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One of the top 3-4 end prospects in the draft is Ohio State’s Cameron Heyward, the son of the late Ironhead Heyward. Here is a chat with the Buckeye, who could be a good fit for the Jets . . .
Q)What is your style like as a pass rusher?
Heyward: As a pass rusher for the next level, I think the things I bring to the table is that I’m a guy that likes to
be physical with the pass blockers. I know I need to refine my techniques and continue to improve. I’m a guy that’s
going to constantly hustle and just give it all I got.
Q)How is your elbow?
Heyward: It’s getting better. I got my full motion back already. I’m a little disappointed I don’t get to work out [at the combine]. My Pro Day is March 30 and I’m getting better every day. I recently had UCL reconstruction and I’ll be back in three months. My surgery was January 12th and I’m getting healthy. It’s been an ongoing process. I wish I could be competing my butt off right now, because I’m itching at this chance. I’m salivating.
Q)How did you hurt your elbow?
Heyward: I fell down and tried to catch myself, and someone fell on top of me. I just tore some ligaments. …
Second quarter, but I finished the game.
Q)Will you bench press at your Pro Day?
Heyward: They won’t have me benching, but I’m already starting to lift.
Q)What is it like following your father’s legacy?
Heyward: I can’t follow it. It’s his legacy. I want to be in the NFL, and he was there. I want to leave a legacy of my own. I don’t want to live in his shadow. He was a great player and he’s always in my heart. I appreciate everything he’s done. But I want to do everything on my own. I’m not asking anybody to give me a second look or anything just because my dad was ‘Ironhead’. They all know I have a big head just like him.
Q)What are your memories?
Heyward: I get to run into guys that he knew. It’s funny to hear stories about him. I remember hearing a story about him and Tony Siragusa. It was hilarious. To see those guys around, it’s a true pleasure, because you get to hear all these stories about your dad.
It just gives you great [memories] about him.”
Q)What was that story with Siragusa?
Heyward: I don’t think I can share it right now.
Q)Do you feel like there is extra pressure because of your dad’s career?
Heyward: I hope I have pressure. That’s one thing, I’m hoping I have a little bit of pressure behind me because I want to perform well.
I wouldn’t have it any other way. If guys are expecting a lot out of me, so be it, because I’m a guy that’s going to produce and give it all I got.
Q)What is your best position on the defensive line?
Heyward: I can play all over the line – I can play 3-technique and 6-technique. I feel comfortable on the line – that’s all. It doesn’t matter. Going to Ohio State, I’ve been in the 4-3 system, playing end and tackle. When I went to a 3-4 on third down, I played the end.
Q)What are teams telling you about your weight – what is the best weight?
Heyward: They’ve talked about that, and the things they’ve talked about is that wherever I’m going to go, they’re going to either add weight on, or lose weight. Whoever I go to, it’s a privilege and I’ll do whatever it takes.
Q)Will having both 3-4 and 4-3 experience, help you on the next level?
Heyward: I think it only helps. It might have hurt my numbers, but it shows I can be more versatile. It’s only going to benefit me. It makes me able to pick up different things. I’m not just going to be set in one thing. I’m able to help a lot more and there are a lot of teams that do both. It’s only going to help.
Q)3-4 end can be tough for some guys. What were your experiences like playing it?
Heyward: I enjoyed it. Just moving all over the line helped me be versatile and it helped me go against tackles who don’t go against guys who are more physical, and guards where I’m able to use my speed more.
Q)Why didn’t you go to Pitt?
Heyward: I think it’s my dad’s school. My mom went there as well. I have a bunch of family there, but I wanted to branch out a little bit and try something new.
Q)Do you think you are going to go in the first round?
Heyward: I don’t know where I’m going to go, but I’m just approaching this with the best attitude. If I go in the second round, it doesn’t matter because it’s been a great opportunity and not a lot of people say they can play in the NFL.
Q)Who was the toughest tackle you faced in college?
Heyward: I’d have to say Jake Long, from Michigan. I always looked forward to that battle. He was an animal, a road grader. I had to step up. I was a freshman going into it, but hands down, I’ve never played someone like him.
Q)What are your interests aside from football as a kid?
Heyward: My true love was drawing. There is a picture I drew of my dad with a Zest bottle that got in the newspaper. I love drawing. I also love basketball. I thought I’d be the next Shaquille O’Neal. I thought I’d grow to be 7-foot. It never happened. Once I got into football, I couldn’t leave it alone. I loved it so much. Even though I was uncoordinated for a while, I started to get the hang of it. I think my
coaches were like ‘What is he doing out here?” I finally grew into my body.
Q)Why was your production down as a senior?
Heyward: It’s no short of effort. I’m a guy with a very high motor and I’m going to give you all I got. You’ll see all my pass-rush moves.
I might not have gotten there every time, but I’m going to continue to work on my pass rush and continue to get better.