-Star 2019 Nevada DE David Heckard Talks Signing with Dixie State
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
David “DJ” Heckard Profile
Position: Defensive End and Tight End
Height and Weight: 6-5, 255
Classification: 2019
Recruiting Ranking: 3-Star
2018 High School: Faith Lutheran – Las Vegas, Nevada – Class 4A
2018 Crusaders Record: 8-5 – ranked No. 7 in Nevada (MaxPreps)
2018 Stats (4 games): 19 tackles, 10 solo, eight tackles for a loss, three sacks, and one fumble recovery
2017 Crusaders Record: 6-4
2017 stats (9 games): 33 tackles, 17 solo, two tackles for a loss, and one fumble recovery
Offers (10): Dixie State, Arizona State, Fresno State, Utah, Portland State, UNLV, and San Diego State
Commitment: Arizona State on Aug. 19, 2018
Interview
David, congratulations on your commitment to Dixie State.
“Thank you.”
How did the recruiting process between you and the coaches at Dixie State grow?
“It began with them coming to my school. My position coach, Coach (Loni) Fangupo, he came into the office took off his watch, hat, and phone and said ‘get in here.’ I didn’t know what was going on. He told me he wanted no distractions when we were talking. He told me, ‘that is how badly we want you.’ They came for an in-home visit, that went well. I got the vibe they were real. They were not going about it that they were using me, they showed that over and over. When I went out there, I loved it. It was cool. The guys on my trip committed as well. It was cool.”
When did you take your official visit to Dixie State?
“In early February.”
When you spoke with the coaches, how do they see you fitting into their scheme?
“They see me coming in playing multiple positions on defense with a primary look as a rush end.”
Was there a moment during your visit you knew this was the place for you?
“I knew it was the place for me when I was there. The hospitality was amazing. All the coaches, they had their wives and kids come up to meet us. I got a home vibe with them then. I knew right then that was the place for me.”
When did you commit to the Trailblazers?
“I committed and signed last night.”
Which coach received your commitment?
“I told all of them at the same time, but got in touch with Coach Loni and the head coach, Coach Paul Peterson.”
What was that moment like for you just before you committed knowing a dream to play college football was being achieved?
“It was a surreal feeling. We held a signing ceremony at my house with friends and family there with me. It was surreal. A couple of years ago I would have never expected this to have happened or that my life was going down this course. I am appreciative.”
What are you working on this offseason to prepare yourself for college ball?
“My goals are to maintain my weight, improve my speed, and do a lot of lifting.”
With you signing with Dixie State, do you have any shout outs you’d like to make for those helping you along the way?
“Yes. I want to thank Coach Fox, Amy, Izzie, and Chris Jordan, and Coach Knight for all their support. Now, it is time to get back to work.”
DJ, congratulations, again, on the big achievement. Thanks for your time today and good luck with your workouts this spring.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru; DJ Heckard after JSerra game
Photo credit: Heckard family; DJ Heckard at Dixie State